HOW IT ALL STARTED
The story of Hawthorne Baptist Church goes all the way back to 1854, when it was first known as Penile Baptist Church in the Penile Community along Caney Creek. Some of the first families to worship together were the grandparents of the Hardys, Jacksons, and Knights—faithful believers who gathered by wagon, horseback, or on foot to lift their voices in praise.
Over the years, the church family carried on under several names. In 1859, it became Holly Springs Church, and by 1905 it was known as Old Waverly Baptist, as seen in an old church family portrait. During those years, more families joined in—names like Moffett, Ellisor, Welsh, Rockett, Jenks, Frazier, and Jordan became part of our growing fellowship.
In 1916, members decided to move to a more central location and chose the name Hawthorne Baptist Church. Even though there was no land or money available at the time, God provided through two faithful members, W. G. Ellisor and Dr. Gustine, who donated land for the new church building. That same spirit of generosity and faith still defines our church today.
As the congregation grew, so did our need for space. Renovations and additions began in 1953, and in 1967, Mr. W. P. Ludwig, John Robert Hardy Sr., and John Robert Hardy Jr. built the front portion of what we now call Fellowship Hall. The current sanctuary was completed in 1980, and the original church was moved to the back to serve as Sunday school rooms. In the early 1990s, the back section of Fellowship Hall was added—finally giving us a break from the love bugs that used to visit every September during Homecoming! In 2013, we added a new building for our youth, and in 2020, we began livestreaming our services on Facebook and uploading sermons to YouTube. Through it all, God has continued to provide through the faithfulness of His people.
Even when the future felt uncertain, Hawthorne Baptist has always pressed forward with faith and hope, led by dedicated pastors and a strong church family. Over the years, many have served and shaped our ministry, including Brothers G. M. Daniels, Gray, Morrison, Brown, McFarlen, Fouts, Parker, Spraker, McGinty, Kahill, Commander, Andrews, Luper, Lee, Ingram, Busley, Landford, and Hobbs. Since 1954, pastors such as Noel Baker, Carl Landford, Noel Smith, Don Gallatin, John Wilson, Fred Sanderlin, Richard Dugger, Bob Clogston, Jack Carr, Gene Rotramel, and Jason Pennington have continued to lead us faithfully.
From wagons and creekside gatherings to livestreams and digital outreach, Hawthorne Baptist Church has always been about people—worshiping, serving, and growing together. Our story is a reminder that God’s hand has been with us from the beginning, guiding each generation to keep the light of faith shining in our community.
Over the years, the church family carried on under several names. In 1859, it became Holly Springs Church, and by 1905 it was known as Old Waverly Baptist, as seen in an old church family portrait. During those years, more families joined in—names like Moffett, Ellisor, Welsh, Rockett, Jenks, Frazier, and Jordan became part of our growing fellowship.
In 1916, members decided to move to a more central location and chose the name Hawthorne Baptist Church. Even though there was no land or money available at the time, God provided through two faithful members, W. G. Ellisor and Dr. Gustine, who donated land for the new church building. That same spirit of generosity and faith still defines our church today.
As the congregation grew, so did our need for space. Renovations and additions began in 1953, and in 1967, Mr. W. P. Ludwig, John Robert Hardy Sr., and John Robert Hardy Jr. built the front portion of what we now call Fellowship Hall. The current sanctuary was completed in 1980, and the original church was moved to the back to serve as Sunday school rooms. In the early 1990s, the back section of Fellowship Hall was added—finally giving us a break from the love bugs that used to visit every September during Homecoming! In 2013, we added a new building for our youth, and in 2020, we began livestreaming our services on Facebook and uploading sermons to YouTube. Through it all, God has continued to provide through the faithfulness of His people.
Even when the future felt uncertain, Hawthorne Baptist has always pressed forward with faith and hope, led by dedicated pastors and a strong church family. Over the years, many have served and shaped our ministry, including Brothers G. M. Daniels, Gray, Morrison, Brown, McFarlen, Fouts, Parker, Spraker, McGinty, Kahill, Commander, Andrews, Luper, Lee, Ingram, Busley, Landford, and Hobbs. Since 1954, pastors such as Noel Baker, Carl Landford, Noel Smith, Don Gallatin, John Wilson, Fred Sanderlin, Richard Dugger, Bob Clogston, Jack Carr, Gene Rotramel, and Jason Pennington have continued to lead us faithfully.
From wagons and creekside gatherings to livestreams and digital outreach, Hawthorne Baptist Church has always been about people—worshiping, serving, and growing together. Our story is a reminder that God’s hand has been with us from the beginning, guiding each generation to keep the light of faith shining in our community.
