| History |
The History of
POPLAR SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
The early settlers who located in Paulding County from the 1833 land lottery brought with them a Bible, ax, guns, a pot for cooking, and all their possessions, including livestock. The discovery of gold enticed many settlers from North and South Carolina
Poplar Springs, one of the seven oldest churches founded in the area was constituted July 1, 1843. It was named properly for the large poplar trees surrounding the area and for the spring located 300 yards southwest of the church.
The first church building was constructed with a door at the front, a rock fireplace, greased paper for windows, and split logs for seats. The first baptismal pool was constructed 50 feet below the spring in 1902 and supplied water for the church until the 1940's.
During the Civil War, the church survived sending $13.60 to Army missions in 1863.
On November 17, 1883, a new building was constructed using white weatherboard. It was 40 feet long and 30 feet wide. There where three doors, one in the front, the north, and the south. The men entered the north door and sat in the "amen" corner. The women did not enter or exit by the north door, but instead they entered and exited using the south door and sat on the side. New seats were made with slats for the seat and back, wood stoves furnished the heat, and lighting was provided by kerosene lamps.
In 1902, an extension of 18 feet with 4 bay windows was added.
In the early 1900's Poplar Springs was known for its "singing schools", where men, women, boys, and girls came from miles around to attend.
In 1921, the main building was constructed near the road. It was a wood-framed building covered with white weatherboarding with wood paneling walls inside.
In 1942, the church auditorium was veneered at a cost of $3,511.00. The bricks were delivered by train to the Hiram Depot and hauled to the church by mule and wagon.
In 1949, a two-story educational building, 30 by 60 feet, was added. Prior to this building all classes were held in the auditorium with curtains drawn around the classes.
In 1984, the three-story educational building was constructed.
In 2005, 9 acres were purchased from Mr. Larry Holland and Mr. Benny Parson, for the church to be re-located on Hwy. 92.
In September 2007, the property was cleared and work was begun on the 30,000 sq. ft. facility.
February 2008, concrete was poured for the education and sanctuary on the site.
November 2, 2008, the doors were opened on the new facility of Poplar Springs.
The facility and property is valued over 6 million dollars, yet as of today the debt is only 1.25 million dollars. God is good!
The facility is capable of hosting over 400 people in worship, 300 in education, and 300 in the fellowship hall.