CHURCH HISTORY
"Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believe." Mark 9:23 [KJV]
Shake Rag Baptist Church was organized under a Brush Arbor in Clayton County under the leadership of the late Reverend L.O. Kelly. Reverend Kelly ordained the first Deacons: Lee Butler, Demp Kemp and Lee Chancey as Secretary. Mothers Odie Douglas and Ollie Clark were also a part of that faithful group that worshipped together for nearly nine years in a Justice of the Peace building. Reverend Kelly at that time felt he had accomplished what God wanted him to do. In 1925, he resigned and requested that the members consider a young energetic Minister by the name of Reverend E.T. Smith as their Pastor. Reverend Smith was called as Pastor of Shake Rag in May of 1925. Under Reverend Smith’s leadership and guidance, the membership increased. Reverend Smith informed the members of a vision that he had which was to have a church that they could call their own. After many prayers, two acres of land was purchased on Joy Lake Road. Upon this land, a wooden frame church was built. It was decided among the members that they needed a new name for the church. Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church was the chosen name. Membership continued to increase, and services were held mornings and evenings. More Deacons were added to the membership (Paul Mathis, James Collier and Phil Sharpe, Sr.)
In 1949, construction began on a new church. During this time more Deacons were added: Edward Middlebrooks, Frank Hunter, Bud Hunter, Vernon Taylor, Askew Heard, Dave Carter, Walter Yancey, Samuel Murphy, Sr., Arnold Jarrell, Charlie Carter, J.T. Harper, Fred Carter and Douglas Sharpe. Deacon Murphy was a very devoted Superintendent of the Church Sunday School. Also, Reverend Smith ordained two ministers to the ministry during this time, Reverend Ray Sharpe and Reverend Ronnie Lee. Reverend Smith served 60 years; he fought a good fight and kept the faith. In May 1985, Reverend Smith was voted Pastor Emeritus, where he served until his death on March 30, 1988. During the times that Reverend Smith was unable to serve as Pastor, due to illness, Reverend James Hamilton served as Associate Pastor of Travelers Rest, until 1986. In 1986, Reverend Arthur L. Powell was called as Pastor of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Under Reverend Powell’s leadership, the church continued to grow and prosper. Renovation of the lower level of the church and improvements on the building and grounds were accomplished under Reverend Powell’s leadership. During 1986, the church held the first worship service on the 2nd Sunday. Also, Reverend Powell ordained Reverend Johnnie Harpe; and, two young Deacons were added to the Board of Deacons A.J. Mathis and David Dixon.
In 1987, we started having worship service every Sunday. In honor of Reverend Powell’s first anniversary, the A.L.P. Ensumble was formed. A Trustee Board and Administrative Staff were formed to help carry on the business of the church. During this timeframe, Reverend Powell suggested that the Children’s Choir carry the name Samuel Murphy Senior Youth Choir in honor of the late Deacon Samuel Murphy, Sr., who had a great love and concern for children. The congregation unanimously agreed. In October 1989, with the work of Mother Emma Heard, Sis Margie James and Deacon A.J. Mathis, a “Food Bank” was organized to serve the church. In 1990, Reverend Powell named the Nurses Guild in honor of the late Martha Shockley. In 1996, Reverend Arthur L. Powell, Dea. Willie A. Heard, Chairman of Deacons, Mother Mary Smith and Deacon A.J. Mathis turned the first spade of earth at 2112 Rex Road, which signaled the erection of a new church. We began working on the present edifice. Through the vision of our Pastor, the faith of the membership, and by the spirit of God, we marched into our new church on July 4, 1999. Dedication Services were held July 6-9, 1999. ​
On Sunday, September 30, 2007, we broke ground for our new Family Life Center. In January 2008 construction for the 25,000 square feet Family Life Center began. This is a center that will be of service to the community and church for years to come. On Sunday, April 19, 2009 we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center. Under Reverend Powell’s leadership we now have a total of 33 active Church Ministries. God continues to bless Travelers Rest Baptist Church. We have 28 Ministers, of which Reverend Powell has licensed and/or, ordained 20, and, we have a total of 25 ordained Deacons, of which Reverend Powell has ordained 17. “We have come this far by Faith”, as we celebrate our 100th Church Anniversary, it is with great joy and pride that we give thanks to God, for our past leaders, the late Rev. L.O. Kelly and the late Rev. E.T. Smith, to all the forerunners of our church and to our most honorable Pastor, Reverend Arthur L. Powell for his continued dedication, leadership and spiritual guidance.