Morningside Baptist Church

Morningside is a Southern Baptist church in Winder, Georgia, striving to live out the Biblical command to love God, each other and our neighbors well. This means worshiping and following Jesus Christ not only through our words, but also through the lives we lead.

Morningside began not in a sanctuary but in a home - built on faith, vision, and a desire to God move in a new way. Since it was formally constituted in May 1977, Morningside has stood the test of time - building disciples, pointing others to Jesus, and seeking for God to be glorified in all things.

What We Believe

The Authority of Scripture

We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and is our guide for faith, practice, and daily life.

We do not apologize Scripture, rather we seek to align ourselves with the truth of God's word as we follow Him.

Salvation Through Grace By Faith

We believe Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone - not by works - and leads to a transformed life.

The Priesthood of All Believers

We believe every believer has direct access to God through Jesus Christ and is called to serve, grow, and share the gospel.

Baptism and Communion

We practice believer's baptism through immersion as a public declaration of faith and celebrate Communion as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.

The Great Commission

We believe that we are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Christ's commands and live as His followers.

Church Autonomy and C

We believe each church should be self governing, led by God's guidance and Scripture, while also partnering with other believers to serve the wider community and

The Morningside Story

On November 10, 1976, a small group gathered in the home of Duane Garrett to discuss the possibility of starting a new church. Those present - Lee Green, Myron Garrett, Charlie Saunders, Clyburn Wilson, & Duane Garrett - could not have fully known what God was about to begin.

Just days later, on November 12th, the group met again at the former King's Table Restaurant. By the third meeting on November 14th, a clear direction was forming. Then on November 16th, nearly 50 people gathered - evidence that the vision was already growing. At that meeting plans were made to secure a pastor, pianist, and a place of worship.

God answered quickly.

On November 19, 1976, Dr. Dick H. Hall, Jr. agreed to serve as pastor. Two days later he preached the very first sermon in the King's Table Building. Titled, "I Will Build My Church" from Matthew 16:18, the message was heard by 64 people - the very first congregation that would become Morningside Baptist Church.

Just one week later, on November 28, 1976, the group was officially recognized as the Winer Baptist Mission.

The church continued to grow rapidly. On March 20, 1977, the congregation voted to purchase 7.74 acres on Maddox Road (now Miles Patrick Road) with Duane Garrett generously donating 1.1 acres. It was during this time that the name Morningside Baptist Church was chosen - a name that would carry forward a legacy of faith.

On May 6, 1977, the church was formally constituted with 55 charter members. The first deacons included James McElhannon, Clyburn Wilson, T.J. Standridge, Charlie Saunders, and Earl Brassfield, with Duane Garrett serving as chairman.

That same year marked major milestones. Groundbreaking for the first church building took place on July 17, 1997. On September 13, 1977, Morningside Baptist Church was accepted into the Apalachee Baptist Association. Less than a year later, on April 30, 1978, the new building was dedicated, with services held in the basement.

As the church continued to grow, so did it's facilities and ministry. On May 17, 1981, the congregation moved into the sanctuary. Over the years, meaningful spaces were dedicated in honor of those who faithfully served:

* The Fellowship Hall in honor of Charlie Saunders (November 1982)

* The Pavilion in honor of T.J. Standridge (November 1986)

* The Library in memory of Vicky McElhannon (March 1987)

In March 1987, the church expanded again by purchasing an additional 7.3 acres of land - preparing for future growth.

Throughout the years, many faithful leaders have helped shape Morningside - Building committee chairman included Charlie Saunders, Lee Green, Duane Garrett, John Coddington, and Raymond Gray. Pastors and Ministers - both full time and interim - have included Dr, Dick H. Hall, Jr, Bernard Deacons, Rex Long, Bill Crowe, Dr. Joe Slocum, Fred Breed, Mark Randolph, Truman Skaggs, John Johnson, & James L. Yopp.

From a living room gathering to a thriving church Morningside Baptist Church stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness - built on a foundation prayer, people, and purpose.

Morningside Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Apalachee Baptist Association