Earlier this month, the oldest church in Chattooga County welcomed a new pastor.  Sardis Baptist Church, located in Chattoogaville, called James “Jamie” Maples as their new pastor.

The church, located at 10419 Hwy. 114, looks forward to having Maples and his wife, Karol, who have lived in Jamestown, Alabama, for 38 years. They have two children, Megan and Ethan, and five grandchildren. Pastor Maples has 32 years of pastoral experience with several churches, including Friendship Baptist Church and Mill Creek Baptist Church. He is active in the Alabama Board of Missions and has two certificates from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Sardis Baptist Church invites everyone to join their Sunday services at 10 a. m. and 11 a. m. , as well as Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p. m. The community anticipates a new chapter under Pastor Maples’ leadership.

Sardis Baptist Church was established in 1835, originally part of Floyd County, before Chattooga County existed. It was built near Price’s Bridge, about a mile from its current location. In 1859, Sara Price donated land for the church, which has maintained much of its original look. The church features heavy timber construction and a gallery for slave members. A partition for seating men and women separately has been kept. In 1942, repairs were made with help from the Chattooga Baptist Association, and classrooms were added later. The Fellowship Hall was donated in 1998, and Chattoogaville School operated there until 1940.