Shady Grove Baptist Church has been an integral part of Oconee County history for 158 years and continues to have an influence on the community today.

 

According to a church history prepared by a long-time member, Georgia Browning and her sister Janette Browning, the congregation was originally organized on January 11, 1867, by the Rev. Floyd Hill of Athens at a meeting held under a brush arbor.  The first trustees were Bro. Randel Street, Neal Haygood, Miles Johnson, Primus Glover and Boss Burney, who served as clerk.

 

Under the leadership of the first Pastor, Rev. Robert Epps, who served for five years, the members of Shady Grove built a small church on the lot that had been donated by Mr. Wilson Haygood.  The second minister, Rev. Thomas Moss, led services there during the seven years he served the church.

 

Then, the Rev. Charlie Thomas Veal, a leader in the Baptist denomination in Georgia, was called and pastored 60 years before his death.  According to Miss Browning, being a carpenter, Rev. Veal built the lodge, a wooden structure, and the second church under his leadership.  The laying of the corner stone was in the year 1916.  Rev. Veal died in January 1937.  He was an organizer, a carpenter, and a gospel preacher.  During his lifetime, he baptized nearly 2,000 converts.  He said, “I did it all in the name of the Lord.”

 

The congregation of this church has been quite active over the years, having licensed 12 men as preachers and ordained seven of their brothers.  In addition, Shady Grove has been the mother church of four other Baptist congregations in the area.  Bethel in Watkinsville, Mt. Sinai in Bogart, Hillsboro in High Shoals, and Mt. Perry in Morgan County.

 

Under the leadership of the Rev. Edward David Thomas, who was called as pastor in February 1937, and served for 45 years, the Shady Grove sanctuary was repaired in 1938 and then completely remodeled in 1941, at a cost of $2,700.  About ten years later, the congregation decided to purchase more land and build a new church. 

According to Miss Browning, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 5, 1955, and the $18,000 building project began shortly afterward under the direction of Deacon John R. Hawkins of Hill First Baptist Church in Athens.  The service held in the present brick church on Mars Hill Road was on the second Sunday in December 1960.  

 

In 1963, the congregation purchased and installed new pews in the sanctuary at a cost of about $4,000.  Two years later, a pulpit, folding chairs, carpeting and draperies were added at an additional cost of $2,400.  Sometime later, a fellowship hall was added.  Heading this work were Deacons Vernard Jordan and Audley Turner.” 

 

After the death of Rev. E. D. Thomas, Rev. R. E. Cooper, was installed at a service held on November 12, 1978.  A native of Dublin, he was a graduate of Fort Valley State College and has done further study at the University of Georgia and Atlanta University.  Rev. Cooper also served as pastor of Cross Road Baptist Church in Toccoa and held offices in the State Baptist Association and Ministerial Union.

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Other pastors serving included Rev. Glynn Hendricks who was installed in 1981 and served for 16 years.  In past years, the Shady Grove Baptist Church held monthly worship services every second Sunday, at 11:30 a.m.  During Rev. Hendricks tenure, the worship services were changed to every second and fourth Sundays, at 11:30 a.m., with Sunday school at 10:00 a.m.  Prayer meetings were held twice a month on second and fourth Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The congregation of about 150 active members, held the yearly church anniversary on the second Sunday in September.  The annual homecoming was the second Sunday in August followed by a week of revival services. 

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After Rev. Hendricks left, Rev. Willie Bodrick became pastor in 1998 and served for 26 years.  During his tenure, worship services were changed to every Sunday, at 11:00 a.m., and remains the same today.  Rev. Bodrick left in 2024, and Rev. Monte Stephens served as interim pastor for one year.  In August 2025, Rev. Stephens became pastor and is currently serving today.