November 8, 2025
GRAYSON, Ga. — In 1850, nine men gathered beneath a brush arbor in what is now Grayson with a shared calling — to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Led by Rev. William Seamon Moore, these founders and their families formed a congregation of nearly 50.
Two years later, they purchased land and built a log cabin for worship, which also served as the community’s only school.
By 1873, the growing congregation erected a wooden structure just north of the log cabin, serving both the church and the community until 1911, when the white frame building now called the LifeHouse was constructed. In 2001, a new sanctuary rose on the north end of the campus, marking another milestone in the church’s expanding ministry.
Through the decades, Chestnut Grove has been shepherded by more than 50 pastors. Among them was James Patterson (J.P.) McConnell, who served multiple terms and whose descendants still play an active role in church life. His great-great-grandson, Dan Sosebee, has led worship as minister of music for 33 years.
The church’s longest-tenured pastor, Tommy Jordan, served faithfully from 1981 to 2016, followed by the current senior pastor, Chris Alexander, who began his ministry at Chestnut Grove in 2018 alongside his wife, Meredith, and their children, Landry and Amelia.
On a rainy Sunday, Aug. 3, the legacy of those pioneers was celebrated as Chestnut Grove Baptist Church gathered for homecoming and to mark 175 years of ministry to the surrounding community and the world.
“We are going to celebrate the men and women who founded this church. We are going to celebrate all those past and present who have had a hand in what God is doing right here,” Alexander told the congregation at the start of the service. “You know who we are really going to celebrate? Jesus Christ. He is the reason why we are here.”
He led the congregation in prayer, thanking God for the privilege of gathering despite the weather. “Lord, I am grateful that we can gather here in this place and we can lift up the name of Jesus. We can sing praises — some of these hymns that were written before this church was founded. We can open up Your scripture and let Your word be poured out … so that we can live for Christ.”
Reading from 1 Corinthians 3:6–9, Alexander reminded the congregation, “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”
The pastor also recognized special guests, including representatives from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the City of Grayson, and the State of Georgia, as well as former pastor Tommy Jordan, who shepherded the church for 35 years. “I, for one, am so grateful to be standing upon his shoulders,” Alexander said.
Jordan reflected on his early days at Chestnut Grove, recalling a revival in the old sanctuary before the days of air conditioning. “If I was to visit Chestnut Grove in the summertime, I’d go one Sunday and then to the next church with air conditioning,” he quipped.
In a more personal moment, Jordan recounted his 2020 battle with sepsis and the heart surgery that followed. “All of us here this morning are here by God’s grace,” he said. “This church is still here from 1850 to now because we’ve got a God of grace — a God who loves us, cares for us, and will never leave us.”
Looking ahead, he echoed the theme from the church’s 2000 building campaign: Our Future Is Now. “What we do today matters,” he told the congregation. “Live day by day for the Lord Jesus Christ. He’ll never let you down. He’s never let me down.”
Jordan closed with a heartfelt assurance. “Until we reach heaven, you’ll always be in our hearts,” he said. “The church has had a blessed history — so have a blessed future.”
Chestnut Grove’s mission extends far beyond its historic campus. The church operates a preschool, God’s Little Grove, and supports a variety of local, national, and international ministries, including the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, Family Promise of Gwinnett, Path United, Proclaim Aviation, the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Network, Belief in Motion, the Cooperative Program, and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
Recently, the church’s mission team partnered in an urban outreach in Memphis, Tennessee, continuing the tradition of taking the gospel wherever God opens the door.
As part of the anniversary celebration, leaders from across the community, state, and Georgia Baptist life offered congratulations through video messages and formal presentations.
Brian Parker, executive director of the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Network, praised Chestnut Grove as “a kind and loving and prayerful congregation” whose prayers, giving, and involvement are making a difference far beyond Grayson. “Because of your participation, 23 different languages are being preached across Gwinnett,” he said, encouraging the church to keep reaching its neighborhood, the next generation, and the nations.
Georgia Baptist Mission Board Executive Director Thomas Hammond expressed gratitude for 175 years of gospel witness. “Your church has had a tremendous impact upon our convention,” he said, noting countless sermons preached, souls saved, and missionaries sent. “The days ahead are just as bright as the ones behind.”
Representing Hammond in person, Wade Lott presented a commemorative plaque and letter from the Mission Board to Alexander, thanking the church family for their long faithfulness.
From the city, Grayson Mayor Allison Wilkerson issued a proclamation declaring August 3, 2025, as Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Day, recognizing it as the oldest congregation in Grayson. Councilmember Linda Jenkins, presenting on her behalf, said, “Anytime you’re asked for participation, you are there wholeheartedly and ready.”
Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp also sent greetings, honoring the church’s “nearly two centuries” of service and devotion to the people of Grayson and Gwinnett County.
State Representative Segun Adeyina, represented by staffer Nathan Brown, extended congratulations and presented a formal resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives. The resolution entered Chestnut Grove’s name into the state’s official record, calling its 175-year history “a lasting tribute” to its faith, service, and unwavering commitment to the community.
In his closing benediction, former interim pastor Benny Pate thanked God for the church’s long faithfulness.
“We’re grateful that so many have come to know You through the ministry and the proclamation of the gospel,” he prayed. “Thank You for the blessing of this time together today, which draws our attention back to the fact that You have loved us for so long and You love us now, and we should share that with others.”
From a humble brush arbor to a thriving ministry, Chestnut Grove’s story remains one of God’s unchanging faithfulness, and its mission today is as clear as it was in 1850: to proclaim Christ and serve the community until He comes.
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