The Sandy Creek Baptist Church was established in 1882 through the kindness of Archibald T. MacIntyre, who gave two acres of land "for the sum of $1.00 and good will". As with most churches in the 19th century, it first began under a brush arbor.

The first wooden building was burned, but another one was built and it has been expanded and improved since that time.

Sunday School classes were not held until 1951, when a new Sunday School building was dedicated. A pastorum was built in 1966 on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. L. McNiel.

The church has gone under three different names. Originally it was called the Church of Christ at Sandy Creek, then Sandy Creek Baptist Church of Christ; and finally, Sandy Creek Baptist Church.

Its current pastor is the Rev. Philip Johnson. He was born in Rockmart, Ga. and grew up in Yorkville, Ga.

He accepted the call to preaching at the age of 12 and served in youth ministry during his teen years.

He attended Berry College for two years and the University of Georgia for one year and is currently working toward his graduate degree.

He has served as the associate pastor in Tyrone and has served as a minister of music.

Since the age of five, he, and a brother and sister have sung gospel music through the Southern region. All of them play the piano.

While serving a church in Lithonia, he met and married Cindi, in October, 1990, and they are the parents of eight-year old Natalie.

They have the distinction of having the first child born to a pastor serving the church at the time.

Rev. Johnson came to Sandy Creek Baptist in February, 1996.

The congregation has just carpeted its educational building, installed a new sound system and added new ceiling lights. They are presently remodeling the nursery.

It gives 13 percent of its budget to the Southern Baptist Co-operative and locally, to The Samaritans.

The church began a special project on Valentine's Day, entitled "Love Thy Neighbor Project." Sunday School classes reached out in the community to find a person, family or organization to help.

The church has a member in a nursing home and carried favors and gifts to the 21 workers in the home, feeling that they need attention, too. Another group carried four carloads of clothing to Christian City, who sells it and uses the proceeds for the children under its care.

The Sunday morning worship is at 11 a.m. and Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. On Wednesday evenings, there is a Bible study at 7 p.m.