About Sardis Church

And then he told them, "You are to go into all the world and preach, the Good News to everyone, everywhere." Mark 16:15 (The Living Bible)

With the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the United States of America officially began. This was 247 years ago. Alabama became a state in 1817, 206 years ago. Tallapoosa County was created December 18, 1832 from land acquired from Creek Cession of 1832. Five years later in 1837, 186 years ago, 13 members organized Sardis Methodist Episcopal Church South. Local legend has it that it began under a bush arbor and the first church was a small log structure. The dedication and faith of these people is admirable.

Imagine 1837. The brave and God-fearing people that in a county 5 years old, a state 20 years old and a country only 61 years old decided to start a church. We do wonder why they chose the name Sardis. Sardis is in the Bible, but not in the fashion that would be a good reason to choose its name. Perhaps these original 13 members were the faithful few. The church at Sardis received the saddest of the Lord's seven letters in Revelation, Sardis seemed to want to remain known as a "live" church, but the Lord saw their real testimony and reputation and concluded that they were "dead". Yet, "even in Sardis" there was a small number who had remained faithful in spite of the drift of the church itself. The advice to Sardis is this: "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent" (Revelation 3:3). We are so grateful that these few followed the Truth, built a church on the foundation of the Word, and were good stewards for us, now 186 years later to be able to worship, follow the Truth and build our foundation on the Word. The message is the same.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

For where two or three are gathered together because they are mine, I will be right there among them." Matthew 18:20 (The Living Bible)