About Us
On June 9, 2019, Gardners Church of God In Christ began as a mission in 1921. God sent two missionaries whose names are unknown to us. They labored faithfully, having worship services in a house. The word of God spread so rapidly that the house became too small for the amount of people. At times, the services were held under the trees near the house. In 1922, God moved in the heart of Mr. Baum Gardner to donate land so that a church could be built.
The Church was built, and Elder W.C. Whitlock became the first pastor. He was a very faithful leader until his death. Other church leaders followed: Elder E.W. Strickland, Elder Richard Threats, Elder Johnny Dell, Elder J.J. Grooms, Elder H.O. Dawson, Elder L.S. Martin, Elder Soloman, Elder L.R. Hood, Bishop F.W. Winder, and Elder E.J. Jones.
Elder E.J. Jones served as pastor from 1956 until 1984, he and his wife, Mother Essie Ponder Jones, served faithfully for 28 years until his transition from this present world. Under his leadership, the following additions were made: new lighting, bathrooms, electric pump, choir stand, gas heater, carpet, paneling, yard lights, new pulpits with furniture, piano, Pastors Study, the Senior choir, and the Burning Bush Gospel Choir under the leadership of Mother Annie Renfroe, Founder and her faithful assistants Sister Barbara Ann May, Sister Diane Ivey and Al Renfroe.
Elder Steve Pearson served as pastor from 1984 to December 2017; he and his wife, Evangelist Deborah Pearson served faithfully for 33 years. He also continues to serve as Superintendent of the Four-Square District with this year being his 17th year of service. Under his vision, the following additions were made to Gardners: The name changed to New Gardners COGIC, the old sanctuary became the new fellowship hall and named in memory of Mother Mary Lee Pierce, after the new sanctuary was built. Other additions: new lights, water cooler, church bus and van, furnished kitchen, new windows, porch awnings, church organ, extension of pulpit, new carpet, enlarging bathrooms, new bathroom fixtures, stove, refrigerator, new roof on church, heating and air conditioning system, pews, and baptism pool.
Bishop John Wayne Leggett, Southern Georgia 2nd Prelate Presiding Bishop served as Pastor from December 9, 2017 to December 9, 2018 with the support of his wife; Mother Alfreda Leggett. Under his leadership we continued to build our church spiritually and financially; we also had Elder Clifford Merrell as Presiding Elder of New Gardners COGIC, with the support of his wife Evangelist Geraldine Merrell. We were so blessed to have such influential leaders working together to continue the work of the Lord.
Elder Nathaniel Jordan officially became the Pastor of New Gardners COGIC on December 9, 2018 with an Anointed Jurisdictional Appointment by Presiding Bishop John W Leggett and the Jurisdictional 1st Assistants. With the support of his wife; First Lady Elsasheree Jordan and the New Gardners COGIC family, we are continuing to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are uplifting our members with encouragement and love, and we are working to become kingdom builders as we journey towards eternal life.
