God revealed to these Deacons that no community could be successful without a place to worship. By the grace of God, Deacon Zach Brown gave the land, and the Browns Chapel Baptist Church was constructed. After the death of Deacon Zach Brown on May 30, 1903, Mrs. Menervia Brown, mother of Deacon Zach Brown, deeded one and one-half acres of land to Browns Chapel Baptist Church.
The church has served man and has been under the leadership of several outstanding pastors: Rev. Newton, Rev. Goolsby, Rev. Saxton, Rev. Barnett, Rev. Ingram, Rev. Maxwell, Rev. Akins, Rev. Ray, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Hardy, Rev. Freeman, Rev. Benjamin, Rev. Moon, Rev. Thomas, and Rev. Calvert.
Together with the help of a dedicated team of Deacons, Members, and Leadership, on January 15, 2006, we marched into our new sanctuary. Although we have moved from our old dwelling, the foundation remains the same. As it is recorded in the book of
Matthew 16:18, "Upon this rock, I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
On May 27, 2012, the members of Browns Chapel elected Rev. J. Ricardo Smith as the church's 16th Pastor, the youngest in our history. Under Pastor Smith's leadership, the church has created the Christian Education Ministry for all ages, revitalized our Children and Youth Ministries, conducted a choir workshop, purchased new musical equipment, implemented the Transportation Ministry, March Gladness Revival, and a new choral ensemble. Through the Lord's leading in powerful preaching and teaching, the church has experienced significant growth.
The Church's Mission is to be a congregation committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ that will positively impact our community and the world through worship, edification, fellowship, and outreach in a spirit of excellence for all ages.
With your love and most of all your prayers, the mission, vision, and foundation of our church will last until Jesus comes again!
Meet Our First Family
Pastor & First Lady J. Ricardo Smith
Rev. J. Ricardo Smith
Rev. J. Ricardo Smith is a native of Athens, Georgia. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. James R. Smith of Athens. Rev. Smith grew up in Ebenezer Baptist Church, West in Athens, Georgia under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Winfred M. Hope. It was there that he publicly accepted Christ at an early age. On July 31, 2005, he commenced his preaching ministry. He completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy & Religion at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rev. Smith is a powerful preacher and tremendous teacher of the Gospel. His preaching ministry has afforded him the opportunity to minister throughout the state of Georgia and has drawn many to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. He believes that those who deliver God’s Word must do so correctly, which comes through prayer, preparation, and the anointing of God. That commitment to excellence in ministry led Rev. Smith to be a facilitator for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia.
Currently, Rev. Smith serves as the pastor of Browns Chapel Baptist Church in Bishop, Georgia. After two years as Pastor, the church has grown spiritually and numerically. Along with almost tripling in size, the church has implemented many new ministries, including the newly revamped Village Kidz.
Rev. Smith is married to the former Dr. Rhondolyn Jones of Athens, Georgia. The couple, who have been lifelong friends, currently reside in Winterville, Georgia. Rev. Smith has one son, Jameson Isaiah.
Dr. Rhondolyn Jones Smith
Dr. Rhondolyn Jones Smith is a native of Athens-Clarke County. She is the daughter of Deacon and Mrs. Ronald and Linda Goolsby Jones. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service with an Associate’s degree in Mortuary Science.
Currently, Dr. Smith is a Clinical Pharmacist at Northside Hospital. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Mercer University. Dr. Smith believes in serving faithfully within the local community. She faithfully volunteers her time by serving at Mercy Health Center and with her local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Rhondolyn Jones Smith has one son, Jameson Isaiah Smith.
