The Eighth Street Baptist Church was organized in 1893 in the Spalding County Courthouse after leaving its “mother church” Mount Zion Baptist Church. The congregation was led by it founder and first Pastor, John Henry Moore. Its first services were held in the Excelsior Building, which was a school for African-Americans at that time. From 1896-1897 the first church building was erected on the corner of Eighth and Slaton Avenue. Members such as Deacon Henry McMays, Deacon Jack Chapman, Deacon Harvey Simpson, Deacon Robert Griggs, Sister Laura Hood, Sister Laura Davis and Brother Matt Walker helped in the construction of the church. Pastor Moore led the church from 1893-1922.

The church was also pastored by Pastor Crawford (1924-1925), Pastor T. L. Ballue (1925-1929), Pastor O. J. Moore (1929-1932) whom was the son of the founder, John H. Moore, Pastor Fields (1932).

The church was blessed to have Pastor E. M. Johnson (1933-1947) to lead the church. He ordained four men as Deacons; Jessie Gilford, Sr., J. T. Luke, Sr., Arthur Freeman, Sr., and James Blanton. Those that were already serving as Deacons were; W. R. Williams, C. N. Irwin, E. D. Tamplin, A. J. Jones Tilman Johnson, D. B. Cody, Matt Walker and Lewis Tiggler, Sr. After Pastor Johnson left to become the pastor or Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., Pastor H. M. Alexander (1947-1950) the father of Dr. Cameron M. Alexander of Antioch Baptist Church North, of Atlanta, Ga., led the ESBC.

Pastor J. W. Lowe (1950-1953) led the church to be financially sound as well as ordaining Johnny Bankston, Emory Smith and Johnny Colbert as Deacons.

Pastor S. M. Davie (1954-1962) organized the first Youth Choir as well as ordained M. C. Appling, Robert Bridges, William Goodrum, Menzer Montgomery, William Martin and David Moore as Deacons.

Pastor Melvin M. Solomon (1964-1982) led the church in the organization of the Male Choir, M. M. Solomon Gospel Choir, & Young Adult Choirs. The Deaconess & Mothers’ Ministries were re-organized. The Church’s Library was established. The Young Mothers’ Board, Pastor’s Aide Club, Nurses’ Guild was organized. Five sons of the church were called into the Preaching Ministry; Robert Smith, H. J. Montgomery, Calvin Cliett, Alfred Jester and Melvin Richardson. He also ordained Tommy Lee Harps, Tommy Joe Greer, Homer Moore, Ira Hamm and Horace Mangham as Deacons. He led the church to its present site at 408 Palace Street in March 1974.

Pastor Walter C. James (1983-2004) led the church with the organization of the Sanctuary, W. C. James Voices of Faith and W. C. James Mass Choirs. Ministries such as the Sick & Shut-In Committee, Greeters, Tape Ministry, Pastor’s Assistance Committee, Weekly Radio Ministry, Christian Youth Fellowship, L.I.G.H.T.S. (Ladies In God He’s The Source), Men’s/Brotherhood, Praise Team, Diabetics Ministry, Dance & Mime Ministries and Bus Ministry. Various Christian Education classes were implemented and held during the weekly schedule. The 8:00 a.m. Worship Service was added to the weekly worship schedule. Renovations of the Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary, Education Wing and Pastor’s Study were done. GED classes were held weekly in cooperation with Griffin Technical College (Southern Crescent Technical College). He ordained the following as Deacons: Tommy Larry Harps, Blakely Barlow, Jr., Lewis Tiggler, Jr., Walter Hightower, Stanley Atkins, Alonzo Tanks, Wayne Sims, Ricky Hammond, Walter Smith, Sr., Ruben Trice, Antonio Hightower, Herman McDaniel, Sr., and Willie J. Buchannan. Six sons and three daughters were called into the ministry; Richard Moultrie, Willie J. Buchannan, Ralph Bridges, Sr., Benjamin Montgomery, Ricky Hammond, Ruben Trice, Shirley E. Gardner, Barbara Bennett-Walker, and Patricia Willis.

Pastor Antoine C. Lucas (2004-Present) came in with a vision and helped to with the Diabetics Ministry evolving into the Health Ministry, the organization of the Media Ministry (Radio Ministry/CD Ministry), the organization of the Sister 2 Sister Ministry, the restructuring of the Performing Arts Ministry and Mission Ministry. The reorganization of the Communion Ministry that ministers monthly along with the In-Reach Ministry that is done by the ministries of the church to care for our Sick & Shut-In members. The Clothing & Food Bank that ministers to the needs of those in need in the community. The ESBC Community Resource Center was started to serve the community in various areas. The Praise Ensemble was added to the Music Ministry line up. Ruben Trice was ordained in the Preaching Ministry. R. Keith Daniel was licensed to the Preaching Ministry. The following men have been ordained Deacons; Tracy Hodo, Meredith Beck, Sr., Clifford Jester, Jr., Charles Allen, & James Bing. Land has been purchased for future expansion.