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New Jerusalem Baptist Church Inspires, Grows
By Jerry | October 4, 2007
This past Sunday, My family and I were invited to worship with Rev. Elijah Collins and the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Snellville’s first African-American Baptist Church. Rev. Collins and I have spent a lot of time recently meeting and discussing New Jerusalem and their place here in Snellville.
New Jerusalem got its start in 2001 through the inspiration and leadership of Rev. Collins. After a few years of bouncing between other churches and movie theaters, the congregation found a permanent home in an old chapel on Dogwood Road. State Representative Melvin Everson introduced me to Rev. Collins and soon thereafter and we began meeting for lunch where we talked about Snellville, New Jerusalem, and the future of both.
At first, the congregation at New Jerusalem was small, but very faithful, and very passionate about the future and survival of their church. If Sunday’s service is any indication, New Jerusalem is doing more than surviving, it is thriving!
The church is thriving so much, that Rev. Collins recently sat down with at one of our lunches me and asked how Snellville can help his church grow physically. His building committee had already began searching for property in the area to build a new sanctuary. I suggested that New Jerusalem had enough space in their current location to not only build a bigger sanctuary, but to allow for future expansions as well.
Rev. Collins took my suggestions, prayed about his church, and on Sunday at the conclusion of the service, announced to his congregation that the church will expand at it’s location on Dogwood Road. This was met with thunderous applause from the friends and family of New Jerusalem. Rev. Collins recognized me at the service, and allowed me the chance to speak to the congregation. I told them how happy I was that not only are they thriving here in our city, but that they want to remain here and make our community better through their stewardship. New Jerusalem is making waves here in Snellville, and as our community grows I hope to be able to see more churches, groups and families make our city their home and place to grow.
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:11 am
Mayor Oberholtzer, I am a member at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, but, I reside in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County. I was excited to see our Church on your website. I am sadden that elections are coming up and because of my residence can not vote for you. While encouraging others to vote for you in the upcoming elections, I was made aware that only persons residing inside the city limits of Snellville will be allowed to vote for Mayor. What can we do as a people to change the requirements so that anyone living in Snellville is allowed to vote for Mayor?
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Toi,
Thank you for your support! Unfortunately, only people residing inside the Snellville City Limits can vote for Mayor and Council. The vast majority of people with Snellville mailing addresses do not actually live inside the city limits.
We do have a process of annexation where neighborhoods can petition the city to become an official part of our city limits, receive our services, and vote in our elections. I detailed this process here: http://www.jerryoberholtzer.com/archives/20
Once again, thank you for your support and for the continued support I have received from New Jerusalem. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Jerry
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Mayor Oberholtzer I am also a member of New Jerusalem Baptish Church but reside in DeKalb County. I would like to express my thanks to you and your family for visiting with us.
It was so inspirational to read this article. Although I may not be a resident of Snellville I will support your re-election into office anyway possible. I have friends in the area so I will be sure to pass the good news!!!
Thanks again for your support to the vision that Pastor Collins has presented for the growth of New Jerusalem Baptish Church.