Primitive, or “Old School,” Baptists hold that the church is an organized group of believers and not a physical building. While it is common in this age and country to see buildings we call the church, this was not always the case over the last 2000 years. In times of persecution, believers assembled themselves in secret, in different locations, and in smaller numbers. The Lord Jesus Christ designed His church to be agile, adaptable, and resilient. Yet, the core beliefs and activities do not change. Whether in times of prosperity or persecution, His people meet to worship Him, to sing hymns, and preach the good news of His victory. Forest Primitive Baptist Church is just such a people.
1008 Main Street, Forest Park, GA
Early Years
Forest Primitive Baptist Church was constituted with eleven charter members on August 8, 1973. Elder J.P. Lyon served as her first pastor. Land for constructing the church building was donated by one of the charter members, Brother John M. Stanley on May 9, 1874. The original church building was completed on May 8, 1891. According to some elderly members of the congregation, the church body has occupied three buildings. The present building was completed and occupied on May 8, 1891.
Forest Park, Georgia
Forest Park was originally chartered in 1908 as Astor, Georgia. The town was later named Forrest Park because of the many park areas deeded to the city by the Central of Georgia Railroad. The city charter was revised in 1952 to read Forest Park, Georgia. With the growth of the City of Forest Park and the location of the Army Depot, it became necessary to widen the streets, including Main Street. Forest Primitive Baptist Church had just completed installation of a baptistry and restrooms when the building had to be moved to permit the widening of the street and construction of sidewalks.
A decision was made in the early 1950’s to remodel the church building. This remodeling included brick veneering, central heating and air conditioning, new pews, and new carpets. Forest Primitive Baptist Church has steadfastly continued worship services throughout the entire one-hundred forty-eight years as the city of Forest Park and Clayton County changed around them.
Pastors of Forest Primitive Baptist Church
| Elder J.P. Lyon | Aug 9, 1873 – Mar 12, 1881 | 8 years |
| Elder W.T. Goddard | Mar 19, 1881 – Aug 13, 1892 | 10 years |
| Elder J.A. Wright | Nov 12, 1892 – Sep 11, 1897 | 5 years |
| Elder G.W. Phillips | Nov 13, 1897 – Oct 21, 1899 | 2 years |
| Elder T. M. Ball | Dec 17, 1899 – Sep 6, 1906 | 7 years |
| Elder Dan Henderson | Oct 13, 1906 – Nov 10, 1931 | 25 years |
| Elder J.P.S. Stephens | Nov 10, 1931 – Sep 14, 1952 | 23 years |
| Elder Elzie D. Speir, Sr | Oct 12, 1952 – Aug 7, 1954 | 2 years |
| Elder P.H. Byrd | Nov 13, 1954 – Aug 13, 1955 | 1 year |
| Elder Elzie D. Speir, Sr | Aug 13, 1955 – Aug 13, 1966 | 11 years |
| Elder Elzie D. Speir, Sr | Aug 13, 1966 – May 5, 1971 | 5 years |
| Elder Elzie D. Speir, Jr | May 5, 1971 – May 14, 2000 | 29 years |
| Appointments | May 14, 2000 – Jun 10, 2001 | 1 year |
| Elder Stan Lee | June 10, 2001 – Feb 27, 2019 | 17 years |
| Elder Coy Thomas | Oct 27, 2019 – present |