Great Trees from Little Acorns Grow: A History of Grace Baptist Church, Springfield, Tennessee 1927-2022

Humble beginnings and perseverance describe the history of Grace Baptist Church. Church history is valuable. Think of Peter; bold, prone to error, yet never giving up, and faithful in his calling. He is a pillar of the Church. Without the history of the Gospels and Acts, we would know none of this. Bible history teaches us the application of faith to equip us in our walk with God. The fascinating aspect of this is that the history of God’s mighty acts continues to this very day, and this includes Grace Baptist Church. The beginning of our Church is inspirational. Pastor Floyd Carroll, the founder, and the pastor was the very image of godliness and self-sacrificing love. Not only did he look after the spiritual needs of the newly formed congregation, but he also worked with his own hands to build the physical structure. He shepherded the Church through the great depression and the second world war. Because of his initiative, many young soldiers went to war confident of their salvation. The same was true of Elmer Mason, a model pulpiteer, administrator, and shepherd, who surrendered to the Lord’s call after much spiritual struggle. Pastor Mason took over the Church at its lowest point to rebuild it as a spiritual body and to complete the physical structure. Though we recognize people for these achievements, we must never lose sight of the fact that it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to achieve. To God be the glory!

The following pages are a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness in our Church. Our hope is that it will be an encouragement to you. God has raised up pastors and missionaries in our Church. He has stirred His people to respond to significant needs. Moreover, the Lord has taken care of every need and because He was faithful in the past, we know He will continue to be faithful in the days ahead. This is a history of real people connecting real faith with real life. As you read the history of our Church, may it inspire you to greater involvement in the Kingdom of God.