History

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Elizabeth Popular Spring Primitive Baptist Church is a spiritual home to over one hundred members in the Tallahassee/Leon County and surrounding areas. Founded in 1870, our church has been a beacon of light over 150 years, since our very beginning as a “Brush Harbor” meeting place. Our current building is in the same location on 5034 North Meridian Road.  Over the years, our church has had eleven pastors.   

The following is a timeline of the past and present leaders who have served as shepherds at EPS:

Reverend Eugene Landers (Founder)* 1870--?

Reverend Martin Parramore* Unknown

Reverend Sandy Parramore* Unknown

Reverend L.R. Vaughn* 1920-1938

Reverend Billy Williams* 1938-1956

Reverend Noah Harvey* 1956-1969

Elder Lewis Anderson* 1969-1977

Elder John Feagin, Sr. 1978-1988

Elder William Foutz, Sr. 1988-1994

Elder Reginald Rolle* 1997-1999

Elder Connell Leonard, Sr. 2000-Present

*Deceased

The first deacons were: Deacon Henry Gaines, Deacon James Thompson, Deacon George Gaines, Deacon Floyd, Deacon Houston, Deacon Willie Taylor, Deacon Robert Hadley, and Deacon E. Horton.  Under the leadership of the late Reverend L.R. Vaughn, three deacons were ordained: Deacon Bert Hadley, Deacon Willie Collins, and Deacon Solomon Parramore. During the years, others would be appointed. 

Additionally, during the church’s 152-year-old history, there have been 11 brothers in the ministry: Licensed Minister Phelt Trent (deceased), Licensed Minister Eddie Spencer (deceased), Elder John Thompson, Elder Melvin Ford, Elder Nathan Gainous, Jr., Licensed Minister Isaiah Thompson (deceased), Elder John Gaines, Licensed Minister Michael Williams, Licensed Minister Jordan Griffin, and Licensed Minister Sunior Caldwell. 

Also, there have been the Men’s and Women’s Ministry and various church ministries such as: Usher Board, Youth and Young Adult, Scholarship Foundation, Sick and Shut in, Food and Clothing, Media, Marriage, Drama, Heritage, and Pastor’s Aide which were established under the different pastoral leadership. 

In 1978, under the leadership of Elder John Feagin, Sr., the most significant achievement for the church was the laying of the Cornerstone. In 1998 Elder Reginald Rolle prompted by the Holy Spirit expanded worship services from First and Third Sundays to every Sunday.

In 2000, Elder Connell Leonard, Sr., was installed as the pastor. In 2002, Elder Joseph Johnson, would join and later become Associate Minister. He would serve as first youth pastor and later as full-time associate pastor. 

In 2003, the Policies and Procedures Committee was organized to develop official policies and operating procedures for implementation to enhance the business operation of the church. In March 2005, the church officially adopted its first policies and procedures. In 2010, the church adopted its mission statement which reads: 

We, the members of EPS, commit ourselves to lead people to Christ Jesus for discipleship, develop Christian maturity, and equip them for the work of the ministry as we magnify our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

 In 2012, Sister Ruby C. Thompson was elected as the first female Church School Superintendent in the church’s history. In 2017, the church implemented an expanded formal “youth church” to the first, second, and third Sundays during regular worship services. This was to encourage our youth to enhance their academic and spiritual education.

Over the course of our history, our purpose has not and will not change. Our mission has been, and will continue to be, to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as prepare people for discipleship. The Pastor, Officers, and Elizabeth Popular Spring Church family will always be proud of our rich heritage. God has truly blessed us. It is only by the grace of God and faith in His Word that we will be able to do this. As we look toward the future, we are excited about what God is doing in and through EPS. Under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, after many attempts to purchase land from the surrounding landowner, and code restrictions that limited remodeling on the church building, Pastor Leonard along with officers of the church, gave charge to the Trustee Board to look for property to build a new church. In 2013, the church purchased six acres of land for the erection of a new sanctuary on the corner of Lonnie and Dempsey Mayo Road. In 2023 A groundbreaking ceremony will be held to celebrate the start of construction on the new church. Jesus has promised to “build his church,” and as we continue to follow Him, we look with anticipation toward His continued blessing upon us. We invite you to join us as we glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.