History
In the early 1800s, the population of Cleveland County was sparse. Trails through the woods and dirt roads connected communities, but having to walk or using a horse and buggy limited the distance that people could travel. There were few schools or churches in this area, yet the people yearned to hear teachings from the Bible. About once a month, families in this community would meet on the grassy slope of a hill, near two nice springs that flowed into a small creek. A brush arbor was built to serve as a place for the circuit-riding preacher to bring the Word of God. Those gathered would listen intently and the services sometimes lasted a good part of the day.
Thirty-four of these people stepped out in faith on December 7, 1844, to form a church for this area of Cleveland County. The church was aptly named Double Springs Baptist Church. It did not take long for the members to create a meeting place, a log building that was approximately 30’ by 60’ built near the springs.
In those days, rural churches could not afford to hire a full-time minister. Preachers would preach at several different churches in the area, and a preaching service would occur once a month. Baptisms were done in the creek.
Records indicate that one hymnal was purchased for the church in 1851. The hymnal contained words only, no music. But over the years, singing in the church became more popular and by 1885, the church voted to purchase a pump organ; however, some were opposed to the use of an organ because they felt it was an instrument of the devil.
In 1876, a new “meeting house” replaced the log structure. Built with weather board siding, it had the conveniences of a large wood burning stove and an oil chandelier for lighting.
Sunday School had a slow start at Double Springs in the 1850’s. The objective of Sunday School was twofold: one was the teaching of reading and writing due to the lack of schools, and the second was for students to gain wisdom and knowledge from reading the Bible. By 1883, the church had implemented the “evergreen” year-round Sunday School program. During the early 1920s, Double Springs became the first rural church in the Southern Baptist Conference to achieve the Double A Standard for Sunday School, an unprecedented accomplishment.
By 1921, Double Springs had built its first brick church, a two-story building that included a furnace, electric lights, and a baptistry. As the church grew, a new educational building was added in 1950.
In the early 60’s our present sanctuary and another building were constructed to serve as classrooms and a fellowship hall.
By the mid 1960’s, Double Springs Church had developed a strong music program. In 1983, the church presented its first “Singing Christmas Tree,” with a choir of 50 singers. This presentation was given annually to thousands of people for more than 25 years.
Our latest addition is the Family Life Building, which includes a stage, full size basketball / volleyball court, and a commercial kitchen. It was completed in 2005.
In 2007, Double Springs installed its first projection system in the sanctuary and used that technology to display song lyrics of contemporary Christian songs as well as the standard hymns that we love. That same technology enhanced the preaching of the Word with the ability to show pictures, sermon outlines, and scripture on the screen.
During the Covid lock-down, many churches shut their doors for months, but Double Springs met outside in the front yard of the church. Also, during that time, the church incorporated the use of live-streaming technology to be able to broadcast our services.
Double Springs continues to fulfill God’s mission, finding new ways to spread the gospel and ministering to the community and the world.
