Where are you located? 1139 Sawgrass Rd, Hortense GA, 31543. You can get to us off both Hwy 301 and Hwy 32, just follow the signs.  

What do you believe? Summarized briefly, we believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Savior of all men and women who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe that those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit. We believe in the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teaching. We believe God wills for people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of the Church is to tell the world about Christ through its worship, witness, and loving deeds.
 
When are your services, and how long do they last? Our Sunday morning service begins 11:00am.  We have Sunday School at 9:30am. And you can come for fellowship between 9:15-9:45; coffee, juice, donuts, etc. The service lasts  approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. On Sunday Night we begin at 6:00pm. We also have an adult Bible study and kid’s program on Wednesday Nights beginning at 7:00pm. 
  
Are the people friendly? We sure hope so. You’ll even be greeted before you can get inside the building.
 
When I come, how should I dress? Comfortable, casual clothes are fine.  We just want you to come.  We focus on worship rather than wardrobe.
 
So, what is your worship service like? The word that comes to mind most when thinking about our worship experience is “authentic”.  We like to describe it as informal, but well-planned - carried out with excellence, dignity, and sensitivity. You will hear God's Word applied to everyday life.
 
What do you have for our children? We have a fantastic Children's Church on Sunday mornings. About half-way through the service we dismiss the kiddos for their own time of worship, Bible-teaching, games, and activities. On Wednesday nights we have an exciting mid-week program for children through 5th grade.
 
Do you have Sunday School? Yes. We have classes for kids and adults. In addition, we have small group opportunities on Wednesday Night at 7:00pm. 
 
How can I learn more? Feel free to roam around our website and find out more about Philadelphia Church, the programs we offer adults and children, and the upcoming events that you are more than welcome to join us for!  And of course....come and visit our weekend services.
 

What Denomination is Philadelphia? Philadelphia is a member of the Wesleyan Church. However, we have people from many denominational backgrounds who call Philadelphia their church home.  We also welcome people with no church background.

A BRIEF HISTORY

(adapted from a series of interviews conducted by Jason Tegen)

In the year 1900 a church was organized at the old Sawgrass School outside of Hortense GA. The "Sawgrass" Church was started as a response to a revival held in the area by Rev. J J Williams.  

In 1904 property across the street from the school was donated to the church. The first building, and still current worship area, is pictured to   the left. Although the nickname "Sawgrass" is how many still know the church, from 1904 on the official name of the church was Philadelphia Wesleyan Methodist Church. 

For a period of time Philadelphia was part of a "circuit", a group of four churches that were pastored by one person. In this case, Philadelphia was on a circuit with Browntown Wesleyan Methodist, Hortense Wesleyan Methodist, and Oak Grove Wesleyan Methodist. 

In 1968 the Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness denominations merged. As a result, the name of the church became Philadelphia Wesleyan Church. 

The following pastors have led Philadelphia Wesleyan through the years: F L Thornton, W B Lee, M M Strickland, J D Patterson, A G Cornelison, J C Clubb, W B Clubb, F H Harris, H R Gumby, W T Brinson, G H Doty, C M Payne, W L Snellgrove, E L Elford, Rev. Alexander, W G Wagnon, W V Hartley, R C Mathis, Henry Sapp, Thomas Lentz, David Horne, and Ron Stayman. In 2016 the Lord brought our current Pastor, Tim and Karen Johnson, to Philadelphia. 

"FIRST" BAPTISM

It is not very often you get to do a "first" of something at a 112 year-old church. But recently we held the first-ever baptism on the Philadelphia Wesleyan Church campus. What a great time in the Lord!