Church History

On March 23, 1832, a treaty (known as the Cussetta Treaty) was made between the United States and the Creek Indians. Following this treaty, people began to move here and settle the land. The Coldwater Community was originally inhabited by the Creek Nation. The Creek Indians lived along Coldwater Creek. On December 18, 1832 Calhoun County (originally Benton County) was created from a portion of Talladega County.

Mr. Chesley Hughes settled on Coldwater Creek in January 1833. He had a farm and built a water powered gristmill and a lumber mill on the creek.

Coldwater Baptist Church was formed and constituted in 1841. The services were held at the Coldwater Campgrounds and bush arbors. Chesley Hughes gave the original lot for the church. By 1844, there were 43 members and asked for membership in the Coosa River Association. The church continued to grow. In 1849 Coldwater held a camp meeting and membership reached 100. It was at this time that G.C. P. Hughes gave some land for the establishment of a cemetery and it has been reported that he became the third person buried there. This cemetery still services the Coldwater Community.

Sterling G. Jenkins was the first pastor and served in that capacity for approximately 38 years. Rev. Jenkins was a circuit riding preacher for Coldwater and many other churches.

In 1856, Coldwater built its first building. This building had two doors, one for the women and the other for the men. In those days, women sat on one side of the church and the men on the other. This building over the years was renovated several times and served as the sanctuary until 1978 when the present sanctuary was built. In 1959 the church decided to build an Educational Building which is still used today. In 1892 Coldwater requested to become a member of the newly formed Calhoun Baptist Association and continues to be a part of it today.