Who We Are
The Kernersville Seventh Day Adventist Church
was formerly organized on July 30, 1910.
FROM SO SMALL A BEGINNING
1889
A book entitled Bible Readings for the Home Circle led three Stokes County families to the revelation of the seventh-day Sabbath and the soon return of Christ. In 1889, colporteur William Lane Killen and his associate sold this book to the Toab Young, Will Young, and F.A. Slate families, and from this small and humble beginning has grown a vibrant Seventh-day Adventist community of believers!
Actual copy of Bible Readings for the
Home Circle that started the journey
1904
The Slate family sold their lumber business in Stokes County and moved to Kernersville in 1904. They opened a printing business near the present town square, and, along with the H.R. Hahn family, began meeting on Sabbath in their respective homes or even in a room above the print shop. Additional worshipers joined them. Elder Wood assisted in the growth of the small company by holding a series of meetings in the Macy Grove School.
William G. Slate's self-built home and family in 1908
(father of Francis Augustin Slate and founding members)
1910
On July 30, 1910, the first Kernersville Seventh-day Adventist Church was formally organized by Elder G. W. Wells, then president of the North Carolina Conference, which was headquartered in Greensboro. Later that same summer, Kernersville was the site for the Carolina Camp Meeting.
Former N.C. Conference President,
Elder George Washington Wells
1912
In 1912, the congregation met for the first time in their own church sanctuary on Graves Street, now recognized as one of Kernersville’s historical sites. The land behind the original church site continues to serve as the resting place of many loved ones.
The Thirteen Charter Members Were:
Mr. & Mrs. F.A. Slate
Miss Lenora Slate
Mr. Roy Slate
Mr. & Mrs. J.A. Atkins
Mr. & Mrs. H.R. Hahn
Miss Mary Slate
Mr. Joseph Slate
Mr. & Mrs. George Ballard
Mr. Arch McDowell
A photo of the first Kernersville
SDA Church on Graves Street
Amazing Facts founder, Joe Crews
Joe Crews Radio Sermons
Joe Crews
Joe Crews, a successful pastor and the former speaker of the Amazing Facts radio program, was a grandson of Arch McDowell who was one of the thirteen charter members. By divine inspiration and providence, Crews was urged to lead the unique ministry, and for nearly 30 years innovated evangelism, expanded into new and unexplored areas of outreach, and became a blessing to the Kernersville Church of today and to the world-wide Church across the globe. His brother, Norman Crews, was a faithful member and an Honorary Elder here at Kernersville until his death in 2014.
1945
By 1945, more room was needed, and property was purchased on West Mountain Street, not far from where the original church stood. The congregation opened the doors to their new church for a Glenn Coon Crusade in 1955, and this new structure served the congregation well for twenty years.
The second Kernersville SDA
Church on West Mountain Street
The Kernersville SDA Church of Today,
located on Winston and Hopkins Roads
1976 - Present
But growth seemed inevitable! By 1976, the need for more space led to the purchase of the current property at Old Winston and Hopkins Roads. The first service for this new sanctuary took place in November of 1977. The Kernersville Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to prosper and thrive and make its presence known in the community as it prepares a people for the soon return of Christ.
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Today, Kernersville is one of the largest Adventist churches in North Carolina, with almost 600 members strong!
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May God continue to bless this church!
Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a mainstream Protestant church with almost 22 million members worldwide, including more than one million members in North America (see more Statistics). It ranks among one of the fastest growing churches in the world today.
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The Church is entrusted with a very special task—to call people’s attention to the prophecies of the Bible that predict Jesus’ soon return to earth. Like the many Christian reformers over the centuries, Adventists feel a special responsibility to point people to the teachings of Jesus Christ that are so desperately needed for salvation.
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Both of our distinctive principles are contained in our name, Seventh-day Adventist. “Seventh-day” refers to our observance of the seventh day of the week (also known as Saturday) in which God had rested from all of His work and blessed (Exod. 20:8-11; Gen. 2:3). “Adventist” refers to our belief in the Second Advent or Second Coming of Jesus, when He shall return to this world with power and great glory for every eye to witness (Rev. 1:7; Luke 21:25-28).
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Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone.
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When He returned to heaven following the resurrection, Jesus left the Holy Spirit to serve as our Comforter and Counselor. He promised to return to earth a second time to complete His plan of salvation and take His people to heaven. Adventists are among the believers who look forward to that day.
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Adventists believe that God is concerned with the quality of human life, and that everything—the way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us—is part of His plan. Our families, our children, our jobs, our talents, our money, and our time, are all important to Him.
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Here, at the Kernersville Seventh-day Adventist Church, we enjoy a very special sense of community, both locally and around the world. As you visit our church, you will find a welcoming congregation, averaging between 200-250 people. The worship service includes songs of praise with choir, organ, piano, violins, flutes, or other instruments. Children, youth, and adults all lead out in the Service. Sermons convey a Biblical message to uplift, strengthen, and encourage individuals on their Christian walk.
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If there is any question that we can answer, or anything we can do to help strengthen you mentally, physically, or spiritually, please don’t hesitate to email or call the Kernersville Church or browse the many programs we offer to you and to the community for free. We also invite you to worship with us this coming Sabbath morning. Our adult and children’s Bible study classes begin at 9:30 a.m., and our Worship Service begins at 10:45 a.m. Our greeters will be happy to help you!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
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