Founded 1875 • Midway, Georgia
Honoring Our History.
Walking by Faith.
We Are Palmyra! A beacon of faith in the Seabrook Community for over 150 years.
Over 150 Years of Faith
Honoring a rich legacy built on perseverance and unyielding trust in God.
Vibrant Worship
Gathering in joyful praise and heartfelt fellowship every Sunday.
Community Service
Deeply committed to serving Midway and the surrounding areas with love.



150
Years of Faith
Our History
"Honoring Our History. Walking by Faith. We Are Palmyra!"
Founded in 1875, Historic Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith in the Seabrook Community in Midway, Georgia for over 150 years. Organized by the late Reverend Anthony Benjamin, along with three ministers, five deacons, and thirty-six faithful members, the church was established on land generously donated by Mr. William Stevens. Affectionately known as a daughter church of Sunbury Missionary Baptist Church, Palmyra was built on faith, perseverance, and deep love for community. From its earliest days, the congregation has remained rooted in vibrant worship, strong fellowship, and unstoppable trust in God.
Throughout its rich history, Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with faithful and devoted pastoral leadership. We thank God for the 18 years (1944–1962) of service under Reverend R. B. Brown, whose leadership helped strengthen the foundation and spiritual structure of our church.
We are especially grateful for Pastor Emeritus Reverend Dr. Robert Brown, who faithfully shepherded the congregation for 50 years (1962–2012). For five decades, he guided generations with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His steadfast leadership and commitment to the Palmyra family left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire our ministry today. Pastor Jabron Webster faithfully served from 2014 until his passing in 2021. We thank God for his dedicated leadership and the vision he brought to Palmyra during his tenure. He established Harvest Day and launched the 1st Annual Community Friends and Family Extravaganza on December 30, 2018, creating meaningful opportunities for fellowship and outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Webster remained committed to the spiritual well-being of the congregation by faithfully sharing Words of Encouragement through the BlueJeans App, ensuring the church family stayed connected and strengthened during uncertain times. His life, leadership, and service remain a valued and cherished part of Palmyra’s history.
In God’s divine providence, one of Palmyra’s own daughters returned home to serve. Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls preached her initial sermon at Palmyra in 2017 under the leadership of Pastor Jabron Webster. Following Pastor Webster’s passing in 2021, the church entered a season of transition. On January 22, 2023, Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls began serving as Interim Pastor, leading her first Holy Communion service in this capacity. On October 5, 2025, she was officially installed as Pastor of Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church. Her leadership reflects a heart for building faith, strengthening the church’s foundation, empowering the community, and honoring the legacy that has shaped this ministry for generations. Standing on the shoulders of faithful leaders who have gone before, Palmyra continues to move forward in unity, faith, and service to the glory of God. Today, Palmyra continues to worship with joyful praise, heartfelt fellowship, and a commitment to serving Midway and the surrounding communities. Recent improvements to our facilities reflect our dedication to stewardship and growth as we move confidently into the future. For 150 years, the Lord has guided, protected, and sustained this congregation. We stand on the strong foundation of our past while walking boldly by faith into the future. We Are Palmyra!
Our Mission
To glorify God by preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, building faith, strengthening families, and serving our community with love, unity, and compassion. We are committed to seeking first the Kingdom of God, trusting Him fully, and holding to His unchanging hand in every season of life. Through worship, discipleship, prayer, and outreach, we strive to cultivate a Christ-centered church where lives are transformed and hope is renewed.
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"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
— Matthew 6:33–34 NKJV
Who We Are
Our Leadership
Faithful servant-leaders guiding our ministry with integrity, prayer, and compassion.
Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls
Senior Pastor
On October 5, 2025, Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls was officially installed as Pastor of Historic Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church, becoming the first female Pastor in the church’s history. Her installation was anchored in Jeremiah 3:15 (NKJV): “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
A devoted woman of faith and one of Palmyra’s own daughters, she first preached her initial sermon at Palmyra on April 23, 2017, under the leadership of Pastor Jabron Webster.
Following a season of transition after Pastor Webster’s passing in 2021, Pastor Smalls began serving as Interim Pastor on January 22, 2023, leading her first Holy Communion service in this role. Through prayerful leadership and a commitment to strengthening the church’s foundation, she guided the congregation during this pivotal period leading up to her installation.
Her ministry has been shaped and strengthened through spiritual mentorship, covering, and affirmation. She was ordained as an Elder by Apostle Connie Brown and affirmed as an Overseer in leadership by Apostle Anthony Avery. Pastor Dr. Stanford Anderson, who served as Chief Celebrant and Speaker at her installation service, continues to provide mentorship and spiritual counsel. These relationships reflect a life of accountability, order, and faithful preparation.
A two-time cancer survivor, Pastor Smalls carries a powerful testimony of God’s healing and sustaining grace. Today, she leads with a heart to honor the church’s rich legacy and a bold vision to strengthen its foundation, build faith across generations, empower the community, and advance the ministry for future generations.
Deacon Ministry
Chairman
Deacon Norman Harris
Member
Deacon Albert Monroe
Member
Deacon Elliott Tate
Member
Deacon Henry Lovett
Member
Deacon George Stevens
The Deacon Ministry serves faithfully alongside the Pastor, providing spiritual support, leadership, and care to the congregation.
Church Clerk
Clerk
Sister Ollie Thomas
Assistant
Sister Cheryl Washington
Provides administrative and clerical support to the Pastor and church leadership. Assists with maintaining church records, communication, scheduling, and supporting the daily functions of the ministry with dedication and care.
*We honor the late Sister Anna Stevens, who faithfully served as Church Clerk for over 55 years.
Music Ministry
Lead Musician
Deacon Quintin Johnson, Sr.
Drummer
Brother Quinton Johnson, Jr.
Support
Brother Edward Stevens
Support
Brother Larry Scott Butler
Support
Deacon George Stevens
Our worship continues through joyful praise, congregational singing, and heartfelt celebration.
Christian Education
Ministry Leader
Deaconess May Stevens
Media
Ministry Leader
Minister Nathaniel D. Smalls
Team Member
Sister Keria Tate
Our Media & Creative Support supports the ministry through graphic design and creative media development. They assist in communicating social media management, church events, worship experiences, and ministry initiatives with excellence and clarity.
Usher Ministry
Usher
Brother Edward Stevens
Usher
Sister Emma Fuller
Usher
Sister Ida G. Tate
Sister Shelia G. Coney
Our ushers serve with warmth and reverence, welcoming all who enter the house of the Lord.
Plan Your Visit
We would love to welcome you to Historic Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church in Midway, Georgia. Whether you are seeking a church home, visiting the area, or simply desiring a place to worship, you are welcome here.
Service Times
Sunday Services
9:00 AM
1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday
4th Sunday – Holy Communion
Location
1086 Old Seabrook School Road, Midway, GA. 31320
Seabrook Community
Give & Support the Ministry
Your generosity helps Historic Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church continue preaching the Gospel, strengthening families, and serving the Midway community.
We are now able to receive gifts securely through Givelify, making it easy to give anytime and from anywhere.
Thank you for partnering with us as we honor our history and walk by faith together.
