Before 1868, there were no Black churches in the community of Nickville. According to records, three years after the civil war, two formerly enslaved sons of Peter Moon named Elzie Moon (1820-1916) & Byrd Eberhardt (1834-1923) were given two acres of land by former slave owner Robert Eberhart (1803-1873) for the sole purpose of having “a negro church for religious worship.” Elzie and Byrd along with their families were owned by different slave masters, that is why their last names were different. 

On these two acres, Elzie and Byrd established The Rock Spring Methodist Church. The acts of the original deed read as follows, "as long as there is a Rock Spring Methodist Church, you will have two acres of land." The deed lists the original Trustees as Elzie Moon, Thomas Hailey, & William Rucker and it was later filed in 1872 before Robert Eberhardt's death the following year.

The name Rock Springs came from a spring about three-quarters of a mile down the hill located behind the church. There, the water flowed from the ground between two rocks and it still flows in that same spot today before eventually depositing into Little Doves Creek.

The sons of Peter Moon and their families worshiped together for many years until the two brothers eventually began to feud. As a result, Byrd left Rock Springs and started our sister church, The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 1884, located over the hill from where the present Rock Springs Church now stands. Though there was a separation, both churches remain connected not only in history, but also by blood as many parishioners are related to each other throughout both congregations. Both churches even shared the burial ground at Rock Springs until the early 1980s. This is the story told by Reverend J.H. Heard.

In September of 1969, under the leadership of Reverend W.L. Whelchel, we purchased three-quarters of an acre of land from Mr. Hoyt Webb for the sum of ten dollars. Originally, Reverend Whelchel and the members decided to renovate the old church. However, after having two men check the edifice, the congregation learned that a new building was needed. 

In 1971, a block church was erected. The congregation bid a final farewell to its original building after 102 years of service on second Sunday, July 11th, 1971 at 3:30 p.m, in which the congregation marched from the old sanctuary to the new under the leadership of Reverend Whelchel. The right Rev. P. Randolph Shy was Presiding Bishop while Rev. H.H. Davis was Presiding Elder at that time. Trustees in 1971 were Rev. Robert L. Davenport Sr., Chairman; Bro. James Clyde Blackwell, Bro. William Bell, Bro. Ernest ‘Jack’ Rucker, Bro. Johnny Reed Jr., Sis. Hassie Blackwell, Sis. Mattie Carter, & Sis. Reedie Hood. Class Leaders were: Bro. Ernest ‘Jack’ Rucker, Class No. 1., Sis. Marie Tate, Class No 2., and Sis. Willie Mae Moon Bowens, Class No 3. Ushers at this time were: Sis Mattie L. Moon, President., Sis. Margie Blackwell, Sis. Gladys O. Fortson, Sis. Lessie Hood Orsely, Bro. T.J. ‘Will Seabon’ Thornton, & Bro. Larry Taylor. 

Rev. Whelchel remained the shepherd of Rock Springs until 1975, before becoming the full time pastor of White’s Chapel C.M.E. Church. In 1976, we were without a pastor. Reverend W.H. Holloman replaced Reverend Stark Brewer in 1978 and retired two years later due to illness.

The church has been renovated two times. The first renovation was the kitchen and fellowship hall in 1999 under the leadership of Rev. Ron Bullock. The second renovation of the sanctuary was completed in 2002 under the leadership of Rev. Frances Hubbard. 

At the beginning of 2024, under the leadership of the congregation, a grant was awarded to fund the purchase of stained glass windows and a new steeple. This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Sis. Tydria Lee Wise, Sis. Gabriell Hester, Bro. Malcolm Faust Jr., Rev. Jimrekis H. Allen, and Rev. Francis Hubbard. Additionally, the steeple and finial cross were hand-delivered from Wedowee, Alabama by Bro. Davion Pope, Sis. Alyssa Pope, and Bro. Jr. Faust to complete the installation. This project marked an important milestone in the ongoing development and beautification of our edifice. 

The following summer, members, their families and friends from near and far united to raise funds for the refurbishment of the church’s exterior. This project was successfully completed by Bro. Scott Moore and his family of MHD Construction, in collaboration with M. & W. Farms. Class Leaders at this time were Sis. Angela Moon Jones (Class No. 1), Sis. Mattie Ann Williams (Class No. 2), Bro. Preston Wilhite (Class No. 3), Sis. Pamela L. Goss (Class No. 4), Sis. Belinda Brown Howard (Class No. 5), Sis. Genet McIntosh Hopewell (Class No. 6), Sis. Brenda Tate Hall (Class No. 7) & Sis. Matilda Jones (Class No. 8).

Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Brad E. Goss, Rock Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church experienced a remarkable season of renewal and growth. During his pastorate, the Youth and Young Adult Choirs were reestablished, the Community Outreach Ministry was revived, and the Steward Board was reorganized, strengthening both the spiritual and financial foundation of our church. The installation of fiber-optic internet further expanded our ability to connect with members and the surrounding community, allowing us to share the Gospel through new avenues of ministry and outreach. We remain deeply grateful for Rev. Goss's faithful leadership and the lasting impact of his ministry on the life of our congregation.

On July 23, 2026, at the conclusion of the 157th Session of the Georgia-North Region Annual Conference, Rev. Frances Hubbard was called out of retirement and appointed to serve as Pastor of Rock Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. We count it a tremendous blessing that she answered God's call and chose to partner with us once again in ministry. Having faithfully served Rock Springs in years past, her return has been a homecoming filled with joy, hope, and renewed purpose. Throughout her ministry, she has shared Christ's love with countless individuals, faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, and welcomed many into the family of faith through the sacrament of baptism. Her compassionate leadership, unwavering faith, and servant's heart continue to strengthen and inspire our congregation as we look with great anticipation toward all that God will accomplish through her ministry.

Today, Rock Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church remains firmly rooted in God's Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and devoted to serving with Christ's compassion. We strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where fellowship flourishes and every person is embraced with the love of Jesus Christ. Our congregation gathers each Sunday for Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. followed by Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m., joining together in praise, prayer, and the preaching of God's Word. We also gather weekly for Bible Study via Zoom, continuing to grow in faith and deepen our understanding of Scripture.

Our vision is rooted in Christ and centered on His mission. We are the Body of Christ, called to be a place of refuge, hope, and belonging where faith is nurtured, hearts are restored, and lives are transformed by the power of God's grace. As we continue to honor our rich heritage while embracing God's future for Rock Springs, we remain committed to building faith, serving our neighbors, and shining the light of Jesus Christ throughout our community one life at a time.

For more than a century and a half, Rock Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and perseverance. Founded by faithful believers who trusted in God's promises, our church continues to be a place where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and Christ is glorified. With gratitude for the saints who laid this foundation, appreciation for those who faithfully serve today, and hope for generations yet to come, we remain committed to the mission Christ has entrusted to His Church—to love God, love people, and make disciples. To God be the glory for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He has yet to do through the ministry of Rock Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.