The History of St. Christopher’s and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Churches, Baxley, Georgia
St. Christopher Catholic Church, Baxley, GA - circa December 1991
1948 - 1967 - St. Christopher was a mission of St. Paul Catholic Church in Douglas, GA, served by Oblate Priests Fr. Frederick, Fr. Gilbert, Fr. McGready, Fr. Moran, Fr. Daly & Fr. Arthur Wetzel
October 1967 - June 1985 St. was a mission of St. Joseph, in Jesup,GA, served by Diocesan Priests. Fr. Edward Frank, Fr. Larry Lucree, Fr. William Leahy, Fr. Cyril Gabbett & Fr. Gerald Murphy
June 1985 - June 1990 - St. Christopher was a mission of Good Shepherd in Hazlehurst, GA, served by Glenmary Fr. John Garvey, Fr. William Archambault, Fr. William Smith, Fr. Charlie Hughes, Brother Ken Woods, Brother Mike Springer and Deacon Tony LePaine
June 1990 - St. Christopher, still a mission of Good Shepherd, and Good shepherd became led by priests form the Diocese of Savannah. Fr. Shinnick became the pastor.
The City of Baxley’s plans to widen US Highway 1 would have brought the roadway right up to the front door of St. Christopher’s Church - so close that anyone leaving Mass would have stepped directly into traffic. To proceed with the project, the property was sold, prompting the parish community to begin searching for a new location.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Located on City Circle Rd - Circa 2024
Between 1990 and 1991, land on City Circle Road - meeting all diocesan requirements - was secured for the new parish site, and groundbreaking commenced shortly thereafter. The new faith community was given the name St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Fr. Patrick Shinnick remained the pastor. The inaugural Mass was celebrated on December 15, 1991.
Dec 1991 - June 1992 July 1992 - Aug 2001 Sept 2001 - June 2005
Fr. Patrick Shinnick Fr. Herbert Graf Fr. Lorenzo Garcia
