“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
In 1874, three former slaves—Henry Rhodes, Mount Carlton, and Williams Price—founded New Sardis Baptist Church in Southeast Shelby County. They purchased two acres, creating a “bush harbor” for worship and dividing the land for a church campus and burial ground. Over the years, New Sardis has grown under various pastors, now led by Reverend Darell L. Harrington, and has become a vibrant community hub with ministries in preaching, teaching, and advocacy.
Today, the New Sardis campus includes a large sanctuary, dance studio, gym, commercial kitchen, childcare center, classrooms, and an African American history museum. The Neshoba Resource Community Center, a nearby 501(c)(3), supports African American business owners, offers emergency shelter, and provides a food pantry, clothes closet, and community meeting space. Since 2016, it has also hosted Memphis’ only Lupus Support Group & Resource Center. Great things are happening at #newsardis—explore the hashtag on social media!
Rev. Darell L. Harrington, originally from Jackson, Mississippi, is the pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Stillman College, Harrington has worked in financial services and community development, most recently as a Regional Program Officer with Hope Credit Union, focusing on strengthening underserved communities. He is currently studying at Memphis Theological Seminary and committed to sharing the Gospel, helping others, and guiding youth and young adults to embrace God's promises. Married to Shayda R. Harrington, he is a devoted father to four children: Darria, Jazmine, Raquel, and Justin.