The Landis Baptist Church was formally organized as a Missionary Baptist Church in the year 1926, with approximately forty members. This came about over a period of two or three years when Reverend G.L. Hodge came to Landis with a tent for a series of meetings. The reverend G.L. Hodge was born in Watauga County in 1891. In 1911 he was married to Susie Deaton in Buffalo, SC. The couple had three children. Two died, and a daughter, Iva Lee
Reverend Hodge came to Landis from the First Baptist Church in China Grove, in June 1926. Under his ministry, a Tabernacle was constructed at the corner of Meriah and Mill Street. This came about due to the interest shown by the folk in the revival meeting. Because of strong Bible preaching and a spirit of evangelism that prevailed, many new converts were added to the roll of the Tabernacle. It was then felt necessary that a larger building be erected. This was done in 1926, at a cost of approximately forty-five hundred dollars under the direction of Reverend Hodge. Under his good leadership, a street march was held and the building was occupied in the summer of 1926.
Appropriate dedication was held with the installation of the officers, deacons and Reverend Hodge as the first pastor.
This church has always been noted for the outstanding gospel singing even though in those early days they used an old-fashioned organ.
The following is a list of charter members of the Old Landis Tabernacle:
Mr. and Mrs. Clint Ervin Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Lefler
Mrs. W.A. James Mr. Ira M. Daughtery
Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Ludwick Mr. and Mrs. John Blackwelder
Mr. Whitson L. Wilhelm Mrs. Dixie Wilhelm Jordan
Mrs. Clarence F. FlowersMrs. Beulah Carpenter Thompson
Mr. Lee WestMr. Howard Hoffman
Undoubtedly, there are others of which we do not know about. Actually, there are no records concerning this. These are those which were given to us by word of mouth.
Reverend Hodge left in August 1927.
The following is a list of preachers who have pastored Landis Baptist Church since 1927:
