Poplar Spring Baptist Church, like most historically black churches, has a very rich and beautiful history. Poplar Spring, as we know it today, was originally the New Light Baptist Church. New light Baptist Church was founded in 1908 on the site that is now the upper cemetery. Constructed from slab lumber and utilizing tree stumps as pews, the early members of Poplar Spring worshiped God joyously from a church that had no floors, only the dirt of the earth. But back then, as it is today, the spirit of Poplar Spring was strong.

In 1913, after being influenced by the beauty of nature, Mrs. Martha Boyd Jones convinced the membership to change the name from the New Light Baptist Church to the Poplar Spring Baptist Church. She made this request because of the beauty of the poplar trees that surrounded the spring that ran behind the church - a real sight to behold.

Through the years, Poplar Spring has been under the leadership of twelve different ministers, each contributing to its growth in his own God-sent way. However, the most noted of Poplar Spring's ministers is probably the Reverend Dr. Austin B. Brown. Under his leadership the church enjoyed enormous growth physically, but more importantly, the church experienced spiritual growth. Rev. Brown led the Poplar Spring family for 40 years. He announced his retirement to the church in the summer of 2000.

The first modern-day Poplar Spring Baptist Church was built in the early 1960's under the leadership of Rev. Austin Brown.   On the land that surround Poplar Spring is the church cemetery, a Masonic lodge building, and Flint Hill Schol.   These landmarks, like the church, are also important parts of the community history.

The education building was built in 1985 and the Lord blessed us again in 1996 with a brand new sanctuary.   We are truly grateful and proud and give God all the glory!

In November 2000, Reverend Vardry A. Freeman was elected as pastor of Poplar Spring Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as the minister today.  In 2008, under Rev. Freeman's leadership, the church underwent major renovations and improvements.

The Poplar Spring story is one of love and devotion.  However, we realize that the efforts of man cannot be fulfilled unless he has received the acceptance of God.   At Poplar Spring, we give credit to its members, but we give all thanks and glory to God for  never leaving us alone.