History:

In October, 1966 a group of dedicated Christians joined together at 114 Third Avenue to start a new church. Under the guidance of Rev. L. E. Smith, the first service was a huge success with Christians from several neighboring churches participating. After the first Sunday night service, 18 people joined the church, thus establishing one of the State's more prosperous churches. The church was called "Third Avenue Church of God".

A revival immediately begin which gave the church a great thrust forward. Rev. Smith immediately began to work with the church, calling several business conferences in which elections were held for Council, and workers for various departments.

Under the leadership of Rev. Luke Parsons, pastor from October 1967 to August 1969, the church continued to grow and in June, 1969, an additional building and property adjacent to the church was purchased for Sunday School rooms and Ladies Auxiliary kitchen.

Because of the tremendous growth the church was experiencing and the condition of the existing building, it was felt that additional property should be purchased for a new church. Rev. Frank Herrin, Jr., pastor from 1969 to 1970, worked diligently to locate suitable property for the new building.

Under the guidance of Rev. Bobby Tatum, pastor from 1970 to 1980, a new building was built at the corner of River Street and St. Augustine Road. Since the church was no longer located on Third Avenue, it was felt that the church needed a new name. Because Valdosta is known as the Azalea City, everyone agreed that the church should be named Azalea City Church of God.

In 1980, Rev. Raymond Gabbard became the pastor of the church. Through his hard work and dedication, the church grew to greater heights and deeper depths both spiritually and financially. The attendance skyrocketed and through the cooperation and support of every person attending the church, several remodeling projects occurred, a new family life center was constructed, several other buildings were built along with additional property being acquired. Rev. Gabbard retired in December, 2006 having served 26 years.

In January of 2007, Rev. Brett Jarriel became the new pastor. Under his leadership, the church has experienced tremendous growth, both financially and spiritually. In April of 2008, construction began on a new sanctuary which will seat 1,000.