Flat Rock C.M.E. Church history dates back to 1869. Originally, the abbreviation C.M.E. stood for Christian Methodist Episcopal. But, in 1870, the abbreviation became known as Colored Methodist Episcopal Church; subsequently, it was changed back to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1954.

They held the first regular meetings of Flat Rock C.M.E. church under a "Bush Arbor," which was the original church. They named it "Flat Rock," based on the geographic structure of the earth and rockbeds of Little Coldwater Creek that runs approximately 300 yards from our present site.

With labor being $.25 per day, the members moved forward in establishing a new wood sturcture church. The size of the church was approximately 70 x 60 feet.  This church existed for many years. Later, an addition was added to this structure making the church form a "L" shape.

Many who were involved in the beginning of the new edifice were called to God before the church was completed. Those who did not see the completions of the new church were Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Hardy, Sr., Mr. Bequest Bowman, Mrs. Lola Heard, Rev. Lucius Hardy, Sr., Bro. P.B. Harper, Sr., Mrs. Sula Curry, and Mrs. Fannie Barnes, who lived to be 109 years old.

Serving as steward during this period were Rev. E.L. Barnes, Mr. Dock Heard, Mr. Early Craft, Mr. R.J. Stowers, Mr. James (Babe) Strange, Mr. George Hunt, Mr. Walter Barnes, Mr. Jim Curry, Mr. Henry Barnes, Mr. Florence Gaines, and Mr. Cooley Harper.

The first sermon delivered in the new church was by the pastor, Rev. S.S. Brewer, at 11:45 a.m., on November 28, 1965. Rev. Hicks preached the dedication sermon at 4:30 p.m., November 28, 1965. Bishop Randolph Shy performed the dedication ceremony.

After the congregation was blessed with a new church, everyone was motivated to work. In 1966 a new piano was purchased. The payment was $12.00 per month, which was made by 12 ladies, paying $1.00 each per month.  The next purchases were pulpit furniture and carpet.  Other major purchases were 33 new pews, flower stands, choir chairs, new Methodist hymnals, paved sidewalks, and a water cooler.

Many items in the church have been donated over the years by families in memory of their love ones. The family of the late Brother P.B. Harper gave the Baptismal Font. It was used in baptizing the first 13 new members of the new church, on September 12, 1966, by Rev. S.S. Brewer.  Mrs. Annie Rucker donated a water cooler in memory of her husband, Brother Dave Rucker. The ceiling fans, microwave, and the icemaker were given by the Hardman family in memory of their love ones.  A wet weather shelter was donated by Mr. Lamar Strange in memory of his wife, Mrs. Etta T. Strange.

After the consolidation of the schools in 1956 and the intergration of schools in 1970, the Hart County School Board donated the property and buildings of the Flat Rock Elementary School to the church.

The first double funeral was Bro. George Hunt and Bro. Jimmy Harper. The first church wedding was Miss Vashti Strange on June 9, 1968.

Former pastors of Flat Rock C.M.E. Church include Rev. A.F. Bailey, Rev. Wise, Rev. Beckon, Rev. O.R. Jackson, Rev. Counter, Rev. Wheeler, Rev. Rushin, Rev. E.L. Barnes, Rev. Jay, Rev. S.S. Brewer, Rev. R.P. Hudson, and Rev. Sercery. Our current pastor, Rev. Eddie S. Thornton, has served since 1981.

Some of the former Presinding Elders were Rev. Harris, Rev. Rushin, Rev. H.H. Davis, Rev. L.R. Neal, Rev. J.A. Holman, Rev. McRae, Rev. W.L. Welchel, Rev. Jerry Poole, and presently presiding is Rev. Alber Lee, III.

Former Bishops include Bishop Bell, Bishop Womack, Bishop Randolph P. Shy, Bishop Joseph Cole, and presently presiding is Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey.

Under the minstry and leadership of Rev. Eddie S. Thornton, which began in 1981, many improvements have been made to the present church building.  These improvements include the building of the Sunday school rooms and Fellowship Hall in 1992; the installation of central heat and air conditioning, the purchasing of an organ, remodeling of the sancturay in the 1995 and paving the church yard 1997, for a parking lot.  Many smaller projects include the purchase of 100 Bibles for the pews, 100 C.M.E. hymnals, four vans, computers, a copy machine, a TV, a VCR, steam tables, new tile for the Fellowship Hall, new lounge furniture, kitchen cabinets, new furniture for the pastor study and church office.

In 2007, the Flat Rock C.M.E. Church Family celebrated 25 years of service for Pastor Eddie S. Thornton to the church. During his spiritual leadership Flat Rock Church has grown, with its membership and attendance and continues to do so. Because of this growth, worship service was expanded, which includes an Evangelism Ministry and a weekly Bible Study. This growth also inspired its spiritual outreach to expand into the community by building the Flat Rock Family Life Center and The Life Center gymnasium, which has been named The Eddie Thornton Christian Fellowship Center.

The church is committed to continued spiritual growth.  Flat Rock C.M.E. Church continues to strive to the call of The Great Commission, "Therefore go 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 obey everything I have commanded you..." Matthew 28:19-20.  With God's help, we will keep on keeping on... inspired by our past and looking optimistically toward the future.