103-year-old Genora Hamm Biggs BANNED from church for voicing her opinion

An outspoken 103-year-old woman has been banned from her church after she spoke out against her pastor.

Genora Hamm Biggs, known as the 'mother of the church,' has been going to Union Grove Baptist Church in Elberton, Georgia, since she joined it 92 years ago.

But she was left heartbroken after she received a letter from church members which informed her that she was banned from stepping foot inside the church.

Genora Hamm Biggs, known as the 'mother of the church,' has been going to Union Grove Baptist Church in Elberton since she joined it 92 years ago

But she was left heartbroken after she received a letter in the mail from church members who banned her from stepping foot inside the church

Hamm Biggs explained: 'He told police he wanted to put us out, but the police told him 'you can't do that'

Hamm Biggs said the entire debacle unfolded after she told the church's pastor, Reverend Tim Mattox, she did not agree with his preaching style.

The parishioner said that she is upset that he's not following the covenant of the Baptist Church and is trying to change the denomination to a Holiness Church. 

'He's a holy, sanctified minister – we are Baptist and he has divided the church,' Hamm Biggs said. 

THE LETTER IN FULL 

Dear Mrs. Genora Hamm Biggs, 
This letter is to inform you that according to the by-laws of the Union Grove Baptist Church, and by vote of the active members, any membership or associations that you have had with this church are now officially revoked. 
Therefore, you cannot attend Union Grove Baptist Church for any reason whatsoever. You are not to come to the property of the Union Grove Baptist Church located at 680 Pulliam Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635.
Sincerely
The members and officers of the Union Grove Baptist Church

But her complaints did not sit well with him.

Soon after she voiced her opinion, the letter arrived. In the letter, sent by certified mail, Hamm Biggs learnt that her church-going privileges were being 'revoked.' 

It stated: 'Dear Mrs. Genora Hamm Biggs, This letter is to inform you that according to the by-laws of the Union Grove Baptist Church, and by vote of the active members, any membership or associations that you have had with this church are now officially revoked. 

'Therefore, you cannot attend Union Grove Baptist Church for any reason whatsoever. You are not to come to the property of the Union Grove Baptist Church located at 680 Pulliam Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635. 

Sincerely, The members and officers of the Union Grove Baptist Church.' 

The devout Christian was a former city clerk and a school teacher who taught first grade for 40 years. Reverend Mattox was one of her former students.

She says she prays daily but is having her faith tested after she received the letter. 

And it got worse when she defied the church's orders and went back to worship. She said she was met by the frosty priest who wanted police to escort her out. 

Hamm Biggs said: 'The letter said we're not to come back, but we went back – police were there.' 

She told Fox Carolina: 'He told police he wanted to put us out, but the police told him 'you can't do that.'

After that, the pastor dismissed the service. The lights were turned off and Hamm Biggs was left sitting on the pew of a darkened sanctuary.

'I was shocked. It was not a good feeling. I haven't seen anything like this before,' she said shaking her head.

In the letter, sent by certified mail, it was signed by members and officers of the Union Grove Baptist Church'

Hamm Biggs' name is etched on the side of the church, but she's been scarred by the entire bad experience

Elberton police officers say it is a civil matter and have not made any arrests. 

Hamm Biggs' grandson, Eliott Dye, who has been a member of the church for 30 years, and Kevin Hamm, an ordained minister say they were also banned from the church.

But they are more upset for Hamm Biggs. 

Hamm told Online Athens: 'To disrespect a pillar and a mother of the church; how can we sit back and watch something like this go forward?'

Her grandson describes his granny as 'outspoken'. He recalls an incident when a woman in the church called his grandmother 'Jezebel,' but she didn't hear what she'd said.

He said: 'I never told her because her feelings would have been hurt. They have been so rude and I don't understand why it's been directed at my grandmother...[But] my grandmother can be pretty outspoken and that could have a lot to do with it.'

The embattled centenarian, has, however, received the backing of quite a few of the church's 150 parishioners.

Ezell Land, who used to be a deacon at the church, said the Hamm Biggs' family literally founded the church. He said quite simply: 'It's not right!'

'They brought it here on a mule and a wagon from the country when I was a little boy,' Land said. 

Land also attended the church for 56 years before he decided to leave after a run-in with the pastor over his singing.

'Every time I would get up, the pastor would get up and make remarks when I sang and stuff. So, I just got my hat and I left,' he said. 

Ezell Land, who used to be a deacon at the church, said the Hamm Biggs' family literally founded the church. He said quite simply: 'It's not right!'

Hamm Biggs' name is etched on the side of the church, but she says she's been scarred by the entire experience. 

She never expected to be thrown out of a church she loved.

'I wanna get my church straight like it has been,' she said sadly. 

Hamm Biggs is receiving widespread support from people on social media. Many have taken to the church's Facebook page to voice their disgust at the church's actions.

Shataphy Baugns wrote: 'This is a disgrace to all the children of God....The devil is what you serve @ this church bless the elder lady soul. I pray God keep her covered and give her strength from the hurt she felt with this ridiculous decision made by this pastor.'

Scott Allen wrote: 'I have never heard of such an act in all my life. It's bad enough that non believer are attacking us believers, but to hear of this kind of action is shame. 

'Those who signed that mean letter should apologize and allow Miss Hamm Biggs back into the church. Make things right again. This is not your house, it is God's House.'