Springfield Baptist Church was organized in 1866 as an African-American Church. In 1889, Professor Thomas Jefferson Elder administered the building as an African American High School, with 25 enrolled. In 1890, he founded the Sandersville High School and Industrial School, which was moved to 316 Hall Street and renamed the T. J. Elder High School and Industrial School. The building now serves as Thomas Jefferson Elder Community Center. The center, which showcases the rich African-American history of our community, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5 PM.