PENDLETON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY, Anderson County, SC A.K.A. Version 2.3, 23-Sep-2006, A222.TXT, A222 **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula Seneca, SC, USA Anderson County SC GenWeb Coordinator Anderson County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scanderson2/ **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 MaryClyde Mungo in Sep-2006 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 G.P.S. MAPPING . : HISTORY WRITE-UP : Pendleton First Baptist Church IMAGES ......... : LOCATION WRITE-UP: TRANSCRIPTION .. : **************************************************************** CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ > Latitude N x Longitude W CHURCH/CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ Compiled from the Church records and the personal recollections of Mrs. Grace Evans and Mrs. Lucy Orr And Peggy Carter First Published in 1943 Revised Published in 1968 Second Revision in 1976 Third Revision in 1992 Fourth Revision in 2002 Introduction First Baptist Church of Pendleton is observing its 160th Anniversary in 2002, so it is fitting that our history be up-dated. Mrs. E.G. Evans started the historical record in 1953 to be available to those who met to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary. She updated the history in another booklet for distribution in 1968 for Homecoming celebration. Mrs. Lucy Orr has recorded the church 's history from that to 1992. Peggy Carter updated the history in 2002. In this publication, therefore, you will have a record from 1853 to 2002. Let us take a look at who made up the earliest known population in this part of South Carolina. The Cherokee Indians originally lived in the eastern area of America from Tennessee through North Carolina and in all territory now known as Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, and Greenville counties. The area was known as Cherokee Nation and had been the Red Man's Hunting Ground from time immemorial. White settlers began to follow trails from Charleston up across the state and liked what they saw here. For a time there was a line beyond which the white people could not live. A treaty was made between the two groups so that trading of wares could take place. The Treaty Oak under which the treaty was agreed upon was not far from Clemson. It stood for many years but has died and been removed. After the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee were gradually pushed farther and farther back so the whites could settle. Historical records show that in 1838, eighteen thousand (18,000) Cherokees were to march westward searching for a place to live. "The Trail of Tears" was the name given to this march. It was the right name for records show that over four thousand (4,000) of them died along the way. By the 1860's thousands of pioneers had moved into the up-state area. They built homes for their families and churches in which to worship. Old Stone Church on Highway 76 was built for Presbyterian settlers in 1797-1802. St. Paul's Episcopal Church on East Queen Street was organized and built in 1819-22 by Charleston well-to-do families who had built large homes here and brought their families, some slaves, their carriages, horses and workers, up each summer to get away to a cooler, healthier place. Malaria and other illnesses were prevalent in Charleston in summer. The first Methodist Church in Pendleton was established in 1840 at its present location. One hundred fifty years ago this Baptist Church of Pendleton was built. Perhaps you have often wondered why the Baptist Church was not organized until more than fifty years after the village of Pendleton was founded. This is explained, in that, the early settlers who came to Pendleton were from the low country, mainly Charleston, and very few, if any, were Baptist. It was not until 1842 that a few prayerful and determined Christians came together and organized the Pendleton Baptist Church- among them: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Sloan, Mrs. Robert Maxwell, Mrs. Miriam Mays, William C. Smith, Reverend Thomas Dawson, Joseph Gresham and others. Up until this time there was no Baptist church at this place, the nearest being Lebanon and Shiloh, so the members attended those churches and occasionally they held a meeting in the Methodist Church. But feeling the great need for a house of worship of their own, this little group led by Thomas Sloan, William C. Smith, and Joseph Gresham made plans for building a church. More closely connected with the formation and early history of the church than anyone else was Thomas W. Sloan. He moved to Pendleton in 1839, and until his death ten years later, was one of the chief supporters of the church. If was he who superintended the building of the house of worship. If was completed in 1843, with the exception of the steeple. Before Mr. Sloan's death, that was added. Following the completion of the church building, the members began having services with Thomas Dawson as their first pastor. There were 19 white members and 12 black members making a total membership of 31. Many of the names of the original members are listed in a valuable and historic old ledger. From the organization of the church though the Civil War and for several years afterward, the black membership is worthy of mention. These were the slaves whose owners were members of the church and whose interest in their spiritual teaching led many to become Christians. The gallery was built expressly for their benefit; the men were placed on one side and the women on the other. For several years after the war the black membership remained large. One old man, "Uncle" Andy Reece did not withdraw until 1875, and said he was sorry then to leave the "white folks" church. The first pastor, Thomas Dawson, was a native Englishman, teacher, preacher, and zealous missionary. He served the church during the year 1843. He then moved to other parts of the state where he preached and taught for a period of 25 years. He returned to Pendleton and bought a home here. Again he served this church as a pastor for two years, and afterwards as a valuable member until his death in 1880. During his ministry, he preached at every church in the upper part of the state and almost as many in the lower part, many times with little or no pay. It was not that he believed that this was right. He felt called to preach to the churches but the churches did not feel called to pay him. Once a month for a year he preached at a church that was about thirty miles from his home. For his services he received a pair of socks, a vest pattern, and an apron for his wife. As a member of our church he was active and faithful until the end came, when he was laid to rest in our church yard. Among the many early pastors who served the church so faithfully were J.S. Murray and Thomas Earle, both distinguished educators and eminent ministers. From 1857 to the close of the Civil War in 1865, we had no regular pastor. During a part of the time the church had only two men members. A number of faithful women held the church together by their earnest labors. Among them were Mrs. Miriam Mays, Mrs. Samuel Maxwell, and Miss Ellen Lebb, a teacher in the female academy. They would hold weekly prayer meetings at their homes and on Sunday would meet at the church and have Sunday School, some of them reading the Bible and conducting school. It was at different times during this period that the Home Mission Board helped the church by sending them an occasional preacher. Again in 1868, Thomas Dawson was re-elected as pastor. At this period of the church's history it was in a very low and feeble condition, having only a few active members. Among those was J.D. Smith, who had moved to Pendleton in 1856. He became a useful and active member and was then its strongest supporter. From 1871-1877 the church seems to have been supplied with preachers by students from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, located at Greenville, S.C. About this time, the church was greatly revived by a protracted meeting which resulted in the addition of 65 members. As we look through the records, we find that in 1879 the women organized the Women's Society and the men, led by Mr. A. J. Sitton, were talking of the need for a parsonage. In a few years they had added a baptismal fount and two vestry rooms, as well as new pews in the church. The records also show that during these years the church disciplined its members, withdrawing fellowship from quite a few, both men and women, for unchristian conduct. During the next period of time there were almost as many pastors as there were passing years. Our parents and their families were in the pews at this time and the membership numbered 130. One of the most beloved of them, Mrs. A.J. Sitton, presented as a gift to the church a well planned and beautiful parsonage honoring the memory of her late husband and son, Mr. A.J. Sitton and A.J. Sitton Jr. Another outstanding member, Mrs. Selma Shirley McCrary, a woman of culture and a consecrated leader, kept the women's work active and on a high plane during this period. Other members, Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Eskew, were noted for their hospitality, entertaining more preachers and visitors to the church than anyone else. The members of the church at this time also sent 12 sons to fight in World War I. One of those, Glenn Evans, gave his life for his country. The pastor during part of this period was Mr. E.R. Pendleton who stayed from 1916-1922, with the exception of the year 1918, when he was granted a leave of absence to serve as chaplain in France. The church showed much spiritual growth during his pastorate. Mrs. Pendleton was also an energetic worker and devoted much of her time to a class of her of girls in Sunday School. Following these fine people, our next pastor was Dr. H.A. Bagby, who labored among us for seventeen years. He has the distinction of serving as long as any pastor has ever served during the church's history. Dr. and Mrs. Bagby's wonderful influence will long be felt in our church. During this period Sunday School rooms were added- a need which had been keenly felt for many years. The next pastor was Mr. C. E. Scarborough, deceased April 20, 1992, who faithfully worked with us until 1942 when he accepted a call to the Liberty Church. Dr. Goode of Clemson served the church most ably as supply pastor. There was no organized choir until years later when we moved into the new church. There was no choir loft, only a small pulpit area and very few classrooms. A few singers sat near the piano and sometimes sang a special hymn, but anthems were not prepared. If there was a leader for congregational singing, Mr. C. D. Marett did the leading. A Men's quartet was popular for their special music. Mr. Hovie Mullikin , Mr. Marett and his son Dan, and Waymon Evatt composed the quartet. Mrs. Mary Lois Aull played the piano for a long time. After her death Mrs. Aileen Broadwell, Miss Mary Ann Broadwell, and Miss Eloise Broadwell, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Broadwell, served as pianists and organist for our church without monetary remuneration. We shall always be grateful to them for their wonderful contribution to the church. Dr. H. K. Ezell served the Pendleton Baptist Church and also the Lebanon Church form 1943-1946. The church had a membership of 175. During the years following 1943, the church began to experience growth because of the establishment of several textile plants in this area. With this increasing population expansion, our church facilities were inadequate, so plans were made to build a new church. During Dr. Ezell's pastorate, the duplex system of financing was begun. There was a total budget of $2,717.54 at this time. The Baptist Training Union was 2 years old, having been organized in 1938, with Mr. Phelpot as its first director. Dr. Ezell preached at our church on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at a salary of $100 per month. Mrs. Ezell was president of our W.M.U. for a time, and their two children Mary Carolyn and Kay added much to our church. A third child, a son, was born while they were here. When Mr. John Searcy came next to be our pastor for 2 years, 1946-1948, the church had full time services for the first time. During this time, plans were begun for a new building, after the old edifice was termed unfit for remodeling, due to termite damage. The church was to be built within 5 years or the money given would have to be returned to the donors. Mr. Searcy led us in many plans for raising money- one being a five acre plot donated by Mr. J. H. Hopkins for raising cotton. After much back breaking work among the men, women, and children of the church, they netted $200 from this project. The W.M.S. members also contributed their earnings from serving meals to the Lions Club several times during the year. The Building Fund was set up. Financial drives were made and the fund began to grow. In 1948 Reverend A. R. Brown donated 150 ft square of land adjoining the cemetery on which to build the church. An additional frontage was purchased for $300. The church property in 1947 was valued at $17, 500. Mr. Searcy resigned in 1948. He is now deceased. Mr. Henry Simpson was our next pastor (1948-1950). He and his wife had two small children. She was a talented person who was able to lead in the organizations of the church. One of their sons, Mr. Jim Simpson, was later employed by the South Carolina Baptist Convention as Director of Discipleship Training for the state. He led a meeting in Pendleton several years ago for local leaders of Discipleship Training throughout the Saluda Association. Plans for the new church building were completed and the church was built for approximately $65,000. Members had given generously of materials, money and labor. The structure was adequate for a time. It included the sanctuary, office space, a kitchen, a fellowship hall , and eight classrooms upstairs. Church membership numbered 266, Sunday School 159, Training Union 77. The budget was $5,000. Dedication took place on August 119, 1951. Mr. Searcy was asked to preach because the planning had been done while he was pastor. A Hammond Organ was installed in the sanctuary. It was a gift from Dr. & Mrs. C. C. Horton in memory of their son Dr. Clinton C. Horton Jr. Who died in and accident. The parsonage on East Queen Street was sold in 1950 for $8,500. The money was used to help finance building a brick parsonage on a lot given by Dr. & Mrs. Horton on Broad Street. The new house was valued at $25,000. Mr. Simpson resigned in 1950 and was replaced by Mr. W.J. Yeaman, Jr. He was a young man and just out of collage. He married soon after he came. His wife was active in many phases of church work, especially in music. They were with us for only two years. Mr. Harry Granger and his family moved into the new parsonage in 1952. During his tenure of five years, the uniform budget was adopted. The new classrooms made it possible to departmentalize the Sunday School and grade by age. The Baptist Courier was included in the budget to be sent to each family weekly if so desired. The new choir loft, new organ, and an organist made it possible for a choir to be organized. Mr. Fred Fowler was the first Director of Music and Miss Eloise Broadwell the organist. Mr. Fowler led the music for several years until he moved to Anderson. Eloise moved away, but fortunately there were several young ladies who came our way for short periods of time, joined our church, and were good organist. They were Mrs. Joan Dalton Hasty, Mrs. Eunice Rash, Mrs. Brenda Rippy, Mrs. Sarah Harris, and Mrs. Opal Quattlebaum. In 1953 the Brotherhood was organized for the men to be involved in learning about missions. They took over the leadership of the Royal Ambassadors (RA's _ a mission organization for Baptist boys). In 1992, there were 22 young boy's enrolled in RA's. They meet each Wednesday night during the school months, and often attend RA Camp McCall near Pickens in the summer. February 14, 1954 was an important day. The church was declared debt free! Mr. Granger resigned in 1957 to accept a call to Columbia, S.C. He is now deceased. In November, 1957, Reverend Harry S. Girtman and family -wife Kathryn, daughters Sue Ellen, Beth, and Sharon, began a seventeen year stay in Pendleton (1975). The town was growing and so was church membership. A reserve fund was set up for building an Educational facility in the near future. There came a time when space was so needed that the church office was moved across the street to an upstairs room in the parsonage. On Sunday, the Young People's Sunday School Class met in a room there also. It was very evident that more space was needed. Ground was broken in December 1963 to begin construction of the Educational Building. Bonds totaling $85,000.00 were sold to partially finance the project. By August 30, 1964 it was dedicated. The new building cost $110,000.00. Also during this time the entire church building was air conditioned at a cost of $12,904. A parking lot in the back was hard surfaced and the children's play area was started. The enlarged facility enabled the church to enjoy substantial growth. The church family had lunch at the church and the dedication service was at 2:30 p.m. The new facility covered 9,000 square feet of floor space. According to records at that time, "It housed the nursery, choir rehearsal and robing rooms, a fellowship hall with room to seat 200 people, and a spacious kitchen." In 1958 Melvin Barnette was chosen to be Minister of Music, a position he held for twenty- five years. You will be reading about his work later in the record. Another staff member employed was Jane Jamieson. She began in 1966 as the first full time secretary. She was so efficient that her title was changed to Administrative Assistant. I quote part of Dr. Warmath's message in the mail-out bulletin for June 20, 1991. "It has been 25 years this month that Jane came to work for First Baptist. We are most fortunate. Work in the office is done and done well.....I suppose no one is indispensable, but Jane comes close." I think we would all agree. Reverend Girtman was chosen to be one of a group of ministers being sent on a preaching mission to Alaska sponsored by the Home Mission Board. For three weeks in March of 1969, he worked in Hotesbue, Alaska and other mission points. In June of that same year, a missionary from Alaska was in the States and was a week-end guest of our church. The W.M.U. gave Miss Shirley Korte a gift of money to purchase a bell to be hung in the steeple at Chalkstsik, Alaska to ring out the message, "Church service is about to begin." In 1968 the church celebrated the One Hundred Twenty-Fifth Anniversary. The bulletin for the day of celebration, November 24, contains the names of those who planned the day's program. They were Mr. Miller Harris, Mrs. Bill Jackson, and Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Welborn. The choir recorded "Prayer and Praise," a collection of favorite anthems, which was made available to former members who came to celebrate. The Church staff at that time is listed as follows: Harry S. Girtman, Minister Melvin E. Barnette, Minister of Music Mrs. Jane M. Jamieson, Church Secretary Mrs. Eunice Rash, Organist The church had made rapid strides in the last few years. Preliminary plans were being made for the erection of additional educational space. The membership was 283 resident members and 79 non-resident members. Melvin Barnette developed a musical program for the church which involved many of our members. He directed the Adult and Youth Choirs. Volunteer leaders and pianists worked with the Junior and Primary choirs. He was always available if needed for advice. In 1973 Frank Breazeale joined the staff as organist. For seven years he gave us beautiful music. He could get music out of the organ that wasn't printed on the sheet music. On several occasions he wrote arrangements of familiar hymns which were published in a music periodical. The adult choir usually had from 25-35 singers. Frank Breazeale was the accompanist. Some activities in which the adults participated are interesting and worthy of a place in the record. For three consecutive years they joined with Clemson singers in presenting Handel's "Messiah" at Clemson Baptist Church. Two of those presentations were directed by Melvin. Frank was organist. Two cantatas were recorded that were available for purchase: "Behold the Star" for Christmas in 1967, in 1971 " My Redeemer Liveth" an Easter cantata, and "Prayer and Praise" which was mentioned earlier. The adults sang at the South Carolina Evangelistic Convention in Columbia, SC, the Saluda Association Music Festival, and The State Convention of the Exchange Club. The concert of secular music presented there resulted in an invitation to present two concerts at the National Exchange Club Convention which met in San Juan, Puerto Rica in July of 1973. Forty-five people from our church made the trip. Arrangements had been made through the Home Mission Board for the group to sing in a Mission Church in San Juan. For them we sang some of our anthems. Each of the Youth groups prepared special music at holiday seasons and often sang at night services. Sometime they presented special music in the morning worship service. They participated several times in competition at the Saluda Association Festival and brought home superior ratings. The Solid Rock Choir was made up of teenagers. They prepared musicals to perform each summer for six years. They not only accepted invitations to sing near Pendleton, but each summer made a trip to places far away. Melvin would make arrangements at several places along the way for them to present their concerts. They sang in churches, at beach resorts, camp sites, etc. In 1979, they went as far as Richmond, Virginia where they presented "Life Unlimited" in a church pastored by David White II. The Whites had lived in Pendleton for several years and several of their teenagers were singers in the Solid Rock Choir. Miriam Wilson and Frank Breazeale were pianists for the group all the years they were organized. Ron Herrin and Pat Holder assisted Melvin on the trips. Melvin was largely responsible for getting a Radio ministry started in 1969. Morning worship services were taped and played on delayed broadcast at 1 p.m. over WCCP Clemson Radio Station. Men from the church volunteered to do the taping and get it to Clemson in time for the broadcast. Guy York, George Cope, and Steve Harris were three of the first volunteers. After seventeen years in Pendleton, Reverend Girtman resigned in January, 1975 to accept a call to Hampton Heights Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. The next eight or ten years might be cited as some of the most active of any on record. Changes took place, new activities were started, new faces and new roles appeared in many places. Reverend Robert D. Shrum accepted a call to be out pastor. He came to us from Sumter, SC where he had been associate minister at the First Baptist Church. In May for 1975, he and his family, wife JoElla and sons Steven and Jonathan moved into the parsonage. Jason, David, and Laura were born after the came. Reverend Shrum took up the reins of leadership, and things began to happen. Children's Church was started for those age four through second grade so the could hear a service geared to their comprehension. Dr. David Holder served as the first children's pastor. Later, Doug Davison took over. Other adults volunteered as the years went by. Children's Worship is still a high point of Worship for our children. The large group goes out eagerly to their service.. Another new activity was the organization of a group for senior citizens. They named themselves Keenagers and have enjoyed various get-togethers. Trips out of town to eat breakfast, to pick apples, or to go to places of interest , and meals at the church are all planned by a committee. Rosa Gibson served as the first chairperson for the Keenagers, and Annie Tribble has been chairman for the last several years. We listen anxiously for news from her about plans that are in the making. Another first! When deacons were nominated in 1975, the names of several women appeared on the ballot. What a surprise! Lucy Orr was elected to serve a regular three-year term on the Deacon Council. It was necessary to amend the By-Laws to be able to elect women. The vote was unanimous. Since 1975, women have been an integral part of our Deacon Council. Another first was a request from Dr. David Holder to the church to ordain him to the Gospel Ministry. He wanted to serve as interim pastor at South Union Baptist Church in Oconee County. So in May, 1976, the request was granted. In June of 1976, another first for our church came as a result of a request from Fred Stone, a student at Clemson, who requested that the church license him to preach the Gospel. No record has been found to show that this had ever been done before. Many teenagers were regular in attendance and involved in the Solid Rock Choir, so it was decided that a Youth Director should be employed. Butch Blume, an Anderson College student, worked with them in the summer of 1977. A decision was made in 1975 to enter into financial cooperation with the First Baptist Church of Clemson and Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca in order to more fully support the Baptist Student Union at Clemson University. Each year our budget had included a contribution to help carry on the work for the B.S.U. As a result of this involvement, a large number of students began to worship with us on a regular basis. Many joined our church and were involved in teaching Sunday School classes, working with RA's, and singing in the choir. A number of them will be mentioned by name in our history. Phil Gibson, son of Charlie and Ginny Gibson, was elected to serve as Co- president of the B.S.U. in 1977. He was also selected to serve as summer worker in RA camp in Arizona. One of our young ladies, Kim Bowman, represented Campus Crusade on the campus of the University of Virginia in the summer of 1978, and again when she was a student there. Mary Schreck did mission work in Germany. Jean Hollifield worked in the mountains of Kentucky. Both were students active in B.S.U. Dr. and Mrs. David Holder received appointment from the Foreign Mission Board for a one year term in Bangalore, India. He went as an agricultural missionary to help in growing food and in digging wells for pure water. He was allowed to teach, preach, and try to improve their living conditions. Some of our local young people have answered God's call during their college years. Fred Stone mentioned earlier as the first one to request a license to preach, attend South Western Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. For several years, he was pastor at Utica Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C. Steve Harris, son of Miller and Elsie Harris, was ordained in May, 1978. He attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served for many years as chaplain at a Children's home in Virginia, and is now at a church in Roanoke, Virginia. Scott Smith, son of Charles and Eloise Smith, attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as a Campus Minister at the Citadel and Baptist College in Charleston. He is now Campus Minister at Lander College in Greenwood, where he has served for fifteen years. David White, III requested ordination in 1979. He was on the staff at First Baptist Church in Greenwood. SC at that time. He attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has pastored several churches. Lynn McCracken, daughter of Alden and Linda McCracken, graduated from Clemson in 1980. Her first experience in foreign missions occurred in 1982 when she went to Tokyo, Japan on a Crusade for Christ summer project called "Discover Friends." She spent seven weeks in Tokyo and eight days in China. In 1983, she went as Journeyman teacher to Taiwan. After two years there, she felt a call to be a career missionary, so from 1986-89, she attended Southwestern Seminary. She finished the necessary training for new career personnel going to overseas assignments. Lynn taught English at the Guangxi College. About 8,000 students were on the campus; the majority of whom did not understand the Christian message. An adult couple from our church who answered God's call are Annette and Billy Jackson. Contact with the Foreign Mission Board helped them to get training and be commissioned. In 1980, they were assigned to work as career associates in Venezuela. Billy's work was building churches, repairing facilities, and other projects a carpenter could plan and oversee. His last and largest project was constructing a camp where church groups could go for study and fellowship. In April of 1992, they were assigned to Russia where Billy was in charge of building a place to make bricks. The bricks were used to build a Baptist Seminary. The 1990 Foreign Mission study book for Lottie Moon emphasis was about Venezuela. This book contained two pictures of Billy and his work there. Gary and Lily Stone were Clemson students who volunteered for mission work at Hunting Island, SC for three summers. They also spent two years in Ecuador under the Journeyman Program. Later, they went to the seminary and then to Australia. Their next assignment was in South America. In the 1980's, two other young men who were students at Clemson and members of our church requested ordination to the Gospel Ministry. Miles Ahrens and his wife Kim left in 1981, after graduation, to serve as Director of Campus Ministry at Yale University working with Campus Crusade for Christ. The other young man was John Langston. He left after graduation in 1980 to work with a missionary in Africa. He contracted hepatitis and had to return home. After recovery, he went back to mission work in the Philippines. In April of 1992, he was commissioned at Clemson by the Foreign Mission Board. He was one of forty commissioned at the ceremony. His next assignment was in India. He said, "I will do everything from serve as an unofficial veterinarian to helping develop crops that will relieve the hunger problems." He finished a degree in Crop Sciences at North Carolina State and took some seminary courses required by the Mission Board. He then enrolled for that at Southwestern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He and his family are now in Yunnan, China, where John is part of a group which has a contract with the government working with agriculture, forestry, animal science and health. In 1973, the church purchased 5+ acres from Mr. A.R. Brown for $10,000. It was used for additional parking spaces. By 1977, that had been paid for, the pipe organ debt was paid, and the bonds sold to finance the Educational Building had matured and paid back. A mortgage burning took place on June 5, 1977 at the close of the service indicating that the debt incurred for the Educational Building was now paid. Reverend Girtman returned to preach that day and participate in burning the mortgage. Jack Wilson, Deacon Chairman, and J.B. Ouzts , member of the Building Committee also took part. We were debt free again! Another new activity was Wednesday evening Family Night Supper started in October, 1978. It proved to be a time of good fellowship as well as good eating. Eulalah Williams became the one in charge of planning the menus, etc, but volunteers took turns preparing the food. It was a successful venture and is still going along well in 2002. In the early 1970's Co-Ed Sunday School classes were added as an option to men's and women's classes. Today the number of these classes has increased to include not only young married adults, but older adults as well. In 1976 it became evident that more space was needed, especially in the sanctuary. Attendance had increased and often it was necessary to place chairs in the aisles to seat all the worshippers. The Building and Grounds Committee began a thorough investigation of the overall physical plant. They found many significant repairs were needed, in addition to remodeling and expansion. Several professional firms were consulted about costs and possibilities of change. The Building and Grounds Committee realized it would be a sizeable project so they asked the church to select a separate committee to take over the project. In the summer of 1977, the Renovation Steering Committee was elected: Jack Wilson, chairman, Charles Smith, Billy Jackson, Rosa Gibson, and Laura Williamson. As they began to study the task that was ahead, they felt that more people needed to be involved so Jack asked that 12 members be chosen. He also asked the church to give approval to the committee to enlarge the sanctuary and permission to employ an architectural firm to do the required study and the drawing of plans. In March of 1978, the Renovation Steering Committee was enlarged by electing persons whose names were nominated by the congregation. Two sub-groups formed: Finance Sub Committee members were: Melvin Barnette, chairman; Gail Jameson, Mike Hood, Ron Herrin, Laura Williamson, Boo Sheppard, Faye Allen, Lou Wood, Lucy Orr, and John Williams. Building Oversight Committee members were: Jack Wilson, chairman; Sid Hayes, Billy Jackson, Rosa Gibson, Charles Smith, Dunc Chalker, Joe Rackley, Suzanne Morse, J.D. Welborn, and Scott Boulton. Gaulden, Craig, and Davis, architects from Greenville were employed to work closely with the Building Committee. They were asked to prepare drawings and plans to be shown to the church. The finance Sub Committee was to research methods of financing the project of enlarging, renovation and all facets of work done as it developed. Plans were presented on November 4, 1978 for the church's consideration. Questions from the congregation were answered and their suggestions were considered. A brochure had been prepared titled "Yes, We Really Care" that contained pictures of plans being considered. A picture of a Sunday morning service showed all the seats occupied. The drawing showed how the sanctuary could be widened, the social hall renovated, the parking lot improved. A theme song was used to remind us why all this was being done. Boo Sheppard adapted the words of a hymn by Bill Cates to fit our program. It went: "Worshiping, Trusting, and Learning to Live; We are people with so much to give; Yet, there are those who are longing to know Jesus that our church cares. Yes, we really care! We have God's love to share. With people everywhere Yes, we really care!" The brochure presented several methods of financing the project so that church members would be prepared to vote on the project. The financing plan would first ask for pledges to be paid over a three year period. It also listed some items that could be paid for and as a gift or memorial. For example: Chandelier-$415.00, Clearstory Stained Glass Window-$728, Sound System-$5,500.00. and A Vestibule Desk was to hold an album that contained a page for each gift and the name of the donor. Other methods were suggested and what was not pledged would be covered by a twenty-year long term loan estimated to be $290,000.00 at 13-1\2 % interest. This would require a payment of about $42,020.00 per year until the year 2000. It was signed on February 13, 1980. The contract with Dean Construction Company was estimated at $259,550.00 for renovation and expansion of facilities. In addition, a purchase contract for pews, carpet, stained glass windows, a sound system, etc, was estimated at $76,000.00 The church voted to have the contract signed on February 13, 1980. It was decided to widen the sanctuary 16 feet instead of 12 feet. Pledge Day in November 1979 showed $80,000 to be paid in three years beginning immediately. Many items were donated and a loan of $290,000.00 was made with American Federal Savings & Loan at an interest rate of 13-1\2%. Ground breaking was held on February 28, 1980. For months, services were held in the Fellowship Hall but when work also began there, church was moved to Miller Hall at Tri County Technical College. On November 20, 1980, we moved back to our sanctuary to dedicate all that had been done. The sanctuary was beautiful and would now seat 500 people-180 more than before. There was more space in the parking lot, the social hall had carpet and new folding doors to set up classroom space for five groups. A goal for Sunday School had been set at 278 but 305 were present. Collection that day was $9,098.80. During these years the membership had reached 588 but due to the make-up of our attendance area, there were many who joined, were here a few years, took an active part in our activities but moved on and had their membership transferred, but they are to be commended for that. The budget increased each year but with no records of failure to meet obligations. In 1970 the budget was $61,339.00 but by 1976 it was $82,992.00 Reverend Shrum received his Doctorate degree in 1979. Debbie Warren graduated from Southern Seminary in 1979 and came to serve as our first full-time Minister of Education and Youth. She was very helpful in planning training sessions for Sunday School workers, coordinating youth activities and sometimes assisting Dr. Shrum in pastoral duties. She requested that she be ordained to preach the Gospel in 1983. Debbie resigned in January of 1984 after four years of successful leadership. The Woman's Missionary Union (W.M.U.) was organized in 1879. Mrs. Evans has told us of some of the women who organized it and how they held the church together during the war. Every year from 1879 to 2002, Pendleton ladies have had a W.M.U. and have been active in sponsoring missions at home and abroad. Mrs. Bertie Boyce moved to Pendleton in the late 70's and accepted the office of Director of W.M.U. She knew just how to get it property organized and very soon the W.M.U. was more active than it had ever been before. Her influence and love for missions are still felt in our W.M.U today. The W.M.U. in the 1800's was made up of a small group of women interested in sending money for missionaries to go to China and other areas. They usually had a very small purse to send because back then women didn't work out in the public and the "butter and egg money" added up very slowly. In recent years the W.M.U. has sponsored the Mission Studies and Weeks of Prayer emphasis as church-wide activities. The giving has increased. $6,046.00 was the Lottie Moon contribution in December, 1991-the most we had ever given. W.M.U. sponsors organizations for the girls while Brotherhood works with RA's. Mission Friends is a group for pre-school children, and Girls in Action (GA's) is for girls from first through sixth grade. Royal Ambassadors (RA's) is the organization for boys in first through sixth grade. A Church Directory was made in 1979 that pictured this staff: Dr. Robert Shrum, Senior Minister; Melvin Barnette, Music Director; Debbie Warren, Minister of Education and Youth; Jane Jamieson, Administrative Assistant; Frank Breazeale, Organist. The next few years saw each of these except Jane move on to other fields of service. Dr. Shrum resigned in 1983 to become Senior Minister at Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC. Dr. George Lovell served as our interim pastor. A pulpit Search Committee was chosen made up of Jack Wilson, chairman; Susanne Morse, Bill Hobbs, Mike Hood, and Lucy Orr. After several months of work they presented Reverend John Brantley to the church. He was an Assistant Minister at First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama. He was called and installed on October 2, 1983. His wife Patty and small son Drew made up his family. Another son Tyler was born during the time the Brantleys lived here. The Installation Bulletin listed the Church Officers who were: Church Clerk, Dunc Chalker; Treasurer, J.B. Ouzts; Chairman of Deacons, Bill Hobbs; Sunday School Directors, Mike and Kathy Hood; W.M.U. Director, Bertie Boyce; Training Union Director, John Morse; Brotherhood Director, Wayne Patterson. Most of these are still here today in various places of service. In 1983 the By-Laws were revised. New Hymnals were purchased. In August of 1983, Melvin Barnette resigned after twenty-five years as Minister of Music. He had been an excellent director and touched the lives of many people along the way. A committee was named to choose a replacement. Mr. Bob Heritage, professor in the Music Department at Anderson College was chosen. He was working on his doctorate and had a co-worker, David Child, fill in for him in the summer of 1985. Dr. Heritage resigned in 1986. He felt he did not have time to do all he needed to do in both places. Mrs. Vivian Hamilton was chosen then to be Music Director. She and her husband David were both excellent musicians. She soon completed her Doctoral degree in music. Vivian and David were parents of two daughters. Vivian served the church until April of 1998, when she resigned to take a position much nearer their home in Traveler's Rest. An adult handbell choir and a youth handbell choir were organized under Vivian's guidance. Both are still active today. In 1983, $10,450 had been spent to get the parsonage in better condition but it still was not what it should be. As years went by, the question kept coming up- should it be sold and let the pastor choose where he would live? In February of 1988, a committee was elected to evaluate, study the situation and report to the church in April, Jack Meadows, Randy Strickland, Evelyn Simpson, Dunc Chalker, Harold K. Wilson, and Horace Gibson were named to do that. The recommendation was to sell the parsonage. The church voted to accept the recommendation. It sold for $91,900.00, but after closing costs, etc., there was $86,143.60 to be used wisely. The church voted to apply $60,000 to the principal of the mortgage. By decreasing the debt we would save $50,000 in interest and reduce pay-off time by several years. $14,000.00 was to be put in the Emergency Maintenance Fund and could only be used for that. None could be used for operating costs. When interest rates went down in 1986, our Budget and Finance Committee recommended refinancing the loan. A request went out to members asking for new pledges to contribute extra money once a month. $10,000 was pledged. In August it was reported that refinancing had been completed at 8% interest for 154 years. The church would be out of debt again, but not for long. As a result of studies by the Long Range Planning Committee, more renovation and building may be necessary. In 1987 a Long Range Committee with Steve Hansen as chairman worked many hours over many weeks and came up with a document that reported on goals to work toward by the end of five years. Every phase of church activity were studied. The physical plant was evaluated. Needs and goals were determined in every area. In 1992 the Long Range Planning Committee had some different members as well as some who had worked on the first document. John Morse was chairman that year. They evaluated what has been accomplished and what other changes needed to be made. The Committee presented the church members with their document titled Visions for 1996. We were to work toward meeting the new goals in the next five years. The evaluation of the physical plant revealed some needs that should be addressed soon. A committee was chosen to study these problems. Those elected were: Steve Goldie, chairman; Rick Wilson, Ann Strickland, Ross Jameson, Kellie Tedder, Jim Wood, Gary Sumeral, Christy Allen, Gertie Corder, and Wayne Patterson. Back to the position of Youth Director, Butch Blume worked with the youth in the summer of 1976. Mike Hammond, another Anderson College student worked with them in the summer of 1977. Debbie Warren served in the early eighties as youth minister. Todd Nelson, a Clemson student, filled in for a short time until it was time for him to enroll in the Seminary. Next the Personal Committee chose Darryl Wilson to be Minister of Education and Youth. He had just completed his Mastery of Divinity in Christian Education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Darryl led the youth for three years (85- 88) and asked the church to ordain him before he left to take a similar position in another church. In the fall of 1987 Frank Breazeale resigned as our organist. He had made beautiful music for us for seven years. He became organist at First Baptist Church in Clemson. Dr. Melvin Hipps filled in for a short time until he accepted a job at Anderson College. The Personnel Committee then chose Mrs. Karilyn Slice of Anderson to play for us. She was a very talented person and taught piano to many students. Reverend John Brantley resigned in 1988. That left us with only one staff member with many years of experience. The deacons were given the responsibility of handling the procedures needed to choose a minister. Cheryl Patterson was chairperson of the Deacon Council in 1988. A Pulpit Search Committee was named with Gene Bishop, chairman; Ann Strickland, Ross Jameson, Tom Carter, and Rachel Scott. A Pulpit Supply Committee was also named to secure interim ministers to fill the pulpit until a new pastor was called. Annie Tribble, chairperson, Owens Corder, and Peggy Carter were elected. Dr. James Craine, retired minister from First Baptist Church in Anderson, filled in mornings and evenings for several months. We enjoyed him and Mrs. Craine. Dr. Jerry Warmath was presented by the committee and called by the church. He came to us from Pennsylvania in September of 1988. His wife Barbara was a trained musician. She sang in the choir and led the congregational singing on Sunday evening. When Darryl Wilson resigned in 1988, the Personnel Committee chose Greg Robinson to be Minister of Christian Education and Youth. Greg and his wife Jodie came in July of 1989 just out of Southern Seminary. Their two daughters, Lydia and Hannah Mae, were born while the Robinsons were here Greg had gone as a Journeyman under the Foreign Mission Board right after finishing college. He spent two years in South Korea working with students in a University. When he returned he went to Southern Seminary. There he met Jodie, who was working toward a degree. Greg graduated with a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education degree. Jodie received a Master of Church Music and took several courses in Christian Education. She served on staff as our church pianist. Greg worked diligently with the teenagers and the younger children. He planned many interesting activities for each group, summer and winter. Many parents got involved and help him in many ways. Christian Education was a major focus of Greg's work in our church. Through his leadership, we committed to presenting Bible Study that is appropriate for every age group. Greg was a creative young man and shared that in the mail-out bulletin with his amusing poems and witty statements, and original drawings. Greg resigned in August of 1993. He and Jodie felt the call to become missionaries, and left with the blessings and good wishes of our church family. After training by the Foreign Mission Board, they were sent to Taiwan for some time. They now are serving the Chinese-speaking people in Paris, France. A number of gifts to the church have been mentioned already. There are others you would like to know about. This listing is not complete because some were given anonymously. Mrs. Lomas gave the two walnut flower stands handcrafted by her husband, C.H. Lomas, for use in the sanctuary. Brass containers for sanctuary flowers were given by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Godshall. Frank and Linda Breazeale gave a commercial size stove for use in the kitchen. Sybil Stoudenmire Willey gave the refrigerator and several other pieces of equipment used in the kitchen. The brass candle stands and cross used on the pulpit stand were given by J.B. and Eleanor Ouzts. She made the Pulpit Scarves used on the pulpit throughout the year. In 1971, the church was the recipient of a sizeable amount of money from the estate of Miss Virginia Norris of Greenville, the last member of her family to be buried here. Income form a portion of the bequest was designated to ensure perpetual care of the family plot. Income from the larger sum that is invested in bonds was designated for use by the church for upkeep and maintenance of the building and the cemetery. In 1983 we had a dedication service for a Yamaha Grand Piano given by Frank Breazeale in memory of his mother and by Sybil Stoudenmire Willey in memory of her husband Albert Stoudenmire. Part of the service was a concert by pianists Liz Freeze, Miriam Wilson, Jan Box, and Frank Breazeale. All of these gifts are appreciated. We are also grateful for all those who, from 1853 to the present, who have given of their time, talents, and money that God's work might go on. There are countless people who for many years, have helped with the youth groups, RA's, GA's, Mission Friends, the choirs, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and Training Union. There have been scores of committee members and deacons and ushers and cooks and kitchen cleaners ...and on and on the list could go. If it were not for volunteers, the church could not do much! During the ten years since our one hundred fiftieth birthday celebration in 1992, lots of things have happened in our church life. The celebration itself was a great event,, spread out into several different celebrations. There were reunions of the Solid Rock Choir as well as a presentation of Handel's Messiah, directed by Vivian Hamilton and accompanied by Karilyn Slice. There was an updating of the church history by Lucy Orr. And on October 11, there was a Homecoming, with several of out former ministers in attendance. Dr. Robert Shrum brought the message, and there was a wonderful dinner after the service. 1993 was a busy year for us. We had a budget that year of $271,827, and expected our debt to be paid off for our previous renovation loan. In March our ad hoc Committee for Building Renovation and Expansion was charged to develop a plan for our physical growth. On August 1, the Robinsons submitted their letter of resignation, and the Personnel Committee began its search for a new Minister of Education and Youth. In September, the youth presented a special service to honor Greg, featuring skits, scripture, testimony and "Gregology". Tequilla Stokes was hired to be our church pianist. On October 31, the church voted unanimously to call Kevin McDade to the position of Minister of Education and Youth. Kevin and Dee Anne (and later their daughter Brittany) were to be a beloved part of our family until early 2000. Kevin's love for young people was obvious, and the number of teenagers in our youth programs grew steadily. In July of 1994, Kevin reported that we had fifty- five youths, participating in Youth I and Youth II. In November of 1993, the church approved a recommendation from the Committee for Building and Renovation to proceed with our building program. In March of 1994 the building plans were complete, and were presented to the church. The expected cost of the project was approximately $725,000. We agreed to utilize the "Together We Build" program of the Southern Baptist Convention to help us go about raising the funds for this very large undertaking, and we were able to pledge over $550,000 toward the project. This money was to be given over a three year period. We took out a loan from Wachovia Bank for $650,000, and we were ready to get underway! When the groundbreaking for the addition was held, we had representatives from all age groups taking part: Price Carter (pre-school), Kelly Harbin (youth), Maxcy Nolan (young adult), Cortez Lomas (senior adult), Steve Goldie (Chairman of the Building Committee), and Pastor Jerry Warmath. It was an exciting day! Through 1994 and the spring of 1995, we watched with much anticipation as our addition and renovation took shape. No one seemed to mind the inconvenience of moved classrooms or dusty halls or plastic-draped passageways. It was with great delight that we joined together on the seventh of May, 1995, to dedicate our lovely new building and the renovated old building. We were so pleased with our beautiful and roomy fellowship hall, the spacious and well-equipped kitchen area, the attractive and welcoming nursery and pre-school complex and adult classrooms, the new and improved restrooms and storage rooms, and even an elevator! We had a lot to celebrate and be thankful for, and we were grateful to all those on the committees who had done such a fine job of planning and carrying out this huge project.\ In September of 1995, Dr. Jerry Warmath resigned, and a pastor search committee was activated. Members of the committee were Tom Alexander, Faye Allen, Steven Hansen, Mike Leonard and Cheryl Patterson. In December, Dr. Joe Roberts, from Furman University, was recommended to be our interim pastor until a new pastor could be found. Joe stayed with us for the better part of a year, and became a valued member of our "family", too. After months of self-study of our congregation's hopes for our church, and after studying many resumes and interviewing many applicants, and after much prayer by the committee and for the committee, the pastor search committee recommended the hiring of Roger Courtney Krueger as our new pastor. This recommendation was heartily approved, and Courtney and Lea Krueger, son David, and soon-to-be-born daughter Sarah came to join us. Courtney is a graduate of Furman and the Duke University House of Baptist Studies. He has brought to us a wonderful enthusiasm for the ministry, and a loving and caring spirit toward his congregation. He has completed most of his Doctoral requirements, and will soon be Dr. Courtney Krueger. The Krueger family came to Pendleton in December of 1996. Another staff member was welcomed BACK in 1996. Frank Breazeale returned as our organist, much to our delight. In 1997, a "Together We Grow" program grew out of our "Reaching Toward the 21st Century" campaign, which was started to help us finish financing our building project. As we gave toward the building fund, a portion of every gift was automatically set aside to be used for hands-on missions projects that our church family would be involved in. This was part of a concerted effort for us to be more actively involved in missions in our own community. After our new addition was made, there was an unsightly area at the rear of the parking lot where a lot of dirt had been dumped. Some of the ladies of the church began to visualize this area as a meditation or prayer garden, and before long a good many people became involved in a transformation effort. Some of our men helped with the construction of a rustic fence and an arbor at the entrance, and many members donated rootings or transplants from their gardens and yards. Some people gave plants or monetary donations as memorial gifts, and lots of hours or hard work were put in. The dirt pile soon began to look like a garden, and it has become a lovely addition to our grounds. An altar was constructed from stones used in Joe Roberts' last service here, with each stone representing one person's thanksgiving for a particular blessing God had provided. Now the garden has become a blessing, too. In 1998, studies began on the feasibility of purchasing a van or bus for church use. By the end of the year, we had decided to move ahead with the purchase of a bus for the sum of $62,000. This has been a great asset, especially in providing transportation for the youth group trips and the Keenagers, too. The bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. Vivian Hamilton resigned in April of 1998, and Tim Watkins was called as Minister of Music, after serving for a few months in an interim position. The organ was upgraded this year. Greg Robinson was ordained to the ministry by our congregation, as he prepared to go to the mission field. Lynne Sumerel was hired as church custodian in 1999. Tim Watkins resigned as Minister of Music. Ben Boling agreed to serve as interim adult choir director until we found a new Minister of Music. In February of 2000, Kevin McDade resigned to accept a position as Executive Director of Camp Lee in Anniston, Alabama. He had done a wonderful job for us, and had been exceptionally loved by our young people. Although we were happy for him to have this wonderful opportunity, we were sad to see the McDade family leave Pendleton First Baptist. With both the Minister of Education and Youth position and the Minister of Music position vacant, it seemed a good time to evaluate where we wanted our church to go, and what kind of leadership we needed to accomplish what we wanted to accomplish. After much study and discussion, we decided to look for two people to fill two positions, but the positions would be a bit different than what we had had previously. We would hire someone to be our Minister of Students and Missions, and someone to be our Minister of Music and Adult Education. Committees were formed to search for these two people. In the meantime, Josh Massey and Julia Goldie Day, two of our own young adults who grew up in this church, accepted the challenge of guiding the youth and children's programs until a permanent person could be found. They did a fine job, and the church has been grateful for their service. In March of 2000, we finished paying off the debt incurred by our building program, and we celebrated with a mortgage-burning and the dedication of the cornerstone on our new building. How wonderful to be debt-free in only six years! In May, Kevin McDade was ordained by our church. During this year we began a respite program for families of children with special needs. The group meets at our church, and volunteers have been trained to provide care for the children to give parents a needed break from constant care. In 2001, our two vacancies were filled. In January, David Gladson was called to be our Minister of Missions and Youth. He, his wife, Tammy, and their children, Caitlynn and Christopher arrived, and soon were involved in the life of the church. In June, Tom Warnock was called to be the Minister of Music and Adult Education. Tom, his wife, Dottie, and son Jonathon soon were settled in Pendleton, while daughter Sara remained in college in Alabama. During 2001, we formally licensed our own Tim Evatt to preach. Tim is a part- time seminary student while he holds down a legal position with the Department of Social Services. We also sent Josh and Tanya Massey out from us on their way toward the mission field, and saw Julia Goldie Day make a decision to go to seminary, also. In November of 2001, our Administrative Assistant, Jane Jamieson, retired after thirty-five years of service to Pendleton First Baptist Church. She had been with us through a whole line-up of pastors and other staff members, had held things together when times were difficult, had dealt with our joys and sorrows and problems and mistakes, and had been an ambassador of good will for our church day in and day out. We could not imagine our church office without Jane! Rose Phillips was hired as Administrative Assistant, and has done a fine job. And she hasn't even complained about the big shoes she has had to fill. Perhaps she will be a thirty-five-year-person, too. As we look back on 2002, we are seeing a time with a full complement of staff members, and a lot of things happening. We have several missions programs which are in full swing. One of the most exciting of them is our Habitat for Humanity house in Pendleton, a first. The land was donated, as well as substantial funding, and our church has spearheaded the actual construction of the house. Steve and Patti Goldie have been leaders in this effort, and Ray Fisher has given his expertise. Many of our church members, as well as lots of others from the community, have had an active part in the building of this house. We hope it will be ready to become a home by the end of the year, if not before. We have a Seniors program, for senior citizens in the community, which involves activities and a lunch one day a week. And we are excited about our "Intersections" activities, which involve various interest groups for church members and non-church members. We hope these will provide entry points for un- churched people to find a comfortable way to become involved in church life. In addition to the many of our people who have gone out from us into full-time Christian service or the mission field, there are several of our young men who are involved in a different kind of ministry, that of contemporary Christian music. Mark Breazeale, Will Carter, Matt Hayes and Tom Pellerin are members of the band Overflow. They have been writing and performing Christian music for several years, and have had a positive influence on hundreds of young (and not- so-young) people who have heard their message of God's love. As we approach our anniversary celebration, we expect an October filled with special services. John Brantley, Harry Girtman and Bob Shrum are scheduled to bring us sermons, and our music will be led by former music directors. There is a homecoming "dinner-on-the-grounds" (inside!) planned for the first Sunday of the month, and there will be exhibits and a visual presentation. We will be joyful! Our church staff at this time consists of Courtney Krueger, Pastor; David Gladson, Minister of Missions and Youth; Tom Warnock, Minister of Music and Adult Education; Frank Breazeale, Church Organist; Tequilla Stokes, Church Pianist; Rose Phillips, Administrative Assistant;. So now our church is reaching its one hundred sixtieth birthday, and there have been many changes in Pendleton and in our wide world since our congregation first came together. One thing that has not changed is the need of the world for the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are so fortunate that somewhere along the way someone shared that Good News with us. Let us be sure that we as individuals and as a church family do our best to respond to the Great Commission to share the Good News with all of those who have not heard. PASTORS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PENDLETON Reverend Thomas Dawson 1842-1843 Reverend Thomas J. Pierce 1844-1846 Reverend Gibson 1847 Reverend R.A. Childs 1848 Reverend J.S. Murray 1849-1852 Reverend Thomas J. Earle 1857-1865 (no regular pastor) Reverend H.T. Spalding 1865 Reverend W.E. Walters 1866-1868 Reverend Thomas Dawson 1868 Reverend J.S. Murray 1870 Reverend Pinckney Hawkins 1873 Reverend R.W. Sanders 1874 Reverend A. Jaeger 1875 Professor Whitsit 1876 Reverend D. Gordon Lyon 1877 Reverend I.W. Wingo 1877-1881 Reverend C.P. Ervin 1882-1886 Reverend G.I. Gresham 1886 Reverend D.W. Hiott 1887 Reverend J.S. Murray 1888 Reverend B.P. Estes 1889 Reverend W.B. Hawkins 1889-1892 Reverend D.C. Freeman 1894 Reverend B.J. Woodard 1894 (supply) Reverend J.J. Beck 1896 Dr. R.W. Sanders 1897 Reverend J.F. Singleton 1899 Dr. T.V. McCaul Supply Reverend I.P. Lyde 1902-1903 Reverend Perry 1904(Supply) Reverend W.B. Hawkins 1905-1907 Reverend J.R. Moore 1908-1909 Reverend T.G. Lavender 1910 Reverend O.L. Orr 1911 Reverend T.L. Smith 1913-1915 Reverend E.R. Pendleton 1916-1922 Reverend H.A. Bagby 1923-1940 Reverend Claude Scarborough 1940-1942 Reverend H.K. Ezell 1943-1946 Reverend J.C. Searcy 1946-1948 Reverend Henry Simpson 1948-1950 Reverend W.J. Yeaman, Jr. 1950-1952 Reverend Harry Granger 1952-1957 Reverend Harry S. Girtman 1957-1975 Dr. Robert D. Shrum 1975-1983 Reverend John T. Brantley 1983-1988 Dr. Jerry S. Warmath 1988-1996 Reverend R. Courtney Krueger 1996-Present SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Former History Records written in 1943, 1968, 1976, 1992 Minutes of Church Business Meetings Mail-Out Bulletins from 1976-2002 Installation Bulletin for John Brantley-1993 Brochure -"Yes We Really Care"- 1978 For last construction Directories that contained some history -1968,1970,1975 "Cherokee Trails" -INDEPENDENT-MAIL, February 2, 1975 Call to many persons for information Sincere appreciation is expressed to Mrs. Lucy Orr for her labor in updating this history. The portion from 1843 to 1968 was done by Mrs. E.G. Evans. The portion from 1968 to 1992 was compiled by Mrs. Orr, and the portion from 1992 to 2002 by Peggy Carter. o----------o Among the early settlers of Pendleton were few, if any, Baptists. Lebanon Baptist Church was the nearest to town, but in 1842 a church was organized and a frame structure was erected between what is now the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. The first pastor, a circuit rider named Tommy Dawson, is buried in the adjoining cemetery. After his death it was learned he had been a drummer boy for Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, and had been gardener to the queen of England. When the church united with the Saluda Baptist Association in 1843, it had 31 members - 19 white and 12 black. The church struggled, as many of them did, during the War Between the States. At one period during the war there were only two male members. The Baptists prevailed, however, and it has one of the largest congregations in town today. The present sanctuary was erected in 1951 on the site of the original church. Located on Broad Street. TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife >