|
Newberry County Baptist Churches taken from The Annals of Newberry, Part Two by John A. Chapman The Baptist Church is the oldest in the town of Newberry, having been organized in the year 1831; and in the county at large, if it does not take precedence of all others in point of age, yet it is nearly as old as the oldest, running up to over one hundred years. But it matters not which is the oldest, the Baptist Church has always shown an aggressive spirit against all the powers of evil in every form and shape. As in the case of the other denominations I have tried to find a history of the Baptist Church in this State, or in the county; but I have not succeeded, as it seems there is no such book or pamphlet to be had. I have found a history of the Church at Newberry by Rev. Luther Broaddus, but that is all. I give a condensation of that history and such other facts as I have been able to gather in regard to the others. In September, 1831, Rev. N. W. Hodges, J. M. Chiles, Josiah Furman and John M. Barnes began preaching at a stand in a large oak grove, then and afterwards known, I think, as the Academy Grove, on the southern outskirts of the village. At that time there were only four or five church members in the village; but on the 30th of September, the same month the preaching began, a church was organized with forty-two members. The Presbytery which constituted the church was composed of the following ministers: N. W. Hodges, Jonathan Davis, S. Worthington and Daniel Mangum. John S. Carwile was first deacon and John M. Barnes first pastor. Mr. Barnes was pastor only three months. In December Mr. Hodges was called and began his pastorate in January, 1832, and continued until the close of 1834. At the end of 1833 the church numbered 113 members. The first communion service was held on the fourth Sunday in May, 1832. At that meeting a communication was received from Rev. S. P. Pressly proposing inter-communion with other churches agreeing in their views of the Lord's Supper, though differing on other points. The proposition was declined. At a meeting in July, however, of the same year, the use of their house of worship was offered to other evangelical denominations whenever the pulpit was not occupied by the pastor. The house of worship was completed early in the year 1832. The church and parsonage lots were given by Y. J. Harrington and John L. Young and the bell by Hon. Kerr Boyce of Charleston. In the year 1835 Daniel Mangum became pastor and was assisted by Rev. E. Lindsay. From 1836-1850 the church was served by Mr. Hodges, Thomas Frean, who was ordained in 1837, J. A. Chaplain, Samuel Gibson of Greenville and J. G. Landrum and M. C. Barrett of Spartanburg. In February, 1850, Rev. J. J. Brantley was called and entered upon his pastorate in May of that year and continued as pastor until 1866, when he resigned and preached his farewell sermon on the 6th of January, 1867. Rev. J. T. Zealy was called and entered upon his duties at once. He resigned in September, 1868, and Dr. Richard Furman was called and entered upon the duties of the pastorate the last of that year. But his health failed in the spring of 1869, and the church was supplied from the Theological Seminary, especially by Dr. William Williams, who continued to preach in 1870. Early in that year Rev. John Stout, a student in the Seminary, was asked to take charge, and did so, but continued his studies in the 'Seminary until May, 1871, when he removed to Newberry. He resigned and left in December, 1873, and was succeeded, July 1st, 1874, by Rev. F. W. Eason, and he, on the 1st of January, 1878, by Rev. Luther Broaddus, whose removal by death in 1885 was mourned as a calamity by the whole community, for he was a godly, noble, true, whole-souled man. He was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Scott, who served until April 1st 1890. Rev. George A. Wright supplied the church in the summer of 1890 and regularly became pastor in 1891. In 1869 William Hayne Levell (son of my old friend Jno. R. Leavell), a then a member of this church, was ordained to the work of the ministry. He is now an eloquent and able divine of the Presbyterian Church in Mississippi. From the very beginning the Newberry Baptist Church has always had amongst its members some of the very best of the citizens of Newberry; among whom I may mention Mendenhall, Pratt, Higgins, Carwile, Hunt, Harrington, O'Neall, G. T. Scott, a strong, noble, upright man, and W. T. Wright. But I must mention no more; and those whose names I have written have all passed away. Those who are now living must show by their lives that they are worthy successors of those who have gone before. Was there ever a better man than Luther Broaddus?
I believe the church at Bush River is the oldest Baptist Church in the county. The Mount Zion Baptist Church, located on the west prong of Beaver Dam, near Silverstreet, seven ;miles west of the town of Newberry, was organized in July, 1832. The officiating ministers were Rev. Daniel Mangum and N. W. Hodges, aided by a number of brethren from Bush River and Cross Roads Churches. The church was organized by enrolling the names of the following twenty-six members, adopting the Church Covenant and ordaining Brother Isaac Kelly as a deacon. Names of members: Sarah Ann Davenport, Mary Toland, Matilda Kelly, Emily Davidson, Sarah Wright, Elizabeth Hunt, Charlotte Richardson, Isaac Davenport, Samuel Davison, Martha Waldrop, Mary Spear, Jane Stephens, William Adams, John Goulding, Andrew Andrews, Isaac Kelly, Susan Kelly, Elizabeth Stewart, Nancy Wright, Sarah Davidson, Lucinda Galloway, Mary Andrews, Anna Kelly, Eliabeth Waldrop, John F. Glenn and Edna Glenn. Rev. Daniel Mangum, having been chiefly instrumental in forming and organizing Mt. Zion Church, was called to preach to them once a month and served them as pastor for eighteen years. The next pastor was James F. Peterson, whose labors ere eminently blessed. During his pastorate of fifteen years, one hundred and thirty-eight members were added to the church. Mount Zion grew strong! Well might she contribute to his needs in age and to his monument at Red Bank Church in Edgefield County. He died June 10th, 1881, aged 85. The third pastor was Rev. James K. Mendenhall-commenced 1865, lasting to 1870, during which time he baptized sixty-six. He was an earnest laborer for our Master. In the beginning of the year 1871 the church called to ordination and to the pastorate, for his entire time, the Rev. A. W. Lamar, who was ordained January 15th, 1871, by Rev. W. W. Williams and Rev. Thomas H. Pope. After a pastorate of one year he was called to act as Secretary and Treasurer of the Baptist State convention of South Carolina. In 1872 Rev. T. W. Smith ministered to the church once a month, alternated by Rev. Wm. Williams. Sixth Pastorate, 1873-In the spring of this year Mount Zion and Bush River Churches united in calling Rev. W. D. rice. He was succeeded in 1878-79 by Rev. James c. Furman, D. D., of Greenville. In 1880 the church called Rev. Wm. B. Elkins indefinitely to its pastorate-faithful, earnest worker, who, on account of ill health, resigned after a pastorate of three years. In December, 1883, Rev. W. J. Langston, who was a student at the time in the Theological seminary at Louisville, Ky., was called to the pastorate indefinitely, to commence as soon as he returned from the Seminary, which was in June, 1884. Rev. Luther Broaddus filled the interim stately until Rev. Langston return, and he has been pastor since June, 1884, to the present time, now 1892. a more zealous and devoted pastor never served the church. The church passed through a terrible ordeal in 1888. In a little over six months she lost three of her deacons-all-viz., J. C. Stewart, J. R. Spearman and G. H. Werts, and some of the best female members, which gave her a backset from which she has not entirely recovered. But the present Board of Deacons are working energetically to revive and build up the church. During the year 1892 Mr. James Spear, another of the old Board of Deacons, died. The former deacons have all passed to their reward, except J. S. Floyd, who took his letter, and is now living in Walhalla, SC. The present Board of Deacons is composed of Michael Werts, J. R. Spearman and J. S. Spearman.
Enoree Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in the county of Newberry. It was organized in the year 1768. But little is known of the early history and struggles of this church. The first pastor of whom any knowledge now remains was Rev. Jacob King, but there must have been others preceding him. In 1822 a new house of worship was built, which was dedicated by Elders Thomas Ray, J. Davis and Alexander. The written record begins with the year 1832; there is nothing beyond that. At that time Rev. N. W. Hodges was pastor. In 1836 Rev. Keener was pastor, assisted by Rev. Brooks, A. Ray and Abner. In 1837 Rev. E. Lindsay was pastor, assisted by Rev. Thomas Frean and G. W. Brooks. In 1838 Rev. G. W. Brooks became pastor and continued to serve the church for ten years. In 1849 Rev. J. A. Hill was pastor. In 1850 Rev. G. W. Brooks was again pastor. During the years 1851-2 there was no regular pastor. In 1853 Rev. E. Lindsay was pastor; in 1854, Rev. G. W. Brooks; in 1855-6 Rev. F. C. Jeter, assisted in '56 by Rev. Spruell; in 1857, Rev. G. W. Brooks; in 1858-9, Rev. W. H. Martin, assisted by Rev. R. R. Vann. In the same year, that is in 1859, the present house of worship was built, and dedicated by Rev. J. J. Brantley, D.D. In 1860 Rev. W. D. Mayfield was pastor, assisted by Rev. Mulinax. In 1861 the church was supplied by Rev. Mayfield and G. W. Brooks, but not as pastors. In 1862 Rev. James K. Mendenhall was pastor. During the year 1863 there was no record kept, as the Clerk was with the army otherwise engaged. In 1864 Rev. F. C. Jeter was pastor; in 1865, Rev. James K. Mendenhall; in 1866-7, Rev. W. D. Mayfield; in 1868, Rev. William Young. During 1869 there was no settled pastor-Rev. B. F. Corley preached occasionally. In 1870 Rev. Thomas H. Pope was pastor; and in 1871, Rev. W. H. Leavell, assisted by Revs. J. Stout and W. B. Elkins. In 1872 Rev. W. T. Farrow was pastor; in 1873-4, Rev. F. C. Jeter; in 1875, '76 and '77, Rev. M. E. Broaddus; in 1878, Rev. G. W. Carter; in 1879 Rev. W. A. Gaines; in 1880, '81, '82, '83, '84 and '85, Rev. Harrison Fowler; in 1886, Rev. J. D. Huggins, and also in 1886-8; in 1889, Rev. J. S. West, and also part of 1890. The latter part of the year 1890, through 1891 and part of 1892, the church is without a settled pastor.
Bethel Baptist Church was organized September 29th, 1840, by Revs. Daniel Mangum and Thomas Frean. This church is on the Holley Ferry Road, six and half miles south of the town of Prosperity, in Newberry County. It was supplied with preaching by Rev. D. Mangum and other ministers, as missionaries, irregularly, until about the year 1852. At that time Revs. a. W. Asbill and A. P. Norris held a protracted meeting and received several members, when the church called Rev. A. W. Asbill as pastor, the duties of which office he faithfully discharged until the year 1867-sixteen years in succession. Since 1867 the church has been supplied by the following named ministers as pastors: Revs. John Barry, W. T. Farrow, N. N. Burton, J. M. Norris, L. O'Neall, M. D. Padgett, W. B. Elkins, R. W. Seymour, Joab Edwards, N. B. Williams, J. D. Huggins and H. T. Smith. May other preachers have served this church, from time to time, but not as pastors. This church has set apart four of her members to exercise their gifts in the ministry. This church has elected only three clerks, viz., Mark Waites, who served to 1848; D. R. King, to 1874, and A. J. Long, who is now Clerk, August, 1892.
A church, Mount Olive, near by, was an older church, constituted as far back as 1792, and was succeeded by the Fairview Baptist Church in Newberry county, situated one mile from the line between Newberry and Laurens counties and thirteen miles northwest of the town of Newberry, and organized the 22nd of August, 1859, Rev. A. C. Stepp being Moderator of the Presbytery and W. D. Mayfield Secretary. The following named brethren constituted the Presbytery and approved the constitution of the Church; Elders E. Lindsay, of the Hurricane Church; John Gibbes, of New Prospect; John J. Jones, of Mount Paran; C. Felder, of Fellowship; A. C. Stepp, of Rabun's Creek, and w. D. Mayfield, of Chestnut Ridge; Deacons, Henry Johnson, J. N. Meadors, Lewis D. Jones, of Hurricane, Dr. J. K. Gary, Geo, S. Cannon, of Bush River; and Laymen, James Copeland, John Horton, of Hurricane; Chesley Davis, Geo. Speake, of Bush River; Ring. Duckett, J. G. Duckett, Isaac Duckett, of Lower Duncan's Creek. The following named ministers have served this church as pastors: Revs. W. D. Mayfield, A. C. Stepp, Thos, H. Pope, Z. T. Leavell, W. B. Elkins, M. E. Broaddus, G. H. Carter, W. R. Gains, J. D. Huggins, J. S. West, H. Fowler. Prosperity Baptist Church, at the town of Prosperity, was organized the fourth Sunday in April, 1884. Sermon by Rev. Luther Broaddus, of Newberry, SC. At the time of the organization of this church Rev. N. B. Williams was State Missionary at Prosperity. One month after the organization the church decided to build a house of worship, and as soon thereafter as possible a small, but comfortable and substantial "concrete" building, with baptistery under the rostrum, was erected. On the 2nd of January, 1887, Rev. N. B. Williams bade farewell to this church, and on the 20th his successor, Rev. W. B. Elkins, arrived and took charge. In 1888 the first meeting held was a "Baptist Union Meeting," which began on Friday before the fifth Sunday in April. On the fourth Sunday in May was the first baptism in this church. A large congregation, many of whom had never witnessed the ordinance of baptism by immersion, gathered to witness the immersion of Mr. Carwile Hussa. The first celebration of the Lord's Supper was on the first Sunday in June, 1888. On the first Sunday in August a Sunday school was organized with thirty-four members. In October following their Sunday school literature was received and distributed. Rev. J. D. Huggins was pastor during the year 1889. The house of worship was dedicated October 13th, 1889-sermon By Rev. C. P. Scott, of Newberry. Rev. N. B. Williams; Rev. J. C. Boyd, of the A.R.P. Church; and the pastor, Rev. J. D. Huggins, also took part in the services. Rev. J. D. Huggins preached his farewell sermon on the 22nd of December, 1889. The church then allied Rev. T. J. Smith, who did not accept. The call was then extended to Rev. H. T. Smith, January 16th, 1890. He accepted and served as pastor, 1890-1. At the request of the Lexington Church, this church ordained Mr. S. J. Riddle to the ministry of the gospel, December 27th, 1891. The sermon was preached and the prayer offered by Rev. G. A. Wright; the charge delivered and the Bible presented by Rev. H. T. Smith. At the first of the year 1892 Rev. J. W. Blanton, as missionary pastor, too charge of this church. The membership in April was thirty-one. |