CAMERON BYRD is the new pastor of Clear Spring Baptist Church, Simpsonville. A native of Cary, N.C., he is a graduate of Mars Hill College and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. After serving more than seven years as a pastor, he was a cross-cultural church planter with the International Mission Board for two years in Uruguay. Byrd and his wife Stephanie have three children: Joshua, Samuel and Benjamin.
Steve PattonSTEVE PATTON will begin duties Jan. 7 as interim pastor of Fairview Baptist Church, Greer. Patton, who has been a pastor of churches in Missouri, Florida and Texas, is associate professor of New Testament and preaching at the T. Walter Brashier Graduate School of North Greenville University. He and his wife Lesa have two children, Andrew and Stephanie.
Jeff CockrellJEFF COCKRELL began duties as pastor of Pine-view Baptist Church, Moriah Association, Oct. 15. A native of Camden, he grew up in Kershaw County. Cockrell, who has been in the ministry for 14 years, has held pastorates in both Florence and Kershaw associations. Cockrell is a graduate of Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Lisa have two children, Joanna and Jeffrey.
RICHARD RYALS has been called as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Columbia. He and his wife Sandra are both graduates of The Baptist College of Florida.
JIMMY WINGATE is the new interim pastor at Pine Level Baptist Church, Grays. Previously, he had been serving as guest pastor. Wingate – who recently retired from the pastorate of Long Branch Baptist Church, Williston – and his wife Betty live in Tillman. They have three daughters and two great grandchildren.
Lee ButlerLEE BUTLER was ordained to the ministry by Calvary Baptist Church, Columbia, Nov. 12. Butler is serving as youth director at Calvary.