First Baptist Church, Pickens, recently honored Ray Reece for his many years of service by naming him deacon emeritus. From left are Fred Stone, pastor; Reece; and Mendel Steward, deacon chairman.
Doug Painter, left, was ordained as deacon Sept. 16 at First Baptist Church, Edgefield. With him is pastor Stacy Williams.
Holly Springs Baptist Church, Pickens, recently recognized members with the most consecutive years of perfect attendance in Sunday school. With pastor Gerald Martin, right, are the two members with the highest number: Darlene Cassell, left, 35 years; and Donald Davis, 40 years.
Tom Sees, pastor of Smyrna Baptist Church, Broad River Baptist Association, led a team of 22 to Jamaica in July to conduct Vacation Bible School. More than 200 were in attendance.
Twenty-four members of First Baptist Church, Lake View (above left), took part in the church’s first churchwide mission trip. Team members worked with Ellis Beddingfield’s Central Community Ministries in Greenville doing a variety of work. The youngest participant was Braedyn Scott, 6, and the oldest was Jimmie Rogers, 94 (above right).
Irene Faulkenberry was recognized Sept. 16 by Center Grove Baptist Church, Kershaw, for 93 years of faithful service. Faulkenberry continues to inspire others at church with her weekly attendance at worship and Sunday school, and monthly participation in her prayer group and the WMU. With her is pastor Steve Miller.
The Power Team performed at Langston Baptist Church, Conway, Sept. 19-23. A total of 187 decisions were made. The team also spoke at nine Horry County schools. Pictured above is Power Team member Jeremy Baker.
Marshall Dempsey, center, was recently recognized for 34 years of service as Sunday school director of Forest Hill Baptist Church, Anderson. Dempsey, who has also served as a deacon, and his wife Barbara are charter members of Forest Hill. Presenting a plaque of appreciation to Dempsey on behalf of the church are Lyndon Ellenburg, deacon chairman, left, and Dendy Clardy, who succeeds Dempsey.
Donald Wallace Jr., who was called as pastor by Brock’s Mill Baptist Church, Chesterfield Baptist Association, was recently ordained by the church. Assisting in the ordination service were Donald Wallace Sr. and Scott Wallace, his father and brother; Wade Miles, retired pastor of Wallace’s home church; Dennis Wallace (an uncle); and the deacons at Brock’s Mill. From left are Scott Wallace, Donald Wallace Sr., and Donald Wallace Jr.
The congregation of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Lake View, recently honored former pastor Archie Prevatte by naming him pastor emeritus. Tributes were given by laymen Billy Arnette and Bobby Gene Hayes. Deacon chairman John Miller and interim pastor Carlton Smith gave Prevatte a love gift from the church and a framed certificate, respectively, on behalf of the church. Special music was provided by the Piney Grove choir, directed by Lynn Humphrey. Prevatte has served as pastor of Fork, Kemper and Bermuda churches, all in Pee Dee Baptist Association. He also served churches in North Carolina and Maryland, and has been active in interim work in both Pee Dee Association and in North Carolina.
Helen Young, a member of Bold Spring Baptist Church, Callison, celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends Sept. 23 in the church’s new fellowship building. With her is pastor Chuck Keller, who is also her son in-law.
Ninety-three ladies attended the first annual Ladies Night Out held at Bold Spring Baptist Church, Callison. The event was held in September in the new fellowship building. Debbie Turner, author of “Trees Wear Glasses” and “Whispering Thunder,” was guest speaker, and Becky Sumerel provided several musical selections.
Little Stevens Creek, Edgefield, went on a World Changers mission trip to Durham, N.C., in July. Participants were (l to r) Jeff Fortenberry, Brieanna Logue, Amber Whitmore, Gina Logue, Janice Cleveland, Justin Hastings, Daniel Bledsoe, Dwight Bledsoe and Margaret Bledsoe. This is the third year that the church has participated in World Changers.
The children and youth of Evergreen Baptist Church, Florence Association, had a penny drive to raise money for the Janie Chapman offering. More than $200 was raised. As donations were received, a section of a map of South Carolina was covered, shown in the background.