Three men who have served more than 55 years as deacons were honored by Antioch Baptist Church, Hartsville, during an annual deacon retreat. From left: Adrian Flowers, Thomas Hill, pastor John Helms and Don Gainey.
Mark Canipe, pastor of Heights Church, Clearwater, since 2003, received his doctor of ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Dec. 12. Canipe and Heights Church were featured in Ed Stetzer’s recent book, “Comeback Churches,” in which the author chronicles the successes of 300 churches in an era of dwindling membership and effectiveness.
Michael Smathers, left, associate pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Hopkins, was sworn in as a deputy chaplain with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. His duties include ministering to deputies, responding to emergencies and notifying families in the event of death. Smathers said that although the work can be exciting at times, “the true reward comes from developing relationships with the deputies and the community at large.” Also pictured is Richland County Sheriff, Leon Lott.
The youth of Cavins Baptist Church, Woodruff, attended a winter retreat in Gatlinburg, Tenn., Jan. 1-4. In addition to Bible study and fellowship, the 41 young people enjoyed snow skiing and attending the “The Miracle,” a live stage production about the life of Jesus.
Alexis Gresham was presented a new wheelchair Dec. 21 at Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, Union, by the Hejaz Shriners. Pastor Carrol Caldwell, who also serves as a Shriners chaplain, led in the presentation during the morning worship service. Pictured, from left: Wayne Gresham, Caldwell, Alexis Gresham, Andrea Gresham and Sidney Brothers.
Edna Williams, right, was honored by Heath Springs Baptist Church, Moriah Baptist Association, where she has been organist and pianist for 50 years. Presenting a plaque of recognition are Charles Lowery, minister of music, and Missy Catoe, a member of the music committee.
Missionaries Bert and Rose Corbet of Senegal, West Africa, spoke recently at Harmony Baptist Church, Elgin. Pictured with Rose Corbet, center (wearing a blue dress), is the morning WMU group of Harmony. They are wearing dresses made by a woman in Senegal whom the WMU group helped by providing sewing lessons and a sewing machine.
Cambodian pastor Sam Duong, front right, baptized eight Cambodian adults Dec. 7 at United Baptist Church, Spartanburg.
Heights Church, Beech Island, distributed 500 shoebox gifts to children in the Midland Valley area of Aiken County on Dec. 13. Beginning in July, church members began collecting shoeboxes, shopping for gift items, and compiling and wrapping the gifts for children ages 1-14. The church’s ministry, similar to Franklin Graham’s “Operation Christmas Child,” targets local needs.
Under the leadership of Pastor Cameron Byrd – who, along with his wife and three sons, served as missionaries for two years in Uruguay with the International Mission Board – the members of Clear Spring Baptist Church in Simpsonville have dramatically increased their giving to international missions. In 2008, the members gave more than $12,275, far surpassing their goal of $7,000. Lights on a special tree were turned on for every $100 given.
The GAs and RAs of First Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, helped to pack 161 shoeboxes for shipment to the Samaritan’s Purse ministry Operation Christmas Child.
On Jan. 18, a celebration dinner was held to honor Michael Giles on the 25th anniversary of his pastorate at Portside Baptist Church, North Charleston. Giles became pastor of Portside on Jan. 15, 1984.
Jonathan Vaughan, above right, was ordained to the ministry at Putman Baptist Church, Buffalo. He is pictured with Ted Hodges, pastor. Vaughan is minister of students at Putman. He and his wife Charity have a son, Nathaniel.
Todd Montgomery was ordained to the ministry Dec. 28 by Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Kershaw Baptist Association. Terry Corder preached the ordination sermon. Montgomery, a longtime member of Mt. Pisgah, is a graduate of Fruitland Bible College and serves as pastor of Smyrna Baptist Church, Pageland. From left are Corder, Montgomery and his wife Sharon.
Harlon Payne, center, was honored by White Bluff Baptist Church, Kershaw, for 54 years of service as secretary of Sunday school. Donald Hinson, right, presented a plaque of recognition. With them is pastor Doug Humphries.