Red Bank Baptist Church, Saluda, will hold its 225th anniversary celebration on Feb. 15. The church was organized in February 1784. The present Greek-revival architectural-style sanctuary was designed by Joseph Casey, architect for much of Anderson University, and has been in continuous use since Feb. 16, 1913. Acclaimed Southern Baptist minister R.G. Lee began his first full-time pastorate at Red Bank in 1917.
Union Baptist Church, Elgin, held the ribbon cutting for its 9,600-square-foot gym during its homecoming celebration. The gym includes a full-size basketball court, volleyball set-up and equipment/seating storage. From left: Pastor Jerry Lewis; Bill Dieckmann, director of missions for Columbia Metro Baptist Association; John “Buck” Martin, trustee and deacon chairman; G.P. Monroe Jr., trustee; Stanley Rabon, trustee; and Paul Behles, Built Wright Construction Co.
Mitchell Harvey, left, was licensed to preach by New Beginning Baptist Church, Waterloo. With him is pastor Jack King, who presented the license.
The youth and children of Plum Branch Baptist Church, Edgefield Baptist Association, participated in McCormick’s Holiday on Main Parade, where they won Best Float. Pictured are some of the youth and their pastor, John Noblin.
The choir of New Hope Baptist Church, Due West, performed the Christmas musical, “Welcome to Our World,” at the Abbeville Southern Christmas Dec. 6. The choir also had a float in the Due West and Donalds Christmas parades and won first and second prizes, respectively. Melva Kay, choir director, created the “Dickens era” costumes.
Members of First Baptist Church, Norris, led by pastor Royce Addis and members of the building-steering committee, participated in groundbreaking ceremonies Jan. 11 for the construction of a multipurpose gymnasium. Following a worship service that focused on “Rising to Build,” the congregation was led to the construction site by several Boy Scouts, who carried the flags of the country, state, faith and church. With shovels in hand, the members gathered around the freshly tilled perimeter of the building to commit the project to God’s glory. Led by a group consisting of the oldest and youngest church members, leaders, and representatives from First Citizens Bank and Durham-Greene Inc., one member of each family turned the ground that will be the foundation of the building.