Bold Spring Baptist Church, Callison, dedicated its Community Hope Ministry on Oct. 14, World Hunger Day. The building, which had previously served as the church’s fellowship hall until a new one was constructed in 2007, was repurposed by church members to provide a central location for their existing food and clothing ministry.
Wren Baptist Church, Piedmont, ordained Randall Price, center, as deacon on Oct. 14. Pictured with Price are his wife, Denise, and pastor Harold Sanders.
Bellview Baptist Church, Laurens, held English-as-a-second-language (ESL) certification classes on Sept. 22 and 29. Pictured with leader Judy Davies are participants Amanda Bryant, Margaret Brown, Inez Ficklin, Amanda Suarez and Jody Sulger.
The congregation of Whitmire First Baptist Church honored longtime member Sarah Mae Adams at their Oct. 14 homecoming service for 30 years of perfect attendance. Pastor Shannon Long spoke of Adams’ dedication, sharing the fact that even with limited mobility, she wore out a pair of crutches while walking to and from church. Pictured is pastor Long presenting a certificate of appreciation to Adams.
Spartanburg County Baptist Network recently honored retiring pastor Allen Blanton, center, for 37 years of service at Orchard Street Baptist Church, Mayo – the longest tenure in the association. Pictured with Blanton and his wife, Liz, is Jim Goodroe, Spartanburg County Network director of missions.
Steep Bottom Baptist Church, Estill, celebrated its 198th anniversary on Sept. 23 with an “old-fashioned homecoming.” Established in 1814, the original building was burned by Sherman’s army on their march from Savannah. Pictured is pastor Charles Moore and several members of the congregation dressed in period costumes from the 1800s.
The congregation of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Nichols, celebrated homecoming on Oct. 14. Former pastor Bryan Fields was guest speaker for the event.
On Oct. 7, West Side Baptist Church, Chester, celebrated its 100th anniversary with more than 240 in attendance. Two former pastors, Charlie Simmons and Curtis Daniel, preached on the church’s past and future. Also, Clifford Craig (top left) was recognized by pastor Terry Fowler for more than 50 years as minister of music. “As we celebrate our glorious past, West Side Baptist [in the future] wants to be a light to Chester and beyond, carrying the gospel to the ends of the earth,” said Fowler.
The WMU of Laurens Baptist Association met at Bellview Baptist Church, Laurens, on Oct. 15 to organize and elect their leadership team. Training was provided by the state WMU for those who attended the meeting. Pictured are (front row, l to r) Dot Garrett, prayer facilitator; Sandra Walker, Children in Action; Lisa Corley, Mission Friends; Jane Corn, Women on Mission; Sharon Vincent, Acteens; and Margaret Brown, assistant director; (back row) Amanda Suarez, myMission; Randy Cooley, RAs; Kay Leagans, missions; and Barbara Hunter, associational WMU director. Not pictured: Joyce Dennis, Baptist Nursing Fellowship.
On Oct. 11, the Royal Ambassadors of Five Forks Baptist Church, Simpsonville, along with the church’s Brotherhood and outreach ministries, sponsored a professional wrestling event featuring George South, the current Exodus Wrestling Alliance champion, who uses his skill and profile as a wrestler to tell others about Jesus. The event drew about 120 people, including many non-church members. “It was refreshing to hear a professional athlete share his faith in Jesus Christ,” said pastor Howard Foster. “This was a great event,” said RA leader and event organizer Tracy Fowler. “Everyone had a great time, and people from our community heard the good news.”
The men of Draytonville Baptist Church, Gaffney, recently repaired and reshingled a roof belonging to one of Draytonville’s member families. Several of the volunteers are age 65 and over, but that doesn’t stop them from lending a helping hand to a neighbor in Christ’s name.
The congregation of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, Gaffney, recognized Lynch Yelton, left, on Nov. 4 for 59 years of perfect Sunday school attendance. Pictured with Yelton is pastor Clyde Thomas.
Joyful Sound, North Greenville University’s vocal worship ensemble that travels to churches across the state, recently held a 35th-anniversary reunion concert during the university’s homecoming weekend festivities. Mike Baker, who founded the group in 1977, talks about Joyful Sound’s earlier days.
The students at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville designate one week during the football season as Spirit Week, when they raise money for a non-profit chosen by the students. This year, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home was chosen to receive the school’s gift. In one week’s time, the students raised more than $86,000, and Connie Maxwell’s portion was almost $70,000. Pictured, from left: Polly Davis, Connie Maxwell’s director of volunteer services; Ben Davis, Connie Maxwell president; Olivia Trone, student body president; Erica Berg Batson, teacher and student council advisor; and the Ram mascot. “We are amazed at the great work of the students and are thankful they chose Connie Maxwell for this funding assistance,” said president Davis.