Two years after fire destroyed the sanctuary of Centenary Baptist Church in Marion County, members broke ground April 14 for a new sanctuary.
The congregation is one of the oldest in South Carolina, dating back to the 1700s. The sanctuary that burned on April 9, 2011, was built in 1913.
During the time the congregation has been without a worship hall, services have been held in the fellowship hall, which survived the fire.
Michael Gibson, chairman of the rebuilding committee, said he could see the hand of God even on the night of the fire. After the building was struck by lightning and went up in flames, he knew from his years of experience as fire chief that it couldn’t be saved.
His attention and prayers turned to saving the fellowship hall. “Our one truck was almost out of water, but it was enough to cool the east side of the church,” he said. “I asked the Lord to please turn the wind. The Lord answered those prayers, and we have a fellowship hall.”
Other members note that during the past two years the church has moved steadily forward. All regular services, as well as special services at Christmas and Easter, have been held. A wedding was held on the grounds. Two new members were baptized in the river.
William Rowell, a deacon at Centenary whose grandfather build the destroyed church, said that “we don’t know why God allowed his church building to burn, but we know he had a plan.”
Interim pastor Richard Shaw agrees. “In times like these, we stand back and see the hand of the Lord at work,” he said.
At 89, Laura Jean Gibson has attended the church longer than any of the current members. Connie Gibson, who will be 99 in May, is the oldest member. Taylor Barron, 9, is the youngest.
Members of the rebuilding committee are Michael Gibson, Wanda Lane, William Rowell, Levone Larrimore and Todd Barron.
— Haymond is Centenary’s church reporter.