First Baptist Church, Manning, will hold a special service on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. in celebration of its 150th anniversary.
Guest speaker will be Robert Louis Alderman, who has served First Baptist over the years in several capacities, most recently as interim pastor. He is a native of Clarendon County and a graduate of Manning High School. He has been involved in world missions and evangelism, working in more than 20 countries.
Former members and staff will also be on the celebration program.
The church was established in the fall of 1857. The first church building was a one-room frame building located on the same site as the current structure.
In 1896, a second church building was completed at a cost of $4,317 with a seating capacity of 400. On Easter Sunday 1950, a third church building was dedicated.
On May 22, 1981, the church sanctuary, library, music room and part of the educational wing burned. A dedication service was held on Nov. 14, 1982, for the restored building.
During the church’s history, there have been five pastors who have served 10 or more years: D.W. Cuttino (1860-1870); John O. Gough (1894-1906); H.C. Brabham (1926-1937); Frank B. Haynes (1959-1969); and Paul M. Sullivan (1973-1998).
Gerald Paul Cottone is currently serving as pastor. Greg Allday is associate pastor and minister of music, and Nick Erickson is minister of youth/children.
In 1874, the church membership had 85 members. Today, the church has a membership of more than 600.