Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, Union, held Pastor Appreciation Day Oct. 28. Pastor Carol Caldwell was presented a plaque and a shepherd’s staff on behalf of the church. From left: Brenda Whitmire, Sunday school director; Emma Lee Fincher, worship music leader; Caldwell and his son Steve; and Ken Pittman, deacon chairman.
Mountain Springs Baptist Church, Piedmont, recently honored the dedication and commitment of the Piedmont, Powdersville, and Wren fire departments and emergency responders. Special recognition was given to Mountain Springs members Earle Watson, retired assistant chief of the Greenville City Fire Department, and Lieut. Donnie Tucker, Parker Fire Department, upper left and right, respectively.
The Children from J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) children’s ministry at Springdell Baptist Church, Lancaster, took a trip to NarroWay Christian Theater in Fort Mill to see “Fishes and Loaves,” a production of the parables told by Jesus. The group had a dinner of fish and bread while sitting on the “Galilean hillside. Front row: Connor Sullivan, Canon Stogner, Matthew Miller, Blare Stogner, and Andrew Craig. Back row: Natalie Flemming, “The Prodigal Son” Raney Stogner, and Krista Miller.
Salem Baptist Church, Summerville, broke ground Nov. 18 for a new life center. From left: Clyde Mizell, chairman of deacons; Pamela Rivers, pastor’s wife; pastor Robert Rivers; “Aunt” Maggie Driggers; Lane Shepherd, former life center team chairman; Ray Fuller, co-chairman of the life center team; Renee Gallien, daughter, in honor of Eleanor Bell; Norman Driggers, chairman of the life center team; and Wayne Tallent, chairman of trustees.
Tucapau Baptist Church, Startex, held a mortgage burning ceremony for its family life center Oct. 28. From left are building committee members Harold and Beth Brock, Jo Lynn Allen, Betty and Ed Austin, David Turner, and pastor Bill Pate Jr.
Members of First Baptist Church, Pamplico, gathered for a “packing party” following the Wednesday night family supper on Nov. 7. With all ages teaming up and led by coordinator Shelley Butler, they packed more than 200 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Jackson Creek Baptist Church, Columbia, honored 12 people who have been members for 50 years or more. Maggie Nates, right, who recently celebrated her 98th birthday, has been a member of Jackson Creek since 1926.
Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, Gaffney, awarded perfect attendance pins to three members Nov. 4: Lynch Yelton, 54 years; Libby Phillips, one year; and Frances Higgins, second from right, 51 years. Charles Banks, second from left, Sunday school director, and pastor Clyde Thomas, far right, presented the pins.
Hugh Gregory, right, a member of First Baptist Church, Lockhart, received recognition for having perfect attendance in Sunday school for 22 consecutive years. With him is pastor Ben Hill.
Elizabeth Chapman, choir director at First Baptist Church, Mayo, has received her fifth consecutive award for outstanding leadership in a small church (999 members or less). The National Religious Music Week Alliance has previously honored her with three awards of merit and two awards of distinction.
Enoree Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, observed Senior Appreciation Day Oct. 7. Caroline Crain, 97 (seated), was recognized for having served as pianist for 42 years, as well as Sunday school teacher and WMU leader. Others honored were Maude Nix, 94, for almost 60 years of teaching children’s Sunday school; Flora Styles, 93, who taught Sunday school until age 91, worked in WMU and Vacation Bible School for many years. Pictured with Crain, below, are Joe Robbins (left), who, along with his wife Mary, received a plaque honoring their 15-year tape and homebound ministry, and Sandra Becham, who has been church organist for 25 years.
The Larry S. Carnes chapter of Royal Ambassadors held its annual fall RA Race Nov. 2. There were more than 30 entries in the race and $200 was raised for missions.