Lewis McCormick, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church, Mullins, was honored Aug. 10 for his 70 years in the ministry. He served First Baptist from 1958 until his retirement in 1987.
Jim Kirkland, left, pastor of First Baptist Church, Mullins, presented a plaque to Lewis McCormick, honoring him for 70 continuous years in the ministry.A graduate of Furman University and Southern Baptist Seminary, McCormick received his doctor of divinity degree from Baptist College of Charleston (now Charleston Southern University).
During his tenure at First Baptist, a new sanctuary was completed in 1961 and two educational buildings were erected in following years.
Since retirement, he has served as interim pastor in several churches throughout the state and as guest minister on many occasions.
McCormick said one of his earliest memories was traveling by buggy to Double Pond Church. “That was when church was central in family life. There was always a full house with spirited singing, gospel preaching, and families enjoying each other. After yielding to the call to preach, my first sermon was delivered on the first Sunday in July 1938 when I was 16 years old,” he recalls.
A native of Blackville, he is married to the former Helen Ray. They have two daughters, Helen Ray Bayne and Elizabeth Shepherd, and four grandchildren.
After delivering the Aug. 10 sermon to the Mullins congregation, McCormick was honored with a plaque.