John and Esther Norris of Edisto Beach Baptist Church were honored Sept. 28 as they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. The celebration included a dinner and afternoon gospel music concert.
Christian comedian Kristy Byers was the featured speaker at Anderson
University’s campus worship service Oct. 15.
Pastor Dennis Willoughby, the grounds committee and other members of First Baptist Church, Blackstock, celebrated the groundbreaking Oct. 5 for a new social hall and kitchen.
During a special ordination service Oct. 12, Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Darlington, ordained two new deacons, Earl Marshall and Allen Reynolds, and a deacon yoke-fellow, Jacob Heatherly. Autry Graham, seated, was also presented a deacon emeritus plaque honoring his long service as a deacon.
The kindergarten of Kelleytown Baptist Church, Hartsville, recently participated in fire prevention week. The 2K-5K pre-school students collected more than 300 bottles of water during the week. On Oct. 6, members of Hartsville Fire Department were on hand to present a program about fire safety and to allow the students a firsthand look at the fire trucks and equipment. Students and teachers presented the water to the firefighters to show their appreciation for their time and the service they provide to the community. Rod Elliott is the pastor of Kelleytown.
The Acteens of Bold Spring Baptist Church, Callison, hosted a rice supper Oct. 8. Facts about World Hunger were given and an offering was taken to support World Hunger efforts. More than 15 different rice dishes were enjoyed. Pastor Chuck Keller uses chop sticks that he brought back from a mission trip to China.
Jerome McKenzie was named pastor emeritus by Brownsville Baptist Church, Blenheim, during homecoming celebration last July. He and his wife Bertie Lee, above, were presented a check of appreciation by the congregation. McKenzie was the church’s first full-time pastor from 1959-79 and served as interim pastor from 2001-08. In the interval, he was pastor of Neeses Baptist Church and served on the staff of Bethea Baptist Retirement Community. The McKenzies live on their farm outside of Olanta.
Calvary Baptist Church, Neeses, served on mission in Cleveland, Tenn., the week of June 8. The team conducted VBS, painted a house, helped with a block party and visited a nursing home. Volunteers included Angie and Barrett Williams, Jennifer and Allen Riddle, Allyson and Mark Carson, pastor Benjamin Smoak, and Jewel Phillips.
Summer youth worker Lane Allen, of Latta Baptist Church, kept youth and children busy for the summer with many activities and Bible study. The summer program ended with a special presentation of songs, skits and sharing time by the group.
Allan Painter, a first sergeant with the South Carolina National Guard, was honored by Park Hills Baptist Church, Gaffney, during a “welcome home” reception. Painter served an 18-month deployment of which 12 months were spent in Afghanistan. With Painter is Rep. Dennis Moss (Cherokee, Chester, York), who presented a commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives and presented to Painter U.S. and S.C. flags that had both flown over the State House in Columbia.
Pauline Owings was honored by Bellview Baptist Church, Woodruff. Owings has taught in the Sunday school department for more than 53 years. She has taught in every age group from nursery through senior adults. With Owings is pastor Ray Mims.
Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Beaufort, celebrated the baptism of five new members. With pastor Ed Morgan, third from right, are (from left) Holly Carslake, Don Smith, Denise Smith, Marti Myers and Ashley Walker.