Hulon Baptist Church, Batesburg, celebrated its 60th homecoming Oct. 12 with an attendance of 265 people. Pastor Larry Patterson presented Jeanette Kyzer a certificate, recognizing her for 60 years of service to Hulon as the only surviving charter member. Speaker Valerie Rumbough, vice president of finance for the Baptist Foundation, shared that during Hulon’s 60 years, members have given more than $500,000 to missions through the Cooperative Program and Lexington Baptist Association.
During the early 1900s, services were held across the road from the current building in a two-room schoolhouse. A vision of more than 40 years became a reality Nov. 15, 1948, when the church was officially organized and chartered as a member of Lexington Association. The first building, a 30-by-50-foot structure, was constructed on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Temples. It was completed Jan. 16, 1949. Also, in 1960, land for a parsonage was given by Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gantt Sr. On Aug. 13, 1972, ground was broken for a new church building. Under the leadership of pastor Jimmy Atkerson, a sanctuary was completed and dedicated Feb. 4, 1973.