Annie Armstrong, in the person of Teri Lewis, visited First Baptist Church, Cross Hill, on March 1. A professional actress and teacher of acting, movement and voice at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, Lewis presented “The Prayers of Annie Armstrong.” Drawing from older scripts and articles, as well as Bible passages that were favorites of Armstrong, Lewis wove together five “prayers” of the missions pioneer to provide a sketch of her character and work. She is a member of Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville.
The youth and adults of Kelleytown Baptist Church, Hartsville, recently squared off in “Kelleytown Bowl V,” an annual flag football game. It was not a good day for the adults, who fell 44-12 to the younger squad.
Calvary Baptist Church, Clinton, recently recognized Ted Ward and Jimmy Revis for 50 years of service as deacons. Mary Ellen Graham was recognized for 50 years of service as instrumentalist for the church.
The youth group from First Baptist Church, Blackstock, recently went on a weekend retreat and ski trip to Sugar Mountain, N.C. They experienced fellowship and a sermon by youth pastor Will McBrayer.
Marion DuRant, a member of Black Creek Baptist Church, Darlington, was honored for service to his church on Feb. 15, three days before his 100th birthday. He has served several terms as a trustee and deacon. “You never know how many years you’ll live,” DuRant said. “You just thank the Lord for every day you have.” DuRant, seated, is pictured with (from left) his daughters, Mary DuRant McLaughlin and Ethel Hughes McCrory, and Frank Flowers, deacon chairman.
The deacons and trustees of Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, Union, congratulate their pastor, Carroll Caldwell, shown holding the Order of the Silver Crescent award he received on Feb. 19. The Order of the Silver Crescent is awarded by the governor of South Carolina for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community. It is the state’s highest award for volunteer and community service. In a letter presented to Caldwell by Rep. Bob Inglis, Gov. Mark Sanford expressed his appreciation to Caldwell for 49 years of preaching and for service to many community organizations. In accepting the award, Caldwell said his entire life has been dedicated to fulfilling Isaiah 6:8: “And the Lord said whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here I am, send me!”
Building committee members of Rock Springs Baptist Church, Blacksburg, broke ground Feb. 22 for a new family life center. The $400,000 facility will house classrooms, a gymnasium, kitchen and dining areas, a balcony, and meeting and storage rooms. The 60-by-105-foot metal and brick building’s 6,300 square feet will seat 299 persons. The project is expected to be completed later this year. From left are Ronnie Blackwell, Kenny Callahan, pastor Brian Harris, committee chairman Alvin Wylie and Wayne Jones.
On March 29, Northside Memorial Baptist Church, Sumter, recognized four teachers who have served for more than 30 years – and a combined total of more than 150 years – in Sunday school. From left are pastor Jimmy Holley, Cindy Hatfield, Tommy Rogers, Carroll Barnette and Ruth Barnette.
The “Pairs and Spares” Sunday school class of Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, spent March 14 at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community in Laurens. The group painted an apartment and hosted a “bingo bash” for residents. Executive director Dina Hair expressed appreciation for the ministry the group provided and said the retirement community welcomes visits from other church groups.
The Acteens and GAs of Thompson Creek Baptist Church, Chesterfield, have begun a “Burden Bear” project. They have given Burden Bears to their Meals-on-Wheels recipients and donated 50 bears to Hospice of Chesterfield County. The girls are working on another 180 bears to donate to bereaved families currently being ministered to by Hospice. Pictured, from left (seated) are Katey Martin, Kellen Tolson, Ashli Selllers, Bredai Raffaldt; (standing) Emma Lambert, Heather Grizzle, Cindy Beard (of Hospice), Elizabeth Douglass and Cathy Carnes.
Reedy Creek Baptist Church, Marion, collected 30 pieces of silver from each member to lay at the foot of the cross on Sunday, March 15. This was to help with the church’s $4,200 goal for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. The church exceeded their goal. Shown in the picture is Jim Dozier portraying Jesus and pastor Darrell Floyd laying his 30 pieces of silver at the cross.
On March 22, homecoming committee members of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Union, completed their work by replacing the time capsule in the cornerstone of the church sanctuary. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in October 2008, when the time capsule from 1958 was opened. The new time capsule, to be opened in 2058, contains the items from 50 years ago along with items from 2008. Pictured, front row, from left: Herbert Garrett Jr., Gene Gregory (chairman of the homecoming committee), William Howell (oldest member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, seated), Debbie Eaves, Caroline Davis, and Dudley Adams (holding time capsule). Second row: Angie Wells, David Wells, Jo Ann Sweatt, Annie Austin, Delores J. Morgan and Sam White.