Bamberg church began with a prayer 150 years ago

First Baptist Church of Bamberg marked a milestone in the church’s long history with the celebration of its 150th anniversary last November. It’s an achievement members say reflects the church’s faithfulness and dedication to God. Pastor Brad Hudson said he is proud of how far the church has come. “There are not a lot of […]

Batesburg First celebrates 150 years

First Baptist Church of Batesburg held its 150th homecoming celebration on Oct. 9, with a special worship service and dinner on the grounds. An estimated 450 people were in attendance for the commemorative event, at which State Sen. Katrina Shealy presented a resolution to the church in honor of their 150 years of service to […]

Harris Baptist, Greenwood, honors ministerial staff

The congregation of Harris Baptist Church, Greenwood, honored current and former ministerial staff members. Pictured, from left, are Jake Jenkins, youth pastor; Missy Clegg, children’s minister; David Clegg, associate pastor (26 years); and Frank Thomas, pastor (43 years). Not pictured: Ron Bradford, minister of music.

Bouknight earns D.Min. degree

Steven Bouknight, pastor of Eau Claire Baptist Church in Columbia, was awarded a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Gardner Webb University School of Divinity, at the fall commencement ceremony held Dec. 10. Don Brock of Gateway Baptist Church, Irmo, served as his field supervisor.

Lottie Moon: From scoffer and skeptic to scholar and saint

A barking dog is an important character in the conversion story of Lottie Moon, the namesake of our annual Christmas offering to support international missions. A student at Albemarle Female Institute in Virginia, Lottie Moon was known on campus both for her brilliant mind and her skepticism of the value of religion. Raised in a […]

Most churches plan to open on Christmas and New Year’s Day

On Christmas Day, churches plan to welcome “all ye faithful” and anyone else who wants to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, and for most pastors, that gives them all the more reason to gather. More than 5 in 6 U.S. Protestant pastors (84 percent) say their church plans […]

Small country church exceeds expectations in giving for shoebox ministry

A small country church, which averages around 40 in attendance, surpassed its goal of filling 600 shoeboxes this year for Operation Christmas Child by almost 350 boxes. Oak Grove Baptist, near Batesburg, began filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child more than 20 years ago. Samaritan’s Purse sponsors the program through which donated shoeboxes filled with […]

Piedmont Association honors longtime ministry assistant Joyce Sudduth

Joyce Sudduth was honored by the Piedmont Baptist Association on Nov. 10 after 45 years of service as ministry assistant. A large group from the association’s churches gathered at Rock Springs Baptist Church, Easley, for her retirement celebration. Accompanied by her husband and family, she received video messages and in-person congratulations from former associational missions […]

Richland Springs pastor Steve Jones retires

Steve Jones retired from the pastorate of Richland Springs Baptist Church in Saluda, where he has served as pastor for almost 25 years. Jones served the Lord in ministry for over 45 years and was pastor of several churches in the area. He attended the University of South Carolina and Charleston Southern University. With Jones […]

Second Laurens congregation celebrates 125 years of ministry

The congregation of Second Baptist Church of Laurens observed its 125th anniversary on Oct. 16. The church was first organized as Little River Baptist Church on Oct. 3, 1897. Its first meeting took place under a brush arbor on Holmes Street. The church’s name was changed to Laurens Second in 1899, when it also joined […]