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Providence ARP Church Organized In 1836 'Precious Memories’ BY JAMES P. SLOAN •Precious Memories--How They Linger* -- The earliest recollections of my childhood center around experiences as sociated with the little brown trimmed A. R. P. Church on North Broad Street two blocks from the square—walking through the pasture between Musgrove and Broad on prayer meeting night--Cousin Mamie Blakely, Uncle Reed Todd, and Mr. Robbie Blakely, faithful choir members, singing “Hal lelujah, Praise Jehovah* and other favorites out of the old red-back psalm book— Mr. John Todd and Mr. Henry Cole man, venerable saints and eld ers, observing Communion in the old-fashioned way, as all participants drank from the same silver cup at the cloth- covered table in front of the pulpit—listening, at a very ten der age, to dear Cousin Mattie Blakely in the church’s only classroom in the back of the church as she expounded fer vently on “God’s almight pow er and free grace*—learn ing the Westminister Shorter Catechism and reciting it to Miss Margaret Blakely in the right front vestibule more than forty-five years ago-- and those church picnics, memor able occasions, at Shelton’s Mill, Yarborough’s Mill, and Musgrove Mill, with dinner spread on the mill stones—the last years of Mr. Stevenson’s ministry and Dr. Betts’ arrival forty-five years ago. THE FIRST CHURCH Providence Associated Re formed Presbyterian Church was organized September 10, 1836, under the care of the Second Presbytery of the As sociate Reformed Synod of the South. The parent body, origi nally called the Synod of the Carolinas, was organized May 9, 1803, at Ebenezer, the Old Brick Church, in Fairfield County. Thus with its 134-year history, the local A. R. P. Church has the longest con tinuous organization of any Clinton church. The founding of Providence came chiefly through the ef forts of William “Honest BUI* Blakely, a Revolutionary War Soldier, who transferred his membership from Bethel (the Ora church) about fifteen mUes away. He gave seven acres of land for the first building site and cemetery. The original site is located about two miles west of Clinton and a mile to the left of the Laurens Highway. The graves of WUliam Blakely and his wife, Nancy Boyd Blakely, as weU as the graves of many of the early church members, are in the church cemetery. Before the War Between the States, all Negro slaves owned by members of the congrega tion were buried in the ceme tery. Some of these slaves had been members of the church and had attended ser vices in a special room which adjoined one side of the audi torium; their names are list ed in the first sessional re cord book of the church. CLINTON FAMILIES INVOLVED The descendants of Provi dence’s founder are legion, in cluding many branches of the Blakely family in Laurens County and elsewhere, and the members of the “Cousin Kit* Young family, the Robert S. Owens family, the D. E. Trib ble family, the Lewis S. Hend erson family, the T. J. Bla lock famUy, the E. Blakely Sloan famUy, the Dr. B. F. Godfrey famUy, the J. Reed Todd family, and the Frank Adair family, to name a few. CHARTER OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS Charter elders for Provi dence were William Blakely, Thomas Blakely, and Thomas Bryson, who were installed September 10, 1836, the latter two elders being ordained also on that date. WiUiam Blakely had previously served as an elder at Ora. The Reverend James L. Young was the officiating mini ster at the time of the church’s organization. The eighteen charter members were; Wil liam Blakely, Nancy Blakely, Margaret Blakely, Elizabeth Bryson, Maria Blakely, Jane Adair, Agnes Williamson, Jane Williamson, Samuel Blakely, Sr., Thomas R. Adair, Thomas Blakely, Thomas Bryson, Sam uel Bryson, William Bryson, James A. Bryson, Martha Bry . . . Photo by the Rev. Zeb C. Williams, farmer pastor son, Jane Bryson, and Margar et Bryson. On June 22, 1839, the family heads of Providence met and elected three trustees, Samuel S. Blakely, Samuel Bryson and Hampton J. Bryson, “to take charge of the church lot, to gether with the church, and all other things properly belong ing to the same—to keep them safely for the use and benefit of the Associate Reformed Church—against all encroach ments or abuses from any source whatsoever.’ Serving later as trustees (with dates of election) were: William P. Milam (1846), Cornelius T. Tribble (1846), Thomas Mil am (1850), Nathan C. Todd (1851), William Winder Sloan (1853), David Blakely (1879), George M. Hanna (1879), M. H. Bryson (1879), J. M. Blakely (1887), and John C. Todd (1887). With the establishment of the diaconate in 1906, the principal responsibilities 0 f the trustees devolved upon the Board of Deacons, with the trustees performing such dut ies as signing notes, deeds, etc. Serving as Providence’s trustees for the past quarter of a century or more are J. Hubert Todd, Lowry M. Wil son, and R. L. Plaxico, Sr. SETBACKS CONQUERED In November, 1851, the Pro vidence A. R. P. Church suf fered a severe blow when its first pastor, the Reverend Ja mes L. Young, along with a large segment of the congre gation (thirteen white and three negro communicants, who were given their certificates of dis missal) emigrated to Lee County, Mississippi, and be came associated with the Beth any Church, six miles from Guntown. After more than two years without a regular pastor, the Providence Church united with Bethel (at Ora) and Head Springs (near Mountville) in calling the Reverend David Franklin Haddon, who was or dained and installed May 15, 1854. Mr. Haddon served Pro vidence until shortly before his death, December 13, 1896--a period of 42 years--the long est tenure of any of its pastors. The Reverend Horace Rabb succeeded Mr. Haddon, serv ing from November 20, 1896, through September 18, 1897. Ministers following Mr. Rabb were: the Reverend William Alexander McElwee Plaxi co (May 19, 1900 - November, 1905), the Reverend Warren A. Blakely (May 5, 1906—Jan uary, 1907), the Reverend J. R. Hooten (July, 1907-January, 1914), the Reverend Henry E. Pressly, previous and subse quent to his Clinton pastorate an A. R. P. missionary to Mexico (1914-1918), the Rever end William H. Stevenson (1919- October 3, 1923), Dr. C. By num Betts (September 6, 1925- September 8, 1963), a tenure of 38 years, the second longest, and the Reverend Zeb C. Wil liams, Jr. (November, 1964- June 28, 1970) A NEW BUILDING IN TOWN In 1900, during the pastorate of Mr. Plaxico, the congrega tion bought a lot on N orth Broad Street (present location of the Bank of Clinton) and sold the church building on the original location off the Laurens road. The reason for this decision was the fact that most of Pro vidence’s members were then living in Clinton. During the period prior to the completion of the new church on North Broad, the congregation wor shipped in the Old Academy, where Academy Street School once stood. In 1901 the A.R.P. Synod gave Mr. Plaxicopermis- sion to canvass the churches in the Second Presbytery for funds to help build the Clinton church. Through the faithful, untiring efforts of Mr. Plaxico, who carried his bicycle with him to save expenses, funds were raised and the church was erected in 1902. A. B. Blakely, Sr., was chairman of the build ing committee for this second church. In addition to his key role in fund-raising, Mr. Plaxi co had an active part in the architectural planning and actual construction work on the church. This building, which was to be the house of worship for Clinton A. R. P.’s for the next fifty years, was dedicated in August, 1902, by Dr. James S. Moffatt, who was later to serve as president of Erskine College. FIFTY YEARS LATER, A NEW LOCATION As the membership of Pro vidence Church grew, the need for a new church with class rooms, a Sabbath School audi torium, and a kitchen became apparent. During the first years of Dr. C. Bynum Betts’ pastorate a canvass for funds for this purpose was made under the leadership of Blakely Sloan. However, the Great De pression of the 1930’s neces sitated the postponement of building plans, the congrega tion having to settle for a re novation of the North Broad Street building. During World War H members were en couraged to save War Bonds, looking to the day when a new church, with modern facilities and accommodations, in a re sidential section could be built. Following World War n sev eral annual fund-raising cam paigns for a new church were conducted, resulting in the building of the present church building on the corner of South Broad and Walnut Streets. The sanctuary (seating more than 270 people) and the portion of the Sabbath School building dir ectly behind it were completed in 1952. An additional class room wing was added in 1955. A pastor’s study and additional classrooms were added a few years later. The new church on South Broad was first used on Feb ruary 18, 1952. The hand some brick, debt-free church was dedicated March 31, 1957, with Dr. C. Bynum Betts con ducting the service and Dr. R. C. Grier, former president of Erskine College, preaching the dedicatory sermon on the subject, “The Church’s One Foundation.* The fund-raising and build ing committee for Provi dence’s third house of worship was composed of James P. Sloan, chairman;R. L. Plaxico, Sr., who supervised the con struction of the building; J. Hubert Todd; J. Sloan Todd; Lowry M. Wilson; Bennie B. Blakely; and William D. Adair. A. B. Blakely, Jr., success fully headed the campaign which resulted in the installa tion of the organ for the church. Mrs. R. L. Plaxico, Sr., serv ed as treasurer for the fund raising committee during the various canvasses for the new church, Sabbath School class room wings and later for the manse. The original A. R. P. Church building in Clinton still serves as a house of worship. When the new A. R. P. edifice at 701 South Broad Street was built, the All Saints’ Episco pal congregation bought the previous building on North Broad Street and moved it to its present location on Cal vert Avenue. COTTAGE AT BONCLARKEN In 1960 an attractive and commodious six-room cot tage was built at Bonclarken, Flat Rock, N. C., the assembly- grounds of the A. R. P., C hur ch. This facility is available to members ofthe congregation in attendance at various church conferences, the General Synod, and workshops, and as a vacation retreat at other times. The cottage, as well as many comforts and con veniences of the church, was provided chiefly through the leadership and generosity of the Hubert Todd family. ELDERS, CLERKS, DEACONS, TREASURERS Elders who have served sub sequent to the three charter elders (with ordination and/or installation dates) are: Robert Sloan (1841), William P. Milam (1845), Samuel A. Todd (1850), Hampton J. Bryson(1854), Wil liam Winder Sloan (1854), Da vid Blakely (1868), Joseph T. Todd (1868), Frederick L. Boo zer (1878), John C. Todd(1896), W. A. Todd (1904), O. P. Har ris (1906), Samuel J. Todd (1908), R. F. Blakely (1908), Henry A. Coleman(1912), Pinc kney H. Todd (1918), Dr. James Boyd Kennedy (1919) James Allen Coleman (1928), P. S. Jeanes (1928), J. Reed Todd (1928), E. D. Craig (1937), W. Blakely Tribble (1937), B. B. Blakely (1946), George Watts Copeland (1946), C. A. Dickey (1946), James P. Sloan (1946), WUliam J. Sloan (1947), Geo rge Bryson (1950), Dr. K. Nolon Carter (1959), Marion J. Na bors (1959), J. Hubert Todd (1959), Lowry M. Wilson(1966), R. L. Plaxico, Sr. (1966), Mar vin S. Turner (1966), George Thompson Copeland (1966), J. Sloan Todd (1970), Bennie B. Blakely (1970), and WiUiam D. Adair (1970). Sessional minutes of Pro vidence indicate that WiUiam Winder Sloan was the first clerk of the session 1859. Oth ers serving as clerk, with dates, are David Blakely (1874- 1899), A. B. Blakely, Sr. (1899- 1904), W. A. Todd (January 22, 1905-August 20, 1905), Samuel J. Todd (October 28,1905-1918), R. F. Blakely (December 1, 1918-February 27, 1921), Dr. James Boyd Kennedy (March 19, 1921-November 22, 1959, a period of 38 years, the longest single tenure), and Dr. K. Noland Carter (November 29, 1959 through the present). The office of deacon did not exist officially until June 17, 1906. The Session minutes of April 12, 1906 state that “Clyde E. Todd was appointed by the Session to act as deacon until further arrangement was made.* The March 20, 1904, Session minutes indicate that Deacons A. B. Blakely, Sr., and Clyde E. Todd metwiththe elders. On June 17, 1906, A. B. Blakely, Sr., Clyde E. Todd, and Samuel J. Todd were of ficially installed as deacons. Deacons who have served since 1906 (with ordination and/or installation dates) are: C. A. Todd (1908, J. Reed Todd 1908), P. S. Jeanes (1908), Ed gar Todd (1912), E. Blakely Sloan (1919), D. E. Tribble (1928), W. Blakely Tribble (1928), C. A. Dickey (1928), E. D. Craig (1928), R. L. Plax ico, Sr. (1928), J. Hubert Todd (1937), Paul Todd (1937), Lowry M. Wilson (1939), WiUiam D. Adair (1946), A. B. Blakely, Jr. (1946), Bennie B. Blakely (1946), Roscoe Buzhardt(1946), J. Sloan Todd (1946), Marion J. Nabors (1950), R. L. Plaxi co, Jr. (1966), Earl Stewart (1966), Sidney Bryson (1966) Earl Rice (1966), M. S. Tur ner, Jr. (1966), Ernest Hitt (1966), Dewey Oxner (1969), Thornton Stewart (1969), David P. Cook (1970), Lawrence Lan- ford (1970), and Herbert Robin son (1970). Serving as church treasur ers at Providence since the early 1900’s were A. B. Blak ely, Sr., who served until a- round 1936; Mrs. Hugh Eargle (1936-1945); J. Sloan Todd (1945-1965); Mrs. Marion J. Nabors (1965-1970); and George Thompson Copeland, who as sumed these duties a few months ago. SABBATH SCHOOL OFFICERS P. S. Jeanes was superin tendent of the Sabbath School from around 1910 until his death in 1937. Superintendents who followed Mr. Jeans are: J. Paul Todd (1937-1939), James P. Sloan (1939-1961), George Thompson Copeland (1961- 1967), and R. L. (Bob) Plaxico, Jr. (1967 through the present). Earl C. Rice serves currently as assistant superintendent. R. L. Plaxico, Sr., has served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Sabbath School for more than thirty years. Mrs. R. L. Plaxi co, Sr., served as Sabbath School superintendent during the writers Naval service dur ing World War H. THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY A vital auxiliary organiza tion of the Clinton church is the Woman’s Missionary Society, organized in 1896. The charter members were Mrs. Sarah Todd, Miss Mary Todd, Mrs. Frances Henry, Mrs. T. S. Simpson, Miss Alice Todd, Miss Mattie Blakely, and Miss Tensie Blakely. Miss Tensie Blakely served as secretary and treasurer of the Society from the time of its organiza tion until her last iUness in 1938, a period of 42 years. During its early history the Woman’s Missionary Society, in addition to paying monthly dues, raised additional money by piecing quilts, making bon nets, etc., for sale. The money was devoted to missions, charity, and local church causes. An interesting entry in the early minutes of the Society indicates that the mem bers became disenchanted with the church’s tall four- legged pulpit (with two or three steps for the preacher to climb into his box) and raised money for a modern church rostrum. To day’s Society consists of 32 members, who as a group con tribute generously to the local church's budget and the Syno dical budget, as well as various denominational and local causes. The Presbyterial Union consisting of delegates from all Societies in the Second Presbytery, has met at Pro vidence on three occasions, the last time in 1969. Civil War Delayed Building Of Leesville Y. P. C. U. The Young People’s Chris tian Union (Y.P.C.U.), devot ed to the training of future church leaders in doctrine, in the meaning of the Christian life, and in fellowship with like- minded believers, is composed of junior high, high school, and college-age students. It was organized about sixty years ago, with Miss Eliza Lindsay as its charter president. Other charter members included Miss Margaret Blakely, who has had a key role of leader ship in various aspects of the young people’s work, both lo cally and throughout the A.R.P. denomination. The Y. P. C. U. has always been active in the local church. It participates in local ser vice projects, such as food for needy families, and has made significant contributions to the success of Synodical Y. P. C. U. projects for the entire denomination. Dr. and Mrs. C. Bynum Betts served as advisers for the group dur ing Dr. Betts’ long pastorate. The current adviser is Mrs. A. B. Blakely, Jr. She was preceded by Mrs. K. Nolon Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Stewart. As this article was written, current officers were the late Miss Jeannie Nabors, president;Au brey Smitherman, vice presi dent; and Miss Patti Plaxico, secretary-treasurer. THE JUNIOR SOCIETY A strong force in the train ing of younger A. R. P.’s through the years has been the Junior Society. On Sunday afternoons dedicated adult leaders have transmitted to the children their enthusiasm for Christian living. Through song, story and study of the Bible and the Catechism, A. R. P. youngsters have received invaluable additional religious training in an informal atmos phere. Most recent in the suc cession of devoted leaders is Miss Judy Nabors. MEETING OF PRESBYTERY, HERE - 100 YEARS AGO It is a coincidence that the Second Presbytery met at the original site of Providence 100 years ago, April 8, 1870. Five Erskine Theological Seminary students, who were to serve the A. R. P. denomination long and well, delivered their trial dis courses on this occasion. They were Ebenezer E. Pressley, Charles Strong Young, John McClintock Tod, Calvin Press ly, and David Brainard Press ly. MEMBERS DISCIPLINED Church membership in the early days appeared to be more meaningful, more exacting-- and was taken more seriously. The early sessional minutes record on several occasions that certain i members were brought before the Session and charged with the sin of intem perance or misuse of spiritu ous liquors. Upon admission of the malpractice, the errant member, upon resolution by the Session, would “be suspended from sealing ordinances until he gave evidence of reforma tion.* One minutes entry in 1850 indicates that one member appeared before the Session and “expressed his sorrow for having indulged in spiritous liquors to an improper extent and promised that in the future he would be more cir cumspect.* His statement was read publicy from the pulpit. Admittedly, times have changed and not entirely for the best * * * We all admire the wisdom of people who come to us for ad vice.—Jack Herbert, quoted by Earl Wilson, Publlshers-Hall Syndicate. BY C. BRYAN HOLLAND Mount Zion, which was locat ed a short distance north west of Clinton was the Methodist Church for this com munity until 1854 when it was moved to West Main street in the village. The official name of the denomination was, Me thodist Episcopal Church, South. When Mount Zion was moved plans were made to organize another Church farth er north as Clinton was to far from that community. The Leesville site was selected and services were held there in a summer. All the Methodist Churches in the Laurens County area were on one circuit (some times referred to as a Charge) which had been formed in 1824 from the Newberry and Fnoree River circuits. There were no Churches in Clinton at this time. Salem Methodist (closed about 1900) was three miles ut the Newberry road. The organizing and building a Church atthe Leesville site v.as delayed to help build the Church in Clinton. The war between the States also delayed the I^ees- ville project till after ttie war. In the summer of 1865 ser vices were resumed at the Leesville site. On February 3, 1866 the Church lot was pur chased by trustees for the local membership (not for .my Con ference). The Church building was begun and was in use tie- fore the end of the year, al though not completed at the time. In the Laurens County area there was still nly one pastor with one or more Leal (lay preachers) assistants serving 13 Churches. Leesville was not assigned a past' >r at this time and had Sunday School, prayer services, Class meet ings for the study of the Bible and church doctrine, and wor ship services when a preacher was available. In the fall of 1867 the South Carolina Annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South divided the Lau rens circuit andput the church es in the eastern part of the county in a new Clinton cir cuit which included these churches, Clinton, Salem, Hopewell, Sardis, Rehoboth, Sandy Springs and leesville leaving seven churches on the Laurens circuit. The Rev. John Attaway was assigned to the new circuit and was the first pastor "f Leesville. That yeai seventy three charter memliers joined the Church, twenty two from Clinton, Salem and Sandy Springs. Fifty one from other 'Jenominations and >n profes sion of faith. The pastor and Church officers gave reports to a quarterly c'>nference which is still ttie practice. Church conferences were held when necessary and the membership roll was called once each year which is still done. The re ports ' f ttie pastors given to the conferences mentioned ttie con duct f ttie memters which he usually reported as good but some were put on probation, ttiis practice has since teen discontinued. Ttie Church cemetery wus started in 1868. Ttie rigii'nal church tmlding is still in use. It was remodel ed in 1897, additions were made in 1937 and 1956. Forty nine pastors and several supply pas tors have served ttie Church. Three returned the seend time but no .ne has served ttie Church for more than four years. In April 1939 Leesville Churcti refused to enter Me- thodist union and joined with other Methodist Churcties and new congregations in organiz ing ttie Southern Methodist Churcti. The Churcti has Sun day (Church) School (funda mental literature is used in cluding ttie catechisms), Fp- worth League for the young people Sunday evenings, wor ship services Sunday mornings and evenings. Ttie Woman’s Missionary Society have their regular meetings. Rev. Gary K. Briden ispastor. The Church is located just off ttie old Clin ton-Laurens road. Featured On Tours Of Laurens County Octagon House wm ■mm Lafayette Young Houae Tour 4