Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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i t i ’.V.W.*.W.V.VSV.V.V%SV Clinton’s First Baptist Church Was Organized In 1881 (Excerpts from an article written by R. S. Truluck) ‘The Clinton Baptist Church was organized oa the 8th day of August, 1881 after reading of the Articles of faith and the Covenant and the names of those constituting said Church were enrolled" The above wording in beaui- ful Spencerian Script is in scribed on the Fly leaf of the original book of church minu tes. On page 15 of the same book is an account of the first organization of the Clinton Bap tist Church and reads as follows: CLINTON, JUNE 14, 1881 A meeting of persons in terested in the organization of a Baptist Church in the town of Clinton was held this day in the Presbyterian Church. R. S. Griffin, Secty. M. E. Broaddus, Chm. The next entry in the church minutes is an account of the actual formation of the charter membership and reads (in part) as follows: CLINTON, JUNE 17, 1881 According to adjourment those interested m organiza tion of a Baptist church met in the Presbyterian Church Elder M. E. Broaddus was again called to the chair.-- after reading the Eighty-fourth Psalm the meeting united in prayer, Elder J. D. Pitts lead ing. After remarks,Elder M.E. Broaddus read the Articles of Faith as held by the Baptist denomination and the church Covenant, uniting and further preparing the parties interest ed for constituting the church proposed after which an in vitation w'as given to any present who desired to sub scribe to said articles of faith and covenant, whereupon the following names were recorded viz: C. K. Hale, T. F. Milam, J. T. Bishop, T. C. Sumerel, W. M. Sumerel, M, A. Sum erel, H. C. Wofford, Henry Milam, F. N. Calmes, C. C. Bailey, E. B. Waters, John A. Fetguson, R. S. Griffin, Mrs. So^Jmonia Milam, Elizabeth Milam, Malinda Briggs, Emma T. Griffin, Miss E. 0, Sumerel, Miss Bettie West, and Miss Alma Griffin (20 members). First Baptist Church Elder J. D. Pitts was then invited to address the organiza tion, which he did with some earnest and appropriate re marks...On motion it was decided that the new church should be called the Clinton Baptist Church. Elder Broad dus was invited to preach once a month. August 8 was set as date to meet again with a view of completing organization and authoritatively announce the “Clinton Baptist Church” as re gularly constituted. R. S. Griffin, Secty. M. E. Broaddus, Chm. The next entry in the offical record book was dated Mon day, August 8th, 1881 and gave the following account of the actual organization -- Elder M. E. Broaddus in the chair stated the object of the meeting was that of regularly constitut ing the Clinton Baptist Church. The following Brothers and Sisters then presented their letters of dismission (from other churches) which was read by the clerk, viz. “John H. Ferguson, Miss Maggie Fergu son, E. P. Waters, Elizabeth J. Simpson, Henry Milam, Lizzie Milam. Fannie Bailey, Your Happy Shopping Store Musgrove Street In Clinton Tribute Glorious Past In South Carolina The Forefathers Who Made The Big Step Forward Possible. We Are Proud To Offer A Sa lute To Our American Heritage And South Carolina During This Tri-Centennial. FASHIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Serving Laurens County For 35 Years * SAME LOCATION . SAME MANAGEMENT Clayton Bailey, R. S. Griffin, Fred Calmes, Henry C. Wof ford, T. C. Sumerel, W. M. Sumerel, Milton A. Sumerel, Emma 0. Sumerel, James T. Bishop, Bettie West, Tardy F. Milam, Sophronia Milam, C. K. Hale, Maggie Hale and W. C. Irby.” (24 members) Elder M. E. Broaddus, then, as regularly ordained Baptist Minister pro nounced the Clinton Baptist Church as regularly constituted and in this connection offered up a very appropriate prayer. A Committee consisting of H. C. Wofford, T. C. Sumerel, and W. C. Irby (appointed at an informal meeting as a build ing committee) made a report that they had bought a lot and paid for same and had let con tract for building to be erected thereon, now asked to be dis charged. On motion the report was received as information and their action endorsed and the same brethren appointed by the church as the official Build ing Committee. . After several minor items were disposed of the meeting adjourned. (later minutes carry a notation that a credit able house of worship had been constructed at a cost of about $2500.00.) ---Thus, was the beginning of a long and colorful history of the Clinton Baptist Church, later changed to First Baptist Church. During the past 85 years under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, these 24 charter members have grown to more than 750. The first pastor, Rev. M.E. Broadus, received a yearly salarly of $450.00. Of this amount the State Mission Board paid $200.00. For the first 10 months of its existence all services were held in the Clinton Methodist Church. Then on Sunday, May 14, 1882, the Clinton Baptist Church met in their own new building for the first time for Sunday School and preaching services. The pastor, Rev. M. E. Broadus, preached from Proverbs 3rd-16 & 17. At this service Brother H. C. Wofford, in order to save the church the expense in this direction tendered his services as sexton during the remainder of the year free of charge. On motion the church ordered BrotherT.C Sumerel to send an order immediately for a church bell. Collection was taken up amount to $2.55. This bell is still in possession of the church. The new church building was dedicated on the 4th Sunday in July 1882. to 73 and that the church had for nearly two years carried on a flourishing Sunday School. However it was March 16, 1884 before final salary raised to pay Rev. Broaddus in full. Rev. N. B. Williams, for merly of Brevard, N. C., be came the second pastor of the Clinton Baptist Church on Jan uary 13, 1884, at a yearly salary of $300.00 with a promise of $125.00 from the Langston Church. Rev. J. A. MP r tin became the third pastor of the Clinton Baptist Church and preached his first sermon on Sunday, January 16, 1887. Rev. J. A. Martin offered his resignation on Sunday, Sept ember 6, 1891 to become effec- , tive first of 1892 and Rev. A. J. S. Thomas was called to replace him; preaching his first sermon on Sunday, February 14, 1892. However, his term of ministry only lasted three months and the church called Rev. J. D. Mahon as its pastor who preached his first sermon on July 17, 1892. Rev. J. B. Parrot was called on Sunday October 27, 1895 and began his duties inJanuary 1896. The first time the name “First Baptist Church of Clin ton" is mentioned in minutes was of the date of February 25, i906, and apears as follows: Resolved, that we, representing the First Baptist Church of Clinton in conference as sembled, do hereby express our earnest desire for a fraternal and harmonious cooperation of all members Rev. J. B. Parrott died March 18th, 1907 after having served the church faithfully for more than 12 years. The minutes end abruptly at this point in its history and take up again with the meeting on September 14, 1936 and deals with the resignation of Rev. Edward Long, who had served the church as pastor for 20 years and was now resigningto take up the position as Trea surer of Furman University. However, by this time the following were already mem bers of the church: Miss Maude Sumerel, Miss Ruth Bailey, Mr. C. E. Galloway, Mr. J. Karl Johnson, Mr. R. F. Sum erel, Mr. Frank F. Fowler. They have furnished much of the information covering the period from 1908 to 1936. Rev. C. L. Fowler was call ed as pastor of the church in 1907 and in 1908 the church voted to demolish old building and build a new sanctuary on the same site as the old one and named Mr. R. L. Bailey as chairman of the Building Com mittee. (Lumber from the old building was given to Calvary Baptist Church, a mission of this church, from which they constructed their first build ing.) The building was begun in 1908 and was completed and occupied in 1909. This building was in use (with two major additions and alterations) until 1964 when it was also demolish ed in order to erect the present sanctuary which we are de dicating today. The original brick building was built during the ministry of Rev. C. L. Fowler, uncle of F. F. Fowler. It contained an auditorium with seating capacity of about 300. Several large class rooms surrounded the rear section which was closed off by sliding partition walls. This enabled the Sunday School classes to have separate quarters and still be housed in the same building. Church records covering the period of time from 1908 until 1936 were burned in a fire which destroyed Bishop-Walk er Drug Store. Minutes of the original organization of the church were badly damaged in this fire but were salvaged and rebound into a permanent bind ing for safe-keeping. During the period 1908-1936 the following men served this church as pastor: Rev. C. L. Fowler, Rev. L. A. Cooper, Rev. Lightfoot and Rev. Edward Long. Rev. Long was called to the church in 1917 and serv ed as pastor for 20 years (longest term of ministry until Rev. J. H. Darr.presentpastor who completed 20 years as minister of this church on January 1, 1966). Rev. Walter N. Long was called to the church as pastor on December 11, 1936 and preached his first sermon here on January 1, 1937. On October 28, 1883 the church accepted with “profound regrets* the resignation of Rev. M. E. Broaddus. In citing pro gress made under Rev. Broad dus’ leadership it was noted that the membership had grown On May 9, 1937 the church in conference voted to begin a Building Progragi to include the addition of educational space. The minutes record the following: ‘Motion was made, duly seconded and unanimously carried—a very hearty vote!" 22—THE CHRONICLE, Clinton, S. C., Nov. 12, 1970 Original Church Building Mr. W. A. Moorehead was named Chairman of the Build ing Committee and instructed to get underway as quickly as possible. On September 5, 1937 “in a special called conference for the purpose of instructing the Building Committee which was composed of W. A. Moore head, Chairman,S. W. Sumerel, E. J. Adair, George H. Ellis and B. H. Suddeth, be instruct ed to borrow the money need ed to build the church addition and that the committee was not to exceed the price of the lowest bid namely $14,900.00 which bid was by the Clinton Builders Supply Co. of Clin ton, S. C." Signed by: T. L. W, Bailey, Chairman W. R. Anderson, Jr., Clerk The building was completed and occupied in January 1938. However, the debt was not com pletely paid until April, 1943. Sunday, January 18,1942: The church in conference voted to purchase the Felder Smith house corner Maple and Hickory Streets to be used as parsonage at . price of $5750.00 This house and lot were sold in 1964 to Dr. J.M. Gettys for $12,106.12 After eight years of a very progressive ministry Rev. W. N. Long offered his re signation in November of 1945. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Darr was called to serve this church on November 7, 1945. The call was accepted and Rev. Darr entered his duties as minister of the First Baptist Church on January 1, 1946. Under the leadership of Rev. Darr the church has en joyed its greatest period of progress. Beginning with a 1946 budget of $6,155.00 auditorium fund of $3500.00 and Benevolences $4, 000.00 making a total budget for the year of $13,655.^ the church has steadily grown until today we are operating on a budget of w'ell over $50,000.00 and Building Fund that has passed the $150,000.00 mark. On January 2, 1955 church voted to accept low bid of $66,500.00 and to begin con struction of new Educational Building. R. S. Truluck, Sr., was elected chairman of Build ing Committee, along with S. W. Sumerel and J. D. Bass. New addition was completed and occupied in June, 1955. On July 17, 1955 the church elected its first Board of Trustees, namely: J. C. Thomas, Chairman; R. S. Tru luck, Secretary; R. F. Sumerel and S. G. Dillard. On August 20,1961, the church voted to purchase the E. J. Adair property adjoining the church, at a price of $32,000. 00. To be used as a pastorium. On October 20, 1957 the church met in special confer ence to vote on two different plans. (1). To remodel old audi torium or (2). To demolish pre sent building and build a com pletely new building in the same location. After a lengthy discussion period motion was made and seconded to build tirely new sanctuary. A standing vote showed that the motion was carried almost u- nanimously. The following men were elected to serve as General Building Committee: R. S. Truluck, Chairman; W. R. And erson and J. D. Bass. Last services were held in the old building on August 9, 1964, and workmen began de molishing the building the following week. On August 1, 1964, W. E. Baker and Son of Whitmire was awarded the contract for new building at a low bid of $259,057.75. Pews, windows and carpet approximately $30, 000.00. Order was placed for Schantz Pipe Organ at approximate $31,000. ( Will take 28 months to build) Fant i Fant of And erson were architect. Building was under con struction for more than a year. Occupied for first service on February 20, 1966. Dedication Services were set for April 17, 1966. Davidson Street Baptist Church Davidson St. Church Started As A Mission During early 1959 Calvary Baptist Church, Clinton, voted to sponsor a mission church and to construct a building for this purpose at 400 - 404 David son Street. Ground breaking cere monies were held by the mo ther Church on May 3, 1959 at the building site for con struction of the first unit. Ap proximately 125 persons were present. The pastor ofCalvary Church, Rev. J. W. Spillers, conducted the service and Mrs. L. W. King spaded the fii$t shovel of earth. While the building was being erected, a pulpit committee and a committee to select a name for the mission church were active. Rev. Clyde Pet erson was called as our first pastor and served until his resignation June 3, 1962. Our present pastor, Rev. M. Floyd Hellams, began his ministry here on September 9, 1962. The name Davidson Street Baptist, was chosen, and plans made for the first revival ser vices the week of October 19, 1959. Approximately 112 per sons united with the mission church at that time. Present membership (as of September 22, 1970) is 333. The first regular services of the mission church began ifl- the newly constructed first unit with Sunday School and morning worship on Sunday, October 25, 1959. That afternoon the mission church was organized and church officers, teachers, and leaders of the various organizations elected. On the first Sunday in Dec ember, 1959, the mother church approved the missior. church’s request for organization to a full-time, self-supporting Baptist Church. Then the Davidson Street Baptist Church made application to be received into the Laurens Baptist As sociation. On February 7,1960 a second ground-breaking service was held for construction of two additional units. These new wings would be used for educa tional purposes and a tem porary sanctuary. Mrs. A. W. Ridings spaded the first shovel of earth. Dedication for these two new units took place on May 22, 1960. Our church voted to pur chase a house at 206 Caldwell Street to be used as a pastorium, November 27,1960. The pastorium was improved in 1962 and again in February 1967. On August 6,1961, our church voted to license to the Gospel Ministry two of its young men, Shannon Long and Copeland Whitmire; and on October 1, 1961. voted approval 0 f applica tion for David Cromer to enter, as a ministerial student, South eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. On August 14, 1966, William (Bill) Quarles was given license to the Gospel Ministry, and his application approved to attend North Greenville, Junior College as a ministerial student. In Octo ber, 1970 our church will ordain to the Gospel Ministry Jack Carr. Mr. Carr, a member and ministerial student is serving as pastor of Bethabara near Cross Hill. Our pastor appointed a Building Survey Committee in September, 1964 to study our expansion needs and the possi bility of near-future aditions of a new Sanctuary and new two-story Educational Build ing. With faith and determina tion, that which first seemed impossible became a reality. The practice of Christian ste wardship was evident. The ground-breaking cere mony for the 485 seat Sanc tuary and two-story Educa tional Building was held on February 7, 1966 with Mr. L. B. ("Uncle Berry") Tram mell spading the first shovel of earth. Construction began about February 14, 1966. These new additions were dedicated March 5,1967, but parts of the new building were in use by November 20, 1966 when the first service was held in the new Sanctuary and a Corner Stone Laying Service was held on that date. Our membership has in creased to 333. Present value of our church property is ap proximately $225,000, and the 1970 Church Budget lists a total for all causes at approxi mately $40,000. Our church’s eleventh anniversary will be observed October 25, 1970.