Church History: 1962-1985

       CENTENNIAL HOMECOMING DAY.           October 20, 1985

                                   MORNING WORSHIP – 11:00 A.M.

 A TIME OF PREPARATION 

                  Exchange of Greetings and Conversation

                  Meditation During Organ Prelude

Children’s Feature

Emphasis on Opportunities

A TIME OF PRAISE

Call to Worship – Choir

Invocation

Hymn No. 33

Prayer

Offertory Hymn No. 459

Offertory Prayer

Tithes and Offerings

A TIME OF PROCLAMATION

Choir – “Old Fashion Singing”

Introduction of Guest Minister

Sermon – Dr. A. Harold Cole

A TIME OF DECISIONS

Invitation to salvation and new commitments

Invitation No. 187

Benediction

DINNER ON THE GROUNDS – 12:30 P.M.

        AFTERNOON WORSHIP – 2:00 P.M.

Prelude

Hymn

Invocation

Welcome and Introductions

Historical Highlights

Sharing –

    My fondest memory of Nine Forks Church is …

    What Nine Forks Church has meant to me

Hymn

Music – Carolina GolBenediction – “God Be With You”

PREFACE

            According to the oral history given by the Senior Citizens of our church and the Dacusville Community, the church known as NINE FORKS BAPTIST CHURCH was organized because of a need to have a place of worship closer to the residents of the area. Prior to that time residents had to travel to Cross Roads or Peters Creek Churches to worship. Travel was by buggy, horse and wagon, horseback or foot. Roads, of course, were not paved and were frequently muddy and hard to travel. Many roads were nothing more than wagon trails. Legend tells that these roads, nine in all – some no more than driveways, came together near this location, thus, the name Nine Forks.

            The first worship services were possibly in a brush arbor. The first church building was a one room frame building that set in the area of the property that is now the northeastern corner of our cemetery, the area just behind our church sign. The building was heated with a large pot-belled stove that kept the church warm and cozy if you were close by, but no one sat on the back pews in cold weather.

            Many of our older members have fond memories of services in that building. Not only was going to church beneficial for the worship experience, but it also provided the only social activity for many people each week.

            In compiling this history of Nine Forks Baptist Church, Dacusville, South Carolina, I found a shortage of records of activities for the early years. Minutes could not be located for the years prior to 1955, and much of the information for later years is incomplete.

            Mr. William W. Mull compiled a history from 1885 to 1961 which was read at Homecoming June 4, 1961. This is being reprinted as presented by Mr. Mull as an account of the first 75 years of this church. 

            The updated history from June 1961 through the end of the 1984-85 church year has been summarized according to the time of service of the pastors of the last 25 years. This history has been taken from the minutes of the church, oral history, and associational minutes.

             Anyone with additional information concerning the history of Nine Forks Church is encouraged to share that with us so that this history can be updated, corrected, or expanded for the use of the membership of the future.

            I would like to thank each person that has helped me compile this history.                     

                                                Jane. B. Handley

 Deacons elected to serve in 1950 pictured here are, back row, left to right, Jim Robinson, Lake Looper, Will Robinson, Carl B. Turner, and Guy Simmons.  Kneeling, left to right, W.W. Mull, B.F. Griffin, and Rev. C.B. Smith, pastor.  Note the frame construction of the building.

REV.  AND MRS. NORMAN S. BELL, 1956 – 1961

BAPTISTRY

During the first 75 years of the history of Nine Forks Church, baptisms were held in ponds, pools, and nearby streams according to what was available at the time the service was to be held.  During the remodeling of the church in 1961, a baptistry was added.  The picture below was at a dedication service held that year. 

HISTORY - 1961 – 1985

Rev. A.C. Martin – 1961 – 1966

           The Digest of Church Letters presented at the 1965 Annual Session showed Nine Forks had baptized six persons and added 19 by letters for a total membership of 195.

            Building projects seemed to take a lot of conference discussion.  Once again, the parsonage needed painting as did the steeple.  Also the 1965-66 church year saw the completion of a kitchen downstairs.

            Rev. A.C. Martin resigned as pastor of the church September 4, 1965.

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Rev. Earl Waters – 1966 – 1975

            Rev. Earl Waters was called as pastor late in 1966. He, Mrs. Waters, and Steve presented their letters to the church in December, 1966. At the time of the Annual Session of Pickens Baptist Association, the following information was given for the 1965-66 church year by Clerk, Mrs. Dean Looper:

Church membership:                                 144 resident, 46 non-resident, Total 190

Treasurer’s Report:                                    Total receipts-$11,067, Missions $1,331

                                                                      Pastor’s salary $4,080

Sunday School:                                          Enrollment – 123, Av. Attend.-83

                                                                     Vacation Bible School – 73

Training Union:                                          Enrollment – 70, Av. Attend. 33

Total Value of Church property:              $75,000 includes parsonage, church debt: $15,504

            Officers elected to serve in the 1966-67 church year were Lake Looper, Treasurer; James Wood, Music Director, Mrs. Dean Looper; Clerk and WMU Director, Mr. D.L. Crowe, Brotherhood, and Sunday School Supt.; Mrs. W.B. Clark, TU Director; Bill Robinson, Chairman of Deacons.

            The delegates to the Annual Session met at Saluda Hill Church on October 14, 1966. Rev. Harold Cole, Asst. Gen. Sec. & Treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention brought the message from which this excerpt was taken.

*Rev. Cole preaching from Matt. 28:19-20 said. ‘We do not have a fort to hold, but our mission is to win the world for Christ.’ He reminded us of Jesus’ words, Go tell all parts of the world and witness for me. This is the mission of Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and we as Christians make up this church. The need is great, so the challenge is to each one of us. The question comes back, what have I done for my Lord?”

            Easter was on March 26, 1967. The church voted to extend an invitation to the neighboring churches to join us in a Sunrise Service.

            In other business in the church year 1966-67, the church voted to buy an organ. In June of 1968, a special conference was called to discuss the financing of the balance due on the organ.  A Conn organ was purchased.

            The Digest of Church Letters that year showed that our church had added 9 by baptism and 4 by letter. Offering receipts had climbed to $15,723, missions $2,272, and the pastor’s salary increased to $4,370. 

            Of interest to our area was the report given at the Annual Session that Easley Baptist Hospital was in an expansion program for 23 new beds and improved patient services immediately and an additional 23 beds to be completed by 1972. The expansion program is essential to keep pace with the expanding Pickens County population.

            The weather was cold in January, 1969 and brought attention to the need for insulating the downstairs Sunday School rooms.

            The church voted to participate in the Crusade of the America’s, a simultaneous revival to be held throughout the Southern Baptist Convention in March 1969.

            The 1968-1969 report showed membership to 203 total; Sunday School, 138, average weekly attendance 83; VBS-78, TU, 67 with average 45. Receipts were $16, 616, Missions $2003. New officers for the year were Roy Ogle, Sunday School Supt., Miss Sandra Looper (Poore) TU Director, and Mr. Lamb Crowe Chm. Of Deacons.

            1969-70 showed a continuation of the steady growth of the church. 13 baptisms were performed, church membership was up to 209. Value of church property increased to $87,000. VBS has 93 enrolled 

            May, 1970 a special conference was called to elect delegates to attend a special meeting of the Pickens Baptist Association. The purpose, to draw up a constitution and by-laws for the new Pickens-Twelve Mile Association. Those messengers were Dean Looper, Faye Duncan, Louise Freeman, Jessie Hall, Elma McConnell, Mr. W.W. Mull, and Lloyd Stone.

            Following is an excerpt from the Book of Reports of the First Annual Meeting of the new Association. 

            “The Twelve Mile River Association has a rather long and impressive history. It is the mother of other distinguished Baptist bodies, including Pickens Association.

            Pickens is somewhat younger as an association, but it has a good record in the area of cooperation and progress.

            Geographically, the union is a natural one. Numerically, the two associations need each other. History will, no doubt, one day verify that the two associations will be able to sponsor a much stronger program united than both could working independently.”

Rev. Bomar L. Raines was called as Supt. of Missions. 

            The following church officers were elected for the 1970-71 church year. 

            Sunday School Supt. – Sandra McConnell (Davis)

            Training Union – Mrs. Jessie Hall

            Music Director – Jim Wood

            Brotherhood – Rev. Waters

            WMU Director – Mrs. Sue Griffin

            Treasurer – Lake Looper

            Clerk – Miss Kathy Looper (Noon)

            Chrm. of Deacons – Lake Looper

            In business affairs during the year, a life insurance policy for the pastor was discussed and accepted by the membership.

            A building fund was established for future use. 

            Purchase of new flags for the sanctuary was approved on July 4, 1971.

            A committee was appointed to study purchase of new carpet for the sanctuary. This was approved in August, 1971. 

            The year ended with the following report: 

            Baptisms 5, Letters 5, Total membership 209

            Sunday School – Enrolled 127- av. Attendance 94

            Training Union – Enrolled 79

            Music Program – 31

            WMU Program – 59

            Brotherhood – 17

            Vacation Bible School – 81

            Total receipts - $19,185 – Missions $2,954

            New officers were elected in September for the 1971-72 church year; changes for the year before are, Chairman of Deacons, Wayne Rich; Sunday School Supt. Emilou Rich, Organist, Martha Wood, and Librarian, Margaret Ogle.

            Business affairs during this year included participating in and helping finance a community wide revival, and voting to participate in the World Wide Mission Conference to be held in 1973.

            In April, 1972, the church began discussing another building program. A vote approved getting blue prints and prices to be presented. June brought a special conference to discuss an exchange of land with Mr. Paul Traynham.

            Reports were given to the church that the proposed new building project would cost approximately $60,000. Money could be borrowed from Easley Home Building & Loan Assn. with payments to be around $500 a month for 20 years. The proposed building to be a two story wing and complete air conditioning. Plans continued to be discussed and finally the building plans were approved during the 1972-73 church year.  This is the building adjacent to the Sanctuary.

            The Church Clerk read the following information from our report to the association. The total membership was 220 which included 6 added by baptism and 5 by letter. Sunday School had an enrollment of 133, average attendance of 94, Training Union enrollment 71, Vacation Bible School 105, Receipts were $21, 062, Missions $3,141. New officers for the new year showed only one change from the previous year, Bill Robinson will be Chairman of Deacons.

            1973-74 Church year officers were elected as follows:

            Tommy Holcombe – Sunday School Superintendent

            Bill Robinson – Clerk

            Roy Ogle – Chm. Of Deacons

            Jessie Hall – Training Union Director

            Jim Wood – Music Director

            Sue Griffin – WMU Director

            Bids were secured for organ chambers during this church year. Also, the Dacusville Area Revival was held.

            In associational activities, the Recreational Ministry at Table Rock was begun. Don Odom was student summer missionary. Also, ground was broken for the new association office.            

            The year-end report was as follows:

            Membership 231, 7 Baptisms, Sunday School Enrollment 131, av. attendance 89, TU enrollment 64, attendance 47, VBS, 98, Total receipts $26,198, Value of church property$167,939, with $58,040 debt outstanding. Lake Looper will be Chairman of Deacons.

            Nine Forks Church was privileged to host the Annual Session of the Pickens-Twelve Mile Association on October 25, 1974. 

            Business affairs during the 74-75 church year included contributing $200 to the association building fund, marking off the parking lot, voting to support RA softball team, and beginning the investigation into the possibility of purchasing a bus.

            Rev. Earl Waters submitted his resignation to be effective July 6, 1975.

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Rev. Eugene Edwards – 1975 – 1977

            In September 1975, Rev. Eugene Edwards was called as pastor. In preparation for the arrival of his family, the pastorium was painted inside and new carpeting was installed.

            The year-end report was as follows: 

            6 Baptisms, 2 additions by letter, total membership 235

            Sunday School 141 with average attendance of 90

            Training Union 68, av. attendance 43

            VBS 72

            Total receipts $27,984, missions $4,113, Staff Salaries $8,095 

            Officers for the 1975-76 church year: 

            Chairman of Deacons – Roy Ogle

            Clerk – Bill Robison

            Treasurer – Lake Looper

            WMU Director – Sue Griffin

            Training Union Director – Margie Williams

            Sunday School Superintendent – Joe Parsons

            In March 1976, approval was given to spend $7,600 on a bus for the use of our church membership and for a bus ministry. A committee was formed to draw up guidelines and to supervise maintenance of the bus. These were Roy Ogle, Nancy McConnell, and Bill Robinson.

            The Digest of Letters for 75-76 notes 8 baptisms. New officers are Margaret Ogle, WMU Director, Lloyd Stone, Music, Mr. D.L. Crowe, Chairman of Deacons.

            In the 1976-77 church year there was a sum of money in a special fund. The membership voted to move that and apply most of it to the church debt with the remaining $1,800 to be placed in the checking account. A vote also approved sending $50 to the association building fund.

            The first Christmas project for prisoners was established through the State Missions Department in cooperation with the WMU and Brotherhood organizations. Churches were asked to supply “prisoner bags” with several articles to be used in this ministry. Also, the port ministry was begun in Charleston.

            On November 20, 1977 Rev. Edwards submitted his resignation to be effective immediately.

#######

 Rev. Robert Wheeler – Interim Pastor – 1977 – 1979

            The church elected Rev. Robert Wheeler as Interim Pastor on Dec. 18, 1977. During his year of service, the association report listed the following information:

            Membership, 229 – 178 resident, 49 non-resident members

            5 Baptisms and 4 letters

            Sunday School enrollment 129, av. attendance 83

            Training Union enrollment 66, av. attendance 46

            Vacation Bible School enrolled 100

            Total receipts, $36,312 Missions $6,414, Property value

            $190,000, Church indebtedness $38,893

Church officers for the 1978-79 year were:

Louise Freeman – Training Union Director

Joe Parsons, Sunday School Superintendent

Jim Wood – Music Director

Edna Owings – WMU

Lake Looper – Treasurer

Church Clerk – Bill Robinson

Chairman of Deacons – Larry Martin

 Business affairs during this time period included buying office equipment, air conditioning the parsonage and activating the bus ministry.

             On January 14, 1979 a special conference was called to vote on a new pastor. The church voted unanimously to call Rev. Felton Cox as pastor.

            In the February conference the church voted to establish Family Night on the first Wednesday night in each month.

            Mrs. Margaret Ogle, the daughter of W.W. Mull who complied the first church history, was elected church historian and asked to compile an updated church history during the next six year time period.

            It was decided to place all monies in excess of $1,200 into a building fund and for the Building and Grounds Committee to be in search of a new parsonage.

Rev. Felton Cox – January 14, 1979 – September 30, 1990

            Rev. Cox unanimously called by Nine Forks Church. He began his ministry in March.

            Guidelines were established for the use of the church bus. Roy Ogle was elected bus coordinator. The bus made it much easier to transport groups for activities outside of the local area. It is also to be used to provide transportation to all worship services for persons in need.

            The 1978-79 church year ended with the following report:

            6 Baptisms, 5 letters, 5 dismissals by letter gave us a total membership of 233, 184 resident, 45 non-resident. Sunday School enrollment was 147 with an average attendance of 87, Training Union enrollment 63 with an average attendance of 39. Bible School enrolled 64, WMU originations 48, RA’s 17, Total receipts for the year were $45,280, staff salaries $12,055, Church property valued at $209,000, indebtedness $34,244.

            New officers elected for 1979-80 were:

            Joe Parsons – Sunday School Superintendent

            Louise Freeman – Training Unio Director

            Jim Wood – Music Director

            Sue Griffin – WMU

            Lake Looper – Treasurer

            Church Clerk – Bill Robinson

            Chairman of Deacons – Jimmy Robinson 

            An important matter that claimed the attention of Nine Forks Church as well as most of the world, was the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Iran and the holding hostage our embassy employees. A special conference was called Dec. 23, 1979 for the reading of a letter of concern that had been drawn up by our deacons. The congregation approved the letter as written and voted to have it mailed to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations to register our deep concern.

            Jane Robinson, Wayne Rich and Martha Wood were asked to serve as a committee to search for a Minister of Music in April, 1980. A job description was drawn up and a salary of $55 per week plus $20 car allowance was approved. Henry Freeman was called in July, 1980. He served this church well through August, 1985.

            The 1979-80 year-end report showed 3 baptisms and 18 additions by letter. Membership is up to a total of 251. Total receipts are up to $57,234, staff salaries $15,645. Missions contributions total $9,564. Sunday School, Training Union, VBS, WMU organizations, and RA’s showed attendance at same levels as year before.

            New officers elected for 1980-81 are Jim Wood, Sunday School Supt., Rusty Poore, Church Training Director, Emilou Rich, WMU Director, Bill Robinson as Clerk, Lake Looper, Treasurer, and Richard Bridges, Chairman of Deacons.

            Business matters claiming our attention early in 1981 were the need for new pews for the Sunday School class rooms on each side of the sanctuary. Also we discussed having all pews recovered. A committee was appointed to get a cost estimate on this and to see the work through to completion.

            The churches in the Dacusville area were approached in early 1981 concerning a need for meeting space for scout groups that had formerly used school property. The school board had voted to set a fee for use of school property. We voted to sponsor one Brownie Girl Scout Troop and one Cub Scout group, and allow them to use the downstairs room located under the steps, plus bathroom facilities located in the social hall.  This was the Sanctuary building.

            August brought an intense discussion about a proposal concerning a name change for our church. Many wish to have some name more distinctly identifying out church with the Dacusville community, possibly Dacusville First Baptist Church. After serious consideration and much discussion, a vote was taken by secret ballot. A majority of the membership voted to retain the name NINE FORKS.

            The parsonage was another serious topic of business. In the fall of 1980, the church purchased a lot near the church, owned by Ross Dover, with the intention of building a parsonage there. Funds were being accumulated in a building fund earmarked for this purpose. A committee was elected to study plans, financing, and sale of old parsonage.

            In the spring of 1982 the church membership made a decision to have a study made and a master plan developed to determine the current needs and future projections of actions to be taken by our church. Bill Bashor agreed to do this study. This will be done before any additional action is taken on building a parsonage.

            On Sunday, June 27, 1982 a special conference was called to hear a recommendation from the deacons that we consider acquiring four acres of land adjoining our church property from Mr. Paul Traynham. The land has previously been unavailable for purchase, but Mr. Traynham will consider a deal involving trading the parsonage and lot for the land adjoining the church property. Acquisition of this land would open more possibilities of growth of our physical plant than have previously been available. After much prayer, discussion, questions and answers the recommendation passed.

            This action presented a drastic change in our business priorities. Suddenly our pastor was without a home – and more land opened new possibilities for development. Rev. & Mrs. Cox owned a home in Berea area of Greenville that had been rented. The house was being vacated about this time, so a decision was made for the pastor to move there, and the church would pay him a housing allowance until further plans could be developed.

            Things are happening so fast and many prayers are offered that God will show us His will for our church and not let us be led astray.

            The year-end report for 1981-82 showed that the Lord’s work had not been forgotten. There were 13 baptisms, 16 additions by letter, 11 members lost for a total membership of 291, an increase of 62 members since 1978. Total receipts are $74,308, more than doubled since 1978. Total missions offering also more than doubled at $15,732. Sunday School enrollment is up to 212 with an average attendance of 124. Church training enrollment is 87.

            New officers elected to serve during the 1982-83 church year are Jim Wood, Sunday School Supt., Larry Martin, Church Training, Emilou Rich, WMU Director, Roy Ogle, Brotherhood Director, Bill Robinson, Clerk, Larry Martin, Chairman of Deacon, James Looper, Treasurer. This is the first new name to appear as treasurer in 32 years. Lake Looper has served his church well in this position, and now his son has taken this responsibility.

            Soon after the beginning of the 1982-83 church year, the new Master Plan was presented to the church membership. The Long Range Planning Committee recommended the plan be adopted as presented; there was, however, an amendment proposed that current building funds which had previously been set aside for a new parsonage be made available to accomplish the work shown in Phase 1 & 2 of the Master Plan. The amendment was approved, then a vote was taken by secret ballot on adoption of the Master Plan. The vote passed 107 for, 2 opposed.

            Phase 1 involved an urgent need for more parking and more classroom space. The parking lot was expanded and marked off and the church social hall was divided into four much needed classrooms. Also, an open area between the old and new wings of the church was enclosed to make a room.

            The need for a serious study of the cemetery was noted. Especially a need for more adequate upkeep. The cemetery committee drew up new guidelines which were accepted by the church as presented. (A copy of this guideline is found in this booklet). Upkeep now became the responsibility of the church caretaker. Caretaker’s salary will be increased to cover this additional work.

            The 1982-83 year-end report shows that we remained at about the same level in membership. There were 2 baptisms and 7 additions by letter, but we lost 7, so membership is up to 293.

            New officers elected to serve during the 1983-84 year are Anne Bashor, Sunday School Supt., Tony Robinson, Church Training Director, Jane Handley, WMU Director, James Looper, Treasurer, Bill Robinson, Clerk, and James Robinson, Chairman of Deacons.

            The 1983-84 church year began with further discussion about the Master plan. Do we need a parsonage or Family Life Center? After prayerfully considering this matter, a decision is made that the church needs a new building to provide adequate space and equipment to minister to a growing congregation and to enlarge the scope of its work for the Lord.

            Another business matter became obvious. The church needed a secretary. Jane Robinson had faithfully served the church for several years on a volunteer basis, but the work load was increasing rapidly. In September 1984 our personnel committee recommended we hire a part-time secretary at a salary of $4.50 per hour. The motion was approved and Bonnie Crowe was hired for 10 hours per week.

            Eleven members took part in an intensive Lay Evangelism School held at Cross Roads Baptist Church. Rev. Jim Tate, Director of Missions in the Florence area, was our instructor. The purpose of this instruction was to prepare a nucleus for a visitation team that could reach out to the unchurched and unsaved in our community, not searching just for church members, but trying to win lost souls to the Lord.

            The year-end report saw no significant changes in our statistics. New officers elected were Candy Wynn, Sunday School Superintendent, and Joe Parsons, Chairman of Deacons.

            The Family Life Center was a key issue as the 1984-85 year began. We need to finance $300,000 for this multipurpose structure that will provide us with more classroom space as well as recreational and fellowship facilities. Many before us in the one hundred year history of this church have faced the need to provide a place for the Lord’s work. How we are being called to continue this commitment.

            The Together We Build Program, a program developed by the Stewardship Commission of the SBC is chosen as our method of financing the building program. This program fosters togetherness by prayerful, cooperative involvement, and it is firmly grounded in biblical principles.

            The first step is the 90-day effort to raise $20,000 cash. This is a test of our real commitment. In August, September, and October different fund raising events were tried. A flea market, bake sale and car wash; greeting cards and stationery were sold, but the largest effort was a walk-a-thon. Participants solicited pledges for the 5 mile hike. Seventy people from nursery age to senior citizens participated in some way. Lake Looper and Dave Friddle made it a real challenge as they carried large plastic bags and picked up all the trash along the hike route. The goal was exceeded and it was apparent we were ready for the next step.

            A steering committee is elected to coordinate the Together We Build Program. Those serving are Felton Cox, Pastor, Rusty Duncan, Program Director, Bonnie Crowe, Program Secretary, Joe Parsons, Spiritual Emphasis Director, Bill Handley, Advance Commitment Director, Candy Wynn, Commitment Visitation Director, Jane Robinson, Fellowship/Snack Director, Rebecca Looper, Banquet Director, Jim Wood, Follow-Up Director, and Butch Hendricks, Promotion Director. Ultimately over 85 members served on the different committees.

            Committee meetings piled on top of each other. Each church member was visited in their home to make sure the program was understood by everyone, and to ask for prayer support from all members. The advance commitment group selected randomly approximately 30 families to contact. On March 10, 1985 the biggest banquet we’re ever had was held at Dacusville School. The room was packed, the mood was expectant, and the crowd overwhelmed when Bill Handley announced that the advance commitment totaled over $140,000. The total committed to date is $202,520.00. Truly the Lord has blessed us!!

            On the first Sunday in May, May 5^th, 1985, the 100^th Anniversary of Nine Forks Baptist Church, ground was broken for the new Family Life Center.

            “And Jesus, looking upon them, saith; With men it is impossible but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Nine Forks Baptist Church had committed itself to the Good New America, God Loves You simultaneous revivals to be held April 20-27, 1986. To prepare for that we are currently involved in the Good News America, God Loves You people search, a census being taken to identify prospects and needs that our church may minister to.

We have, also, added another ministerial tool. The Nine Forks Newsline, a newsletter mailed monthly with the following purpose:

• To inform members and others of the scheduled activities in the church, its goals, and it’s accomplishment.

• To reach out to persons who are not involved in this or another church.

• To promote harmony, fellowship, support of the church’s ministries and involvement in them.

The 1984-85 year ended with the following report:

Membership – 297; 250 resident

Baptisms 3, Other additions 16, members lost 11

Sunday School Enrollment – 213, average attendance 119

Church Training Enrollment – 56

Woman’s Missionary Union organizations – 52

Brotherhood – 32

Total receipts  $152,118; Missions $19,633

New officers elected for the 1985-86 church year:

                                                          CHURCH DIRECTORY

Clerk                                                                              Bonnie Crowe

Treasurer                                                                       James Looper

Secretary                                                                       Bonnie Crowe

Organist                                                                        Martha Wood

Pianist                                                                          Rebecca Looper

Director of Sunday School                                         Candy Wynn

Director of Church Training                                        Tony Robinson

Director of W.M.U.                                                        Jane Handley

Director of Brotherhood                                               Bill Handley

Nursery Services Coordinator                                      Cindy Burgess

Bus Committee                                                       Tim Robinson, chm; Ross Dover

Building Committee                                              Wayne Rich, chm; Buck Rich

                                                                                        David Friddle

Cemetery Committee                                            Wayne Rich, chm; Clayton Looper

                                                                                             Lloyd Stone, Sr.

Property &Space Committee                                         Jimmy Robinson, chm.

Activities Committee                                                       Jim Wood chm.

Long Range Planning Committee                                   Roy Ogle, chm.

Hospitality Committee                    Nancy McConnell & Carolyn Duncan, co-chm.

Bereavement Committee                                       Jane Robinson, Jean Rich

                                                                                      Julia McConnell

Flowers & Memorials                                               Emilou Rich & Jean Rich

Benevolence Committee                                             Margaret Ogle, chm.

Usher Committee                                                      Bill Robinson, chm.

Deacons: (Term Expiring)

                        Bill Bashor                           1986

                        Mike Crowe, sec                 1987

                        James Looper                     1986

                        Joe Parsons, v. chm.           1987

                        Wayne Rich, chm.                1988

                        Jim Wood                              1988 

Mr. Harold Felmet was called as Minister of Music by Nine Forks Baptist Church on October 13, 1985.

GROUND BREAKING SERVICE.       MAY 5, 1985

 from left to right:  Miss Hattie Lee Griffin and Miss Effie Looper, longest term members of Nine Forks Church; Back row, Bill Bashor, Chairman, Building & Planning Committee; Rusty Duncan, Director of Together We Build; Wayne Rich, Chairman of Building Committee.

Felton Cox and Rusty Duncan, Program Director         

Looking over the site for the new facility.

MISSION ORGANIZATIONS

            Much of the history of a church is not contained in the minutes of a church conference. The different organizations provide much of interest; therefore, I have already asked Mrs. Margaret Ogle to summarize some of her early memories of the Woman’s Missionary Society, later known as Woman’s Missionary Union.

            Around 1930, when Mrs. Hal Robinson was president of the W.M.S., the women met at church on Thursday afternoons. A call came concerning the need for bed covers for missionaries in cold countries. Not having much money, but time and love, the ladies of Nine Forks Baptist Church started quilting after their twice monthly W.M.S. Meetings. They were joined by two ladies from the Church of God, Mrs. Ida Finley, and Mrs. Frank Rich, and a Methodist lady, Mrs. Traynham. Several quilts were quilted for the missionaries.

            While the ladies quilted, the small children were left to play around. Under a quilt was a wonderful place to play, but it caused many stuck fingers and a need for children to be kept busy; thus, Sunbeams was originated for our church. Mrs. Eunice Robinson as leader met with the children every time the ladies met.

            Stories, songs, pictures of missionaries. Mrs. Eunice Robinson was wonderful. Missions came alive for us. We studied China and Japan and imagined ourselves as Chinese and Japanese. We even made pajamas out of printed chicken feed sacks and wore these to meetings. 

            Miss Mattie Robinson was the first G.A. Leader. What a great leader. She walked from her home and met the girls when they got off the bus from school. We always enjoyed the cookies she had for us before studying and praying together. Not only did we learn about missions, but she led us to know Jesus as our personal Savior.

            The first special work in G.A. Learning compared to Forward Steps or Studiact of today…was learning readings. Mildred Mull won the only one Nine Forks ever had. She was in a contest at Pickens First Baptist Church and went to the State Meeting. She gave her reading at Earle Street Baptist Church In Greenville, but did not win there. But what an experience we all had learning about mission work.

            Years passed, GA’s and YMA were dropped because of lack of leaders. Rev. Norman Bell was pastor when missions really came alive at Nine Forks again. He was a very mission minded pastor. After he left for mission work with the Home Mission Board in New York, Rev. A.C. Martin came as pastor. The Rev. Ewell Payne was Associational Missions Director. We started working on Forward Steps. A dedicated reviewing council led by Mrs. Dean Looper with the help of the leaders helped the girls with their forward steps. Scripture, Leaders aims and watchwords were repeated weekly.

            Valarie Ogle was crowned Queen at the first Coronation at Nine Forks. This was on Sunday night. The next week the revival run and what a difference in our church.

            Sandra McConnell was elected Associational GA President that year. Marcia Ogle and Sandra Hall went to Queens Court at Anderson College. Margaret Ogle served two terms as leader at Queens Court.

Sandra Looper worked in GA camp as counselor one year. Also, during her college years, Sandra served in New York as a Home Missions Board Summer Missionary.

 Leaders were many, Faye Duncan, Margaret Ogle, Martha Wood, Betty Hendrix, and many others.

 YMA’s - What fun they had. Betty Caudill as president with other good leaders and girls working had many wonderful times. We had White Bible Services for our girls when they were getting married. A service to help young ladies start their marriage with a Christian start. Marcia Ogle, Sandra Hall, Sandra McConnell, Sandra Looper, Sharon Bridges were some honored with this service. 

 The WMU organizations have remained active throughout the years. Two of the most memorable services held in recent years the “We Are The World” program organized by our Acteens and held April 14, 1985 during the evening worship hour. A guest speaker - Miss Beth Johnson - spoke. Beth has been called as a journeyman to Honduras. The program was planned to call attention to the world wide hunger problem, especially in Africa. A special offering taken that night was forwarded to the Foreign Missions Board to be sent to Africa.

An Acteens and GA Recognition Service was held on June 9, 1985. GA’s were recognized for steps they had completed, and the Acteens presented three girls for the Queen Award. Each girl was escorted by her father and crowned by her mother. Those receiving the award were Christi Wynn, Angie Wood, and Anita Looper. The theme was “Something Beautiful” and the service truly was Inspirational. Leaders were Sandra Looper Poore, Martha Wood, and Karol Hooper.

NINE FORKS BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY GUIDELINES

• Members of the Nine Forks Baptist Church shall have  a right to burial without cost .

• Member parents or guardians may reserve the right to burial for minor members or non-members, right to be effective until the minor’s eighteenth birthday. The expiration of the right to a burial by a non-member upon his/her eighteenth birthday shall be waived in case of mental Incompetence. 

• Non-members shall pay a fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00), subject to change at the option of the church, before the right to burial shall be granted.

• Any right to burial shall be non-transferable to another party under any circumstances. 

• Head markers only shall be permitted to be erected in the new section (see cemetery plat), and then only under the supervision of the cemetery committee. 

• All agreements entered into in regard to “burial plots” prior to the adoption of these guidelines shall be honored by the Nine Forks Baptist Church.

ADOPTED IN CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 2, 1983.

Nine Forks Baptist Church

Route 5, Box 80 

EASLEY, SOUTH CAROLINA 29640

October 20, 1985

Dear Friends,

The following pages of this publication, for which we are grateful to Mrs. Jane Handley, reflect some of the struggles and joys of a congregation of baptized believers who, over a period of one hundred years, have ministered in their setting as they were led by their Lord.

I know of no greater privilege in this life than that of ministering alongside of and being pastor to a congregation of Christian pilgrims. Therefore, I express gratitude to God and a special sense of oneness with is people. This Centennial Homecoming Day affords me an opportunity also to express gratitude for the faithfulness of all who have passed this way before us, as well as those who remain with us.

Without the “planting and watering” done by previous pastors, I could not today be enjoying the fruits of a sweet spirit among our people. Except for the faithfulness of teachers, deacons and others in the church, the present day leaders would have no good example to follow and little foundation upon which to build a still greater church.

We are, indeed, in the process of building – not only a great structure of wood and masonry for the dual purposes of providing needed facilities for our own church members and reaching out to others, but also faith and character. Christ has called us to this ministry with him and with one another.

It is great to be involved in this kind of cooperative ministry! It is great to be a cooperative a Southern Baptist Church, and to know that there is at our disposal the resources of the Pickens Twelve Mile Baptist Association, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention, all of which consist of people committed to Jesus Christ. And of course, the one in whom all resource reside is God, who is revealed to us in Jesus, who loves all people of every age in every place and is calling us now to receive his love and share it.

                                                                              Sincerely,

                                                                              Felton Cox