9/6/07
Manning First Baptist Church to celebrate 150th anniversary
By Philip Gibbons
 |
|
150th anniversary coordinator Patsy Williamson, a member of Manning First Baptist Church for more than four decades, stands among the many artifacts that the church has preserved. They will celebrate their 150th with a special service on Sept. 30. |
Since 1857, Manning First Baptist Church has stood strong and had a lasting influence on the community at large. On Sept. 30, former pastors, current and past board members, church regulars and residents from all over Clarendon County will be gathering for a landmark, once-in-a-lifetime historical event, as MFBC celebrates its 150th birthday.
The church began as a single-room building, and quickly grew in both physical size and attendance. In 1874, there were 85 members. As of today, there are over 600. Not only are church services provided, but it hosts a kindergarten and preschool for three to five-year-old children. It has had a notable impact on its congregation.
“I’m 85, and I joined when I was 8 or 9 years old,” said Corinne Jennings, a former Sunday school teacher of both children and adults. “My mother probably carried me before I was even born. My father was a very generous supporter of the church. He was on the first building committee that built the first part of it, the first part of the plant. My mother was on the second building committee, and I was on the third. I came from a very loyal and devoted family.”
“I’ve been going ever since I was about five years old,” said longtime member Scott Jackson. “My whole family attended at one time. We certainly are very proud of it, and what it’s done for the community. It’s outstanding in many ways. We thank the good Lord for those that started it and got it going when they did.”
Said Maude Harrington, “I’ve been a member since 1955. It’s been a big part of our lives. All of our children grew up there. We both try to work in it some. My husband has been a deacon in it a lot and has been on several boards.”
Due to causes never confirmed (faulty wiring has been speculated), the sanctuary, along with the music room and library, caught fire and burned downed on May 22, 1981. That event – and its aftermath – is one that many longtime churchgoers can recall.
“I remember when the sanctuary burned,” said Sarah Quattlebaum, a former kindergarten teacher at MFBC. “I read about it in the paper and just about had a heart attack. The people that were baptized down here started getting it done down at the lake, because it was a good many years before the sanctuary became usable again. We had church like always, but had to make some changes.”
When the building was finally repaired, a special dedication service was held on Nov. 14, 1982.
From 1973 to 1998, the congregation was headed by Dr. Paul M. Sullivan, a native of Buffalo, South Carolina. His tenure as pastor lasted for 25 years, the longest in the church’s history. He was a beloved figure, in both the ministry and community.
“We had 25 good years there,” said Sullivan. “We saw good growth in the church, and spiritual growth in the lives of the people as well. And our mission giving tremendously increased. It was a good, happy ministry.”
Dr. Sullivan also recalled the devastating 1982 fire.
“We went through some times with the fire that nearly destroyed us, and the rebuilding. And the people came together there and everybody worked to get the thing rebuilt and to improve and enlarge the ministry.”
When Sullivan left in 1998, a big farewell ceremony was held for him. Several speakers from outside the community came to speak, including all the presidents of Charleston Southern University. He was given an Oldsmobile as a going-away present.
Since Sullivan’s departure, nine interim pastors have filled his former position. The congregation is currently being led by newcomer Reverend Jerry Paul Cottone.
“(Reverend Cottone) seems to be a good, solid man, and a strong preacher,” said Sullivan. “He seems to be following his leadership well. He’s very down to earth. I think he’s doing well and will continue to do well.”
On Sept. 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., a special ceremony will be held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Manning First Baptist Church. The guest speaker will be Dr. Robert Louis Alderman. A native of Clarendon County and a graduate of Manning High School, Alderman has held various positions in MFBC, including interim pastor in 2004-2005. He has served in the pastoral ministry since 1959, and traveled the world over on mission trips.
“I’m looking forward to the observance,” said congregational member George Calloway.“My wife and I have been members for 51 years. I’m encouraging everyone that’s a member to attend, as well as all the former members.”
The chairman of the event is Patsy Williamson, who has been a member since 1963. She is responsible for organizing the program come the day of the anniversary.
“I think we are doing very well,” Willamson said. “We have a new pastor, a new music teacher, and a new youth minister. Now that we are fully staffed again, we are moving forward in a better direction.”
“We were here when the church burned. To come back to being a full vibrant church again and overcome that obstacle is inspiring,” she said.
One-hundred fifty is certainly not a young age, and with any luck, Manning First Baptist Church will remain standing long enough to celebrate many more anniversaries and centennials. Reverend Cottone, in a letter to the congregation, praised not only the church’s history but its hopeful future.
“I can hardly fathom the depth of God’s love that sustains a church for 150 years,” said Cottone. “With a God-called staff I know that we as a church body are headed in the right direction. So many members and staff have done so much over the last 150 years and especially recently to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.”
|
