Center Baptist Church was founded on Lowell-Bethesda Road on the Beck Mathaise farm under a shade tree in 1876. Rev. Abe Reid was the minister. Later Center Baptist Church was moved from the shade tree on Beck Mathaise's farm to Lowell-Bethesda Road to a brush arbor on New Hope Road near the present location. The land was a grant from the late Mr. Abe Titman.

 

The brush arbor was on Center Baptist Church property and was used during favorable weather until Brother Bailus Gingles secured a tent. Services were held in the tent until the men were able to buy a frame house which was being torn down in the neighborhood.

 

A one room frame building was built by Brother Bailus Gingles and others. Later the first frame building was available and serviceable. The building was lighted by kerosene lamps and heated by a wood burning stove. The lighting was soon changed to gas and later electricity. Eventually the heating facilities were changed to coal.

 

Under the leadership of Rev. R. J. Davis a bell tower, pool for baptism, a ladies room, and a study for the pastor were added to the church. Also under Rev. R. J. Davis' leadership Mary Z. Benson, Evelyn Hill, and Lucinda Hart gave the first Children's Day program. Sunday School was a monthly affair. The Usher Board was organized under Brother Alonzo Falls.

 

Rev. H. B. Washington from Great Falls, South Carolina was called to Center Baptist Church in 1946 by a committee of senior Deacons. Included were Deacons Robert Falls, Lee Reid, Abe Reid, Chairman, and Collie Tate. Under Rev. Washington's leadership the general standards of Center Baptist Church were reorganized. In 1947 the following reorganizational steps were taken:

 

A program committee was organized with Brother William Benson as chairman. The Baptist Training Union - Brother William Benson, president.

 

The Missionary was reorganized and extended to four groups with Sister Mabel Tate as supervisor.

 

The Trustee Board was reorganized with Brother George Hill as chairman.

 

The Deaconess Board was organized.

 

New pews and pulpit furniture were installed in 1948. The new church building was planned in 1950. The county school property was purchased in 1958.

 

The stain glass windows were donated and paid for by the following: Rev. and Mrs. H. B. Washington, Deacon and Deaconess Boards, Trustee Board, Program Committee, Vocal Choir (in Usher room), Junior and Senior Usher Boards (front window), Sunday School (front window), Missionary Group IV, Missionary Group III, Missionary Group II, Missionary Group I, In memory of Mrs. Rebecca Warren Cramer.

 

The scripture, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism", written on the arch in front of the pulpit was paid for by Sister Carrie Grier who was in failing health. She made beautiful quilts and pillows, sold them, and saved the money received for this cause.

 

The new church building was completed in 1959 and the members marched from the old building to the new one. The mortgage was burned in 1965.

 

The clock was given by Brother Finley Patton and wife. The sidewalks were paid for by the Missionaries and constructed by Brother Benson and others. The parking area was also paved.

 

The Brotherhood was reorganized with Brother Robert Gingles as president. Other reorganizational steps taken included: organization of a Flower Club, a Shaw Club, Sister Geneva Davis, chairwoman, the Sick Committee was reorganized with Brother George Hill, chairman and Sister Clarrenner Falls, secretary, and finally the Kitchen Committee was reorganized with Sister Rosa Reid as Chairman.