History Presentation

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "History Presentation"

Stanley Horn
5 years ago
Views:

1 History Presentation Established 1885 Celebration: 123 rd Anniversary September 19, 2008 Rev. Darren Bellamy, Pastor Slide 1 of 66

2 Rev. Darren Bellamy, Pastor Words from from the the pastor, Rev. Rev. Darren Bellamy Slide 2 of 66

3 Table of Contents Description Slide# History of church founders Church s Land Timeline Copies of land deeds associated with the church s property Pastors who served the church Highlights of church s history More highlights Slide 3 of 66

4 History of Church Founders Rhoda Wilson-Wolfe and her sons were the founders of McNeil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. An introduction of Rhoda Wolfe- Wilson follows. Slide 4 of 66

5 History of Church Founders cont d A female baby was born February 1836, a slave, near the Virginia/North Carolina state lines. She was known as Rhoda. We will never know her exact birthday because slave masters never recorded the birth of slaves, if they did, the records were kept among that of the livestock. They also never recorded the names of the Africans who were kidnapped from their native lands. At this point in our history, we have no additional information regarding Rhoda s mother or father. However, the best available information so far on her birthday is February The information was based on the 1880 census as recorded in Horry County South Carolina. We know that she lived on a plantation that straddled the Virginia North Carolina border. It might have been the then famous Hairston Plantation. She probably worked long hard hours in the heat and humidity, picking cotton that was exported to textile mills or tobacco that was cured and made into pipe tobacco. The Wilson name was derived from, we believe, the last slave master in Horry County South Carolina who owned her and her sons. Slide 5 of 66

6 History of Church Founders cont d First set of children beginning of the Wilson Family Husband - sold from her sometime after 1857 Husband, name not has never been mentioned in oral history discussions Rhoda Wilson Allen Westley Wilson ( ) James Westley Wilson ( ) Silas Wilson ( ) Slide 6 of 66

7 History of Church Founders cont d Allen Wilson and James Westley Wilson s father, it is believed, was sold away from them sometime after They, along with their mother, Rhoda, were subsequently sold to a slave trader and it believed that the slave trader sold them to a slave holder in Horry County South Carolina. Slide 7 of 66

8 History of Church Founders cont d Silas Wilson ( ) was born in South Carolina Emancipation proclamation freed Southern slaves on January 1, The Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution outlawed slavery in the United States on January 31, 1865 On the basis of census records and death records, it is believed that Rhoda Wilson married Robert Wolfe in Slide 8 of 66

9 History of Church Founders cont d Second set of children beginning of the Wolfe Families Robert Wolfe ( ) On the basis of census data he died between 1910 and Rhoda Wilson Wolfe ( ) Narcissa Wolfe ( ) Christian Wolfe ( ) Catherine Wolfe ( ) Slide 9 of 66

10 History of Church Founders cont d In 1885, only 20 years after the end slavery, Rhoda Wilson-Wolfe cornered off a parcel of Robert and her land to build a church; therefore, as it is known today; the McNeil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was established. Mother Rhoda was a pious woman and she engaged her children to study the Bible, thus they all leaned to read and write became ferocious readers. Slide 10 of 66

11 History of Church Founders cont d Founders along with Rhoda Wilson-Wolfe Allen W. Wilson (son) Silas Wilson (son) Rev. McNeil (first pastor/preacher) The church was named after Rev. McNeil. The original wooden church was in the exact same location where today s church is facing Todd Swamp Road, which is now McNeil Chapel Road. Slide 11 of 66

12 History of Church Founders cont d On the basis of oral history, there have been three buildings erected for McNeil Chapel Church in the past 123 years. The current church is 58 years old. 2 nd Church 3 rd Church 1 st Church Wooden building Built in 1885, plot size 20 by 20 yards. Wooden building Build date unknown Torn down in 1950 Center block building Built Land size 0.7 of an acre as of present Slide 12 of 66

13 Church's Land Timeline The follow is a chronological timeline of various land transactions from the earliest available land records up to the present. Slide 13 of 66

14 Church s Land Timeline : On February 9, 1873, Robert Wolfe paid J.M. Cox and Rebecca Cox $10.00 for 5 acres of land South of Todd Swamp On July 27, 1877, Robert Wolfe and Rhoda paid J.M. & Rebecca Cox $50.00 for 20 acres of land on the North side Todd Swamp and E. Side of Todd Ferry Road. This is the parcel of land that included the spot where the original church was built in around 1885 up to present church building. Continue on next slide Slide 14 of 66

15 Church s Land Timeline cont d Cont d from Previous page 1885: McNeil Chapel Church was organized and erected on a piece of land donated by Rhoda. However, an official deed was not issued at that time. The size of the parcel of land was 20 yards by 20 yards. This amounted to 3,600 square feet. There are 43,560 square feel in An acre. Therefore, the spot for the church was equalivalent to only of an acre. This suggest that the original church was very small. On the basis of this information, there was a much larger church built after the turn of the century. The larger church lasted until 1950, when It was torn down to make way for the current center block church. Continue on next slide Slide 15 of 66

16 Church s Land Timeline cont d Cont d from Previous page 1899: On June 3, 1899, Robert Wolfe purchased for James Westley Wilson (a.k.a Budder West), his step son, 10 acres for $20.00 on the North side of Waccamaw River 1900: On March 31, 1900, Catherine Wolfe Bellamy paid $25.00 to her father, Robert Wolfe, for 18 acres in Simpson Creek Township on Todd Ferry Road. According the deed, Rhoda and Robert both were granted life time rights to this land after selling it to their daughter, Catherine.. Continue on next slide Slide 16 of 66

17 Church s Land Timeline cont d Cont d from previous page 1902: In November 1902, Rhoda deeded 20 by 20 yards of land to the church for $1.50. The small wooden church was already on the 20 by 20 yards of land. Continue on next slide Slide 17 of 66

18 Church s Land Timeline cont d Cont d from Previous page 1910: Note On March 5, 1910, Rhoda sold Russell Wolfe, her grandson, three (3) acres of land for $1.00 in the Simpson Township bounded on the north by the McNeil Chapel Church and the Wilson Road, and T.W. Livingston, East by W.L. Wilson, South by Silas W. Wilson and West by old Red Bluff (now McNeil Chapel Road) and Todd Swamp school house. On the basis of researching deeds, it is clear that some kind of confusion over the church s parcel of land resulted in the 20 by 20 yards sold to the church for $1.50 in 1902 got included with the three acres. In those days or even today, land is generally is sold or purchased in terms of acreages or fraction of an acre. This is where the confusion may have arisen. 1912: On November 9, 1912, T.W. (Tom) Livingston purchased the above parcel of land from Russell Wolfe, thus the church was in effect on Tom Livingston s land. Note: the 1910 the three acres were part of the land purchased in 1877 by Robert & Rhoda Wolfe.. See previous page., property Continue on next slide Slide 18 of 66

19 Church s Land Timeline cont d Cont d from Previous page 1943: On October 14, 1943, Jacob D. Wilson (a.k.a. Uncle Scrap) purchased the same parcel of land ( 3 acres) from T.L. Livingston that he had purchased from Russell Wolfe in (Copy of deed attached) 1971: On August 24, 1971, the family of the late Jacob D. Wilson (a.k.a. Uncle Scrap) estate sold 0.7 of an acre for $200.00, including the spot where the original Church was built in 1885 to the church. This is the first time in its history that McNeil Chapel Missionary Church has had a clear title (deed), i.e., void of confusion. (Copy of deed attached, page 24) End of Church's land history End of Church's land history Slide 19 of 66

20 Copies of Land Deeds Associated with The Church's Land Timeline Slide 20 of 66

February9, 9,1873 1873 February This is believed to be the first parcel of land (5 acres) purchased by the family after slavery.

21 February9, 9, February This is believed to be the first parcel of land (5 acres) purchased by the family after slavery. It is located on the south side of Todd Swamp in and around the area of the late Ethel Wilson s and butted against Todd Swamp. 123rd Anniversary History Sept Slide 21 of 66

22 1902: First deed Associated with the church's land. Slide 22 of 66

23 cont d: First deed associated with the church's land. 123rd Anniversary History Sept Slide 23 of 66

24 1943 Deed Deed for Jacob D. Wilson (1943) when he purchased the three (3) acres of land from Tom Livingston. This is the same three acres sold to Tom Livingston by by Russell Wolfe in The church was on this property. This transaction put the church land back into the hands of a family member. Slide 24 of 66

25 1943- Deed cont d from previous page Slide 25 of 66

26 First clear deed August 24, 1971, the estate of Jacob D. Wilson(a.k.a. Uncle Scrap) sold 0.7 of an acre for $200.00, which returned the land back to the church. This transaction allowed the church for the first time in its history to have a clear title (deed) to the land since it was established in Slide 26 of 66

27 August 24, 1971 Deed cont d from previous page Slide 27 of 66

28 August 24, 1971 Deed cont d from previous page East North South West Church s plot of land Slide 28 of 66

29 Final Deed cont d August 24, 1971 Deed cont d from previous Page. Slide 29 of 66

30 Pastors from 1885 to present Slide 30 of 66

31 Pastors from 1885 to present 1885 Rev. McNeil Rev. McNeil Rev. Olden Chestnut Rev. Antly Graham Rev. Sherman Godboat Rev. Julian Chestnut Rev. Herbert Livingston Continue on next slide Slide 31 of 66

32 Pastors from 1885 to present Deacons during this period Allen. W. Wilson Silas W. Wilson Allen Oscar Wilson Comments There are no oral history or time intervals available at this Time on when these men served as deacons. Rumor has it that they served for a very long time in this capacity. Silas W. Wilson (a.k.a. Uncle Sy) from all indications was a legendary deacon. One of his famous Quotes: Don t do as I do, rather do as I say Uncle Sy ) Slide 32 of 66

33 Pastors from1885 to present cont d Cont d from previous page Trustee: Mr. William L. Wilson (40+ years of service) Rev. Sylvester Riggins Deacons:* Allen Oscar Wilson (until his death in 1950) William Bell (replace Oscar Wilson after his death) Joe Davis Wilson Jerry Wilson Silas Wilson ( until his death in 1946) Accomplishment: Rebuilt the current center block church in Rev. Sam Moss Deacons:* Joe Davis Wilson Jerry Wilson William Bell Accomplishment: Corner Stone placed in the wall in 1956 Continue on on next next page Slide 33 of 66

The Legendary Rev. S.V. Riggins Highlights Pastor 1941 1955 Great-grandson of Rhoda Wilson-Wolfe. Excellent leader and highly respected by the members.

34 The Legendary Rev. S.V. Riggins Highlights Pastor Great-grandson of Rhoda Wilson-Wolfe. Excellent leader and highly respected by the members. Near the end of his tenure, he confided in some members that he as a relative of the McNeil Church people was beginning to find it painful to delivery the eulogy for the deceased. Rev. Sylvester V. Riggins ( ) At At the the ended ended of of each each of of his his terrific terrific sermons, he he would would always always say say in in a repeating humming voice: voice: I I am am going going go go to to tell tell God God that that I ve I ve done done my my best. best. Slide 34 of 66

35 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Cont d from previous page Rev. Rob McCray Rev. Joe H. H. Keel Trustee: Mr. William L. Wilson (40+ years of service) Deacons:* Joe Davis Wilson Agusta Ford William Bell Deacons: Joe Davis Wilson (died 1969) Agusta Ford (died 1962) William Bell Raleigh Wilson (replaced Deacon Agusta Ford) Johnny Wolfe (replaced Deacon Joe Wilson) Rev. Joe Keel cont d next page Slide 35 of 66

36 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Rev. Joe H. Keel cont d Accomplishments: Purchased land for a church cemetery. The first family member buried in the new cemetery was the late Master Randolph Wilson (son of the late Ethel Wilson). Front of the church was remodeled A pulpit set was installed in the church. Bathrooms were installed and a kitchen was added. The church for the first time in its history received a clear deed on August 24, Rev. Joe H. Keel Slide 36 of 66

37 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Cont d from previous page Church Clerk Woodrow Wilson Rev. Charles Ford Deacons: William Bell Johnny Wolfe Raleigh Wilson Trustee Board Simon Dewitt Victory Dewitt Aaron Ford Accomplishments: Instituted Bible study classes on Monday nights. New pews were installed. New fellowship hall was built. Rev. Timothy Patrick became a licensed preacher. Rev. Clarence Joyner Deacons: Johnny Wolfe Raleigh Wilson Woodrow Wilson Trustee Board Simon Dewitt Harris Lee Wilson Victory J. Dewitt Accomplishments: Added to deacon board: Robert Bell, Lavern McCray & Edward Earl Wilson Rev. C. C. Joyner cont d next next page Slide 37 of 66

38 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Rev. Clarence Joyner cont d Accomplishments cont d: Initiated remodeling of the pastoral office. Made first & third Sundays as regular service days. Incorporated the second Sunday as youth day. Rev. Leroy Bryant preached on the fourth Sunday His leadership made preaching available every Sunday. Increased the membership of the trustee board. The church purchased a piano. Slide 38 of 66

39 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Cont d Cont d from from previous page page Rev. Timothy Patrick Deacons: Robert (Larry) Bell Levern McCray Johnny Wolfe Trustee Board: Harris Lee Wilson John Browne Leo Wolfe Simon Dewitt Victory J. Dewitt James Wilson Accomplishments: Initiated a youth ministry. Remodeled the women s bathroom. Rev. Jackie McCollough Deacons: Robert (Larry) Bell Levern McCray Johnny Wolfe John I. Wilson Trustee Board: Harris Wilson - Chairman John Browne Leo Wolfe Simon Dewitt Fannie Dewitt Peggy Livingston Rev. Rev. McCollough McCollough cont d cont d next next page page Slide 39 of 66

40 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Rev. Jackie McCollough cont d Church Clerk: Martha Wilson Maxine Browne assistant clerk Accomplishments A baptismal pool was installed. The choir stand was remodeled. New carpet was installed. Added a new auxiliary (The Brotherhood). Slide 40 of 66

41 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Cont d from previous page Rev. Darren Bellamy present Deacons: Robert (Larry) Bell Levern McCray John I. Wilson Trustee Board: Harris Lee Wilson John Browne Leo Wolfe Simon Dewitt Victory J. Dewitt James Wilson Rev. Rev. Bellamy cont d cont d next next page page Slide 41 of 66

42 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Rev. Darren L. Bellamy cont d Church Clerk: Martha Wilson Maxine Browne assistant clerk Accomplishments Paid off loan for the 10 acres of land purchased in. Paved the church s parking lot. Upgraded the cemetery. Added five classrooms. Remodeled the Sanctuary. Developed training for new members. Rev. Rev. Bellamy cont d cont d next next page page Slide 42 of 66

43 Pastors from 1885 to present cont d Rev. Darren L. Bellamy cont d Accomplishments cont d Music ministry has been reorganized. A praise team for the youth department has been added. A steeple has been installed. Slide 43 of 66

44 Number of years each pastor served: present 30 Tenure of Pastors ( present) Rev. Riggins Rev. Moss Rev. McCray Rev. Keel Rev. Ford Years served Rev. Joyner Rev. Patrick Rev. McCollough Rev. Bellamy present Pastors Slide 44 of 66

45 Percent of years each pastor served: present Rev. McCollough 9% Rev. Bellamy 8% Rev. Riggins 21% Rev. Patrick 5% Rev. Joyner 5% Rev. Moss 3% Rev. McCray 3% Rev. Ford 9% Rev. Keel 37% Slide 45 of 66

46 Highlights of the Church s History Slide 46 of 66

47 Highlights of the Church s History The church doubled as the community school and a safety shelter during the hurricane seasons. Dates TBD In 1886, McNeil Chapel MBC was one of the first churches to come together for the organization of the Kingston Lake Association. Three were three church buildings since McNeil Chapel MSBC was founded in1885, i.e., two wooden churches, and the current center block church in existence today. The church cemetery was originally located on the grounds on Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church #1. This verbal agreement was made by people from both churches. The church purchased the current cemetery in 1965; therfore, McNeil Chapel MBC stopped using Mt. Calvary #1 church grounds as the church s cemetery. In the early days of many missionary churches, preaching was once per month and the day the pastor preached was generally known as pastoral day. McNeil Chapel MBC pastoral day was the third Sunday of the month. This practice went for a couple of generations. The community school (Todd Swamp School) doubled as a dinning hall when it was McNeil MBC turn to host the Kingston Lake Association convention, etc. Slide 47 of 66

48 Highlights of the Church s History cont d In1952, the Klu Klux Klansmen (KKK) burned a cross directly parallel with the church across the road, which is now Old Wilson Road as part of their intimation tactics used during that period of America history. The late Cleo Patrick witness this horrific incident when he got out of his bed and sat on his front steps while the cross was burring and the KKK was dancing around the cross in their usual celebratory pattern. The late Sam Wilson witness the incident also because he heard the noise at the church and got out of his bed and walked out to what is now McNeil Chapel Road to see what was happening at the church. He then called his wife from the road to bring him his shot gun because those oh devils as he phrased it, are burring a cross at the church. Others people witness the cross burning that night also. Slide 48 of 66

49 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship On or about 1952 or 1953 after the cross burning at the church, the KKK put out the word that they planned to march through the church with their white robe garment on and put money on the collection table during the church's fall revival week. This provocative act of intimation caused the people of McNeil MBC and the community to draw a line in the sand. Slide 49 of 66

50 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship cont d The men in the community came-up with a plan. 1. If the KKK entered the church to carry out this provocative act of terrorism, they would be dealt with the harshest way possible as they exited the church in their white robes. 2. In case some tried to escape. There were armed men (many who served in WWII) stationed along the roads leading to and from McNeil Church to make sure no KKK escaped once they left the church. This was a basic military tactic learned by the veterans of WWII, i.e., draw your enemy to you and then encircle them and take care of business. Slide 50 of 66

51 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship cont d KKK: Possible escape route Old Wilson Road Location where The KKK burned Cross 1952 or 1953 Church KKK: Possible escape route KKK: Possible escape route McNeil Chapel MBC McNeil Chapel Road McNeil Chapel Road Armed men of the community were stationed along all three possible escape routes to make sure no KKK escaped after they desecrated the church. Slide 51 of 66

52 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship cont d A grave situation was developing that could have meant the end of the black area of Red Bluff as we knew it at the time. The night that the KKK were to carry out their plan, something very peculiar happened. Slide 52 of 66

53 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship cont d God is good and works in mysterious ways!!! As KKK was convoying to McNeil Chapel MBC to carryout their act of their provocative act of terrorism, for some reason they decided to stop at the crossroads before continuing to the church. The store where they stopped had also heard about what the KKK planned to do at McNeil MBC that Wednesday night. The store owner told Klansmen the Colored people, to use her own words, had been buying lots of Amonition from her store in the preceding days. This vital Information caused the Klan to abort their mission; therefore, avoiding what most likely would have been a blood bath in and around the. Slide 53 of 66

54 Highlights of the Church s History cont d McNeil s Brinkmanship cont d Rev. S.V. Riggins was the pastor at the time and it has been rumored that he confided in some of members of the church that he preached that evening with his pistol in his pocket. Slide 54 of 66

55 More Highlights (Snapshots and Comments) Slide 55 of 66

Edward Wilson (1880-1954) Brother to W.L.

56 Abigail Wilson ( ) W.L. Wilson ( ) Church s trustee for many years More Highlights James Edward Wilson ( ) Brother to W.L. Wilson Jerry Wilson ( ) Son of W.L. Wilson Lula Mae Scott Granddaughter of W.L. Wilson Picture of family members - unknown date Slide 56 of 66

More Highlights cont d The late Sister Florie Bell A True Pioneer (1912-1997) Highlights She worked tireless in the church and community for over 50 years. Her name is synonous with McNeil Chapel MBC.

57 More Highlights cont d The late Sister Florie Bell A True Pioneer ( ) Highlights She worked tireless in the church and community for over 50 years. Her name is synonous with McNeil Chapel MBC. She was always involved with church activities that would improve things and was a catalyst to education, and understood the value of higher education long before her contemporaries. She was innovative, a leader, insightful, and always stayed on the high plains of positive thought. McNeil MBC can take comfort in knowing that she continues to be full of God s life, forever. Slide 57 of 66

58 More Highlights cont d Rev. McCollough, Pastor Church s Baptism Pool Slide 58 of 66

59 More Highlights cont d Slide 59 of 66

60 More Highlights cont d Slide 60 of 66

Treasurer: Sunday School, Sick 1980 1990.

61 More Highlights cont d Sister Rochelle Parker Highlights Choir President 1984 present. Treasurer: Sunday School, Sick Involved with numerous other church activities across the years. Slide 61 of 66

Rev. Harris Lee Wilson More Highlights cont d Highlights: Former chairman of the Trustee Board. Ordained on March of 2002 by the Kinston Lake Missionary Baptist Association.

62 Rev. Harris Lee Wilson More Highlights cont d Highlights: Former chairman of the Trustee Board. Ordained on March of 2002 by the Kinston Lake Missionary Baptist Association. President of Kingston Lake Young People s Association. President of the Kingston Lake Ministerial Alliance. Studied Theology at Langston Bible Institute 2003 Pastor True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. Employed by HTC Slide 62 of 66

63 More Highlights cont d Highlights: Contributor enormously to the church and community in many ways. Visited the sick relentless, not only in the McNeil Church community, but to church communities throughout Horry County. Deacon: Overall, he was a tireless crusader being kind to his fellow humans and helping others throughout Horry County South Carolina. The late Deacon Johnnie Wolfe ( ) Slide 63 of 66

More Highlights cont d Highlights Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School (1950-1952 while still in high school) Superintendent of Sunday School (1952-1953 while still in high school)

64 More Highlights cont d Highlights Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School ( while still in high school) Superintendent of Sunday School ( while still in high school) Superintendent of Sunday School Representative to Kingston Lake Association ( while still in high school) Deacon from 1976 to 1997 (Charleston SC) Deacon John I. Wilson Slide 64 of 66

65 END OF PRESENTATION This presentation was compiled by Wilson Consulting Services, LLC using census data, death certificates data, oral history information, information provided by representatives, etc. Every effort has been made to accurately report facts, names, dates, events, people holding church positions, etc. However, Wilson Consulting Services, LLC is not legally bound by the accuracy of some of the information in this presentation. For additional information, questions or concerns, please contact: David C. Wilson President/CEO Wilson Consulting Services, LLC (formerly Statistical Consultants, LLC) Website: Phone: Slide 65 of 66

66 This page is intentionally left blank Slide 66 of 66

WAR RIDGE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

WAR RIDGE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH The War Ridge Free Will Baptist Church is located at 3134 War Ridge Road in Wayside, West Virginia. It is a member of the Beckley Conference of Free Will Baptists and