|
|
Take some time and read about the history of our church below, and then pray about how God can use you as we continue to serve Him in our community.
In the year 1908, Reverend F.J. Hodge, a baptist minister, came to the little frame building known as "Padgett's Chapel." This building was also nicknamed "Trickum." It had been donated to the community by Dr. Benjamin Padgett for school and church purposes. The Methodist and the United Brethren had previously met for worship at the same building.
In the same year, Rev. F.J. Hodge, assisted by Rev. Curtain, held a two week revival with great results. Many souls were saved. At the close of the revival, Rev. Hodge baptized a number into Cross Roads Baptist Church with the understanding that they would be members of the new church when it was organized.
In the fall of 1909, the new church was organized with approximately thirty-five members. One acre of ground was purchased from Mr. Homer Shirley. Timber was bought and residents of the community gave their time in the construction of the building. The building consisted of an auditorium with curtains separating the classrooms. Rev. Jerome Cofelt preached the doctrinal sermon and on the day of organization the new church was named Greenwood Baptist Church. Rev. F.J. Hodge filled the pulpit until a pastor was elected.
Rev. Owen Smith was later elected and served until 1913. The church was accepted in the Ocoee Association (which is now the Hamilton County Association). During his pastorate, J.H. Scoggins was ordained as deacon in the summer of 1912. Pastor Smith resigned and the church was without a pastor until 1914, when Rev. Robert Tally was elected and served as pastor until fall of 1915.
In 1915, Rev. L.H. Sylar served for about one year. In 1917, Rev. Tally was called back for a short time. Rev. W.L. Scoggins was ordained as a Baptist minister and he pastored the church for about a year. In 1919, Rev. A.P. Galiheir was called as pastor and served for two years.
In the fall of 1921, Rev. William Hamie from Avondale baptist Church erected a tent on the church grounds, holding a four week revival with over a hundred souls being saved and rededicated. At the end of the revival, Rev. Hamie baptized fifty souls into the church. Rev. Hamie was called as pastor and land was purchased for a new church. The church was built in 1921 and 1922 with public donations and labor along with the timber furnished by the members and friends of the church. Rev. Hamie served as pastor until 1923.
Rev. Jo Red was called next and served until 1925. From this time the list of pastors is as follows: Rev. S.N. Hamie (1925-1927), Rev. Fred Lane (1927-1930), Rev. Ed Shadwick (1930-1933), Rev. Lewis Sylar (1942-1945), Rev. Tom Shields (1945-1947), Rev. Henry Burns (1947-1953), Rev. Lewis Smartt (1953-1954), Rev. E.M. Rackley (1954-1962).
Rev. Rackley was pastor when Sunday School rooms were added to the church. In 1962, Rev. Ira Bishop became pastor and served for one year. Rev. Henry Burns was called as pastor and served the church again from 1963-1967. In 1967, the church elected Rev. Virgil Nix as pastor and he served until 1971, after which Rev. Raymond Kelly served as pastor until 1974.
In November of 1974, Rev. James Vaughn was called to the church as pastor and served the church faithfully until 2000. Under his leadership, many additions were made to the church campus. In 1977, a fellowship building was built. With the help and support of the members the building was built debt-free. The building was dedicated in memory of Brother Harold Smith who was a deacon of the church and a faithful worker on the the building. Brother Smith died from injuries caused by a logging accident in 1978.
In April 1982, construction was started on our present church. Construction was finished in October of 1982 and the building was dedicated on October 17, 1982.
On October 12, 1983, three acres surrounding the church was purchased. In March of 1992, a 7200 square foot recreational building was built. Also, six more Sunday School rooms were completed in June of 1992.
The faithful leadership of Rev. James Vaughn for 26 years will always be remembered at Greenwood Baptist Church.
In June of 2000, Rev. Toby Brogden began preaching and filling the pulpit. He was voted in as Assistant Pastor and Youth Minister in August of 2000. He filled the pulpit until a pastor was found. In April of 2002, the church called Rev. Darrell Broome as senior pastor. He served the church for three years until 2005.
In November of 2006, the church called Dr. David McNabb as senior pastor. Under David's leadership, the church took on a remodeling project which included the downstairs Sunday school rooms being transformed into a new office complex. We also updated the paint and decor of our sanctuary, including the remodeling of the Baptistry. Dr. McNabb served Greenwood Baptist Church until January of 2007.
In July of 2007, the church called Rev. Toby Brogden to be the senior pastor. He and his wife, Johnna, presently serve the church in this new and exciting time at Greenwood Baptist Church.
|
|
