The Winnsboro congregation dates
back to the middle of the 19th century. Though the exact date of
its founding is not known, the first baptism entry in the original record
book is a by Stephen J. Davis as is dated 1854 or 1859. A sign on
the church says it was founded in 1847. The record book itself bears
the date 1858. After meeting in homes and at the courthouse for a
number of years, the first church structure was completed in 1872.
After purchasing the property
on August 26, 1872, the pines and oaks were cleared. Solomon Lowry
was hired to build the church. It was painted white and had a bell
in the steeple.
Under the leadership of Rev. H.W. Rickey, a new
$32,000 church was completed in 1927. In 1957, an education building
was added at a cost of almost $79,000.
In the 1980s, the congregation
felt the need to expand their outreach, especially to youth. The
idea to built an addition was approved on October 28, 1991. Money
was raised over a period of years, with $55,000 being given by Mrs. Teddie
Hatfield in memory of her husband Charles. The building was purchased,
renovated, and named the Hatfield Building. Rev. Charles Langford
led in the consecration service (September 24, 1995) and in the dedication
service (October 12, 1997). |
|
