Our History
                                                        History; 1850 - Present

During the late 1840's, our forefathers envisioned a need for a place to worship.  They began to work to make a dream come true. In 1850, Reverend Hugh Sullivan started services in a log cabin.  In 1868, Reedy Fork Baptist Church was organized.  The Reverend Tony McElrath was the first pastor.  Deacons were Adde Sullivan, Perry Bowling, Andy Johnson, Darfus Sweeney and Dave Evans.  In the years of 1871-1882, a new structure was built and it was called a brush harbor church.  The land on which it stood was given by Mr. Newton Sullivan, Sr.  Later M.S.B Huff (a Caucasian) donated the lumber to build the first foundation.

The following ministers became pastors of the new church:  Reverend Tony McElrath; Reverend Newton Sullivan; Reverend Newton Evans; Reverend Watkins; Reverend Robert B. Sullivan; Reverend Forest Washington; Reverend Watson; Reverend Y.P. Jones; Reverend Larkin Simpson; Reverend Frank Whittenburg and Reverend C.H. Williams.

In 1923, Reverend W.R. Martin began his pastorate of the church and served 42 years as shepherd until his death in 1965.  He licensed and ordained the following ministers: Reverend Jesse Thompson; Reverend W.P. Whittenburg; Reverend Robert A. Sullivan; Reverend J. Hugh Hill; Reverend G.W. Dennis; Reverend A.C.G Hill; Reverend W.A. Harison; Reverend G.C. Bowling; Reverend Vernon Moragne; Reverend Henry L. Sullivan; Reverend J.C. Jackson and Reverend J.W. Johnson.

Deacons ordained under the leadership of Reverend Martin included the following; R.L. Sweeney; H.L. Sullivan; Fletcher Pinson; Adde Sullivan; Marcell Jackson; A.C. Garrett; Price Avery; Burn N. Sullivan; Clarence Goldsmith; Andy Carter; J.C. Black; Arthur Byrd; Charlie Black; I.D. Sullivan; Elijah Hawthorne, Sr.; W.O. Stokes; Ed Thompson; Paul Sweeney; Elijah Holiday; King Thompson; Paul Jennings; Thomas Pinson; John R. Jackson; A.D. Sweeney; C.O. Jackson; Homer Thompson and W.L. Whittenburg.

Reverend W. Collins was Interim Pastor until 1966.  In 1966, Reverend S.C. Cureton came to shepherd the flock.  Under his leadership much progress was made in the areas of church organization, spiritual growth and increased participation in local, state and national organizations.  Under his leadership, our dream became a reality in 1974 when a new sanctuary with seating capacity of 500, an educational building consisting of 11 classrooms, 3 offices, nursery and bathrooms was constructed and equipped.

Ministers licensed during Reverend Cureton's pastorate were Reverend R.E. Dennis; Reverend Donald Hill; Reverend Elijah Hawthorne, Sr. and Reverend George Hawthorne.  Deacons ordained were Roscoe Chapman; Charles Pinson; W.W. Hill and Wade Garrett.  Trustees installed were Joe Nathan Black; Wade Garret; Carole Hill; Joe B. Hawthorne; Roscoe Chapman; W.W. Hill; Isaac Simpson; Ray Dennis; Jerry Earl; P.D. Hill; Luther Pinson; Albert Sweeney; Jimmie Hawthorne and Robert E. Dennis.

Serving as Associate Ministers under Reverend Cureton were Reverend R.E. Dennis; Reverend Donald Hill and Reverend Stanley Walker.  In 1978, Reverend Cureton resigned as pastor.  Reverend Alonzo Gregg served as interim pastor until the church called Reverend J.C. Moore as its leader.

In 1979, Reverend J.C. Moore became pastor of Reedy Fork Baptist Church.  Again, much progress was made under his leadership.  The first church van was purchased, new office equipment (typewriter, mimeograph machine and copier) acquired, church grounds were paved, bulletins and post cards with the church picture in color were purchased and the first church constitution was written.  Deacons ordained were Jerry Earl; Ray Dennis and Albert Flemmings.  Trustees installed were Roy Cook; David Lewers, Sr.; Clea Neely; Joe G. Hawthorne; Rodger Burton; Douglas Burts; Fred Dean and Benjamin Lewers, Sr.  In August 1983, Reverend Moore resigned as pastor.

In December 1983, Reverend T.E. Simmons became our pastor.  Since being called as our shepherd, Pastor Simmons has allowed the Lord to lead him in advancing God's Kingdom.  In December 1987, Reverend Simmons became full time pastor.  Under his dynamic leadership, membership has increased 75%.  Further, the church has grown spiritually and financially.

Under Pastor Simmons leadership the following deacons were ordained: in 1991, Eugene Berry; Rodger Burton, Sr.; Roy Cook; Fred Dean; Joe B. Hawthorne; Joe G. Hawthorne; Larry Kelly; Benjamin Lewers, Sr.; David Lewers, Sr. and LeeRoy Wolfe.  In 1994, Joe Nathan Black; John Cook; Andre Gary, Sr.; Stephon Gary; Thaddeus Jones; Beattie Robinson; Jeffrey Sligh; Curtis Spurgeon and Waddy Talley, Sr.  In 1996, Cleveland Beaufort; Thomas Grady; Nathaniel Hawthorne and Albert Sanders.  In 2002, Brian Black; Bryant Dean; Lonnie Hawthorne; Willie Lovett; Jim H. Pyles, Sr.; John W. Rogers, Sr. and Kenneth Robinson.  In 2009, Jackson Bruce; Wade C. Garrett; Anthony Hill; Bradley Robinson and Kelvin Young.

In January 1998, the honor of Deacons' Emertius was bestowed upon Deacon C.O. Jackson, who served as chairman for 45 years.  Others who have achieved Deacon Emeritus status include Deacons Eugene Berry and Joe B. Hawthorne (1998); Deacon John H. Cook (2006) and Deacon Wade H. Garrett (2008).

Those members of the clery who have united with Reedy Fork Baptist Church who serve or have served as associate ministers include: Reverend Milford Anderson; Reverend Reginald Logan, Jr.; Reverend Alfreda Bryant; Reverend Maurice Bryant; Reverend Virginia Pyles and the late Reverend Steven Sessoms.

The following persons were licensed to preach by Reedy Fork Baptist Church and given the opportunity to serve as associate ministers: Brother Zachary Johnson (1994); Deacon Waddy Talley, Sr. (1995); Deacon Stephon Gary (1995); Brother Kenneth Dean (1996); Deacon Albert Sanders (2000); Brother Jim H. Pyles, Jr. (2007); Sister Anna Hawthorne (2007); Brother Joshua Flemmings (2008) and Brother MacArthur Black (2009). 

Persons ordained during Pastor Simmons' administration are as follows: Waddy Talley, Sr. (1997); Kenneth Dean (1998); Zachary Johnson (2002); Anthony Wilson (2002) and Michael Miller (2008).

The important role that Sunday School superintendents have played in Reedy Fork's history merits acknowledgment.  Thus, the following have provided dedicated leadership through the years.  The following persons served as superintendents of the Church Sunday School:  Paul Sweeney; Will Whittenburg; J.W. Bowling; Elma V. Sullivan; J.A. Byrd; U.S.G Evans; Allen Cook; C.O. Jackson (1954-1969);  Wade Garrett (1969-1990); Mildred Black (1991-1993); Jerry Earl (1994-1996); Jeanette Chapman (1997-1999); Larry Kelly (2000-2002); Thomas Grady (2003-2o04);  Willie Lovett (2005-2007); Jim H. Pyles, Jr. (2008-2010); Jeanette Chapman (2011-Present).

Finally, we are indeed grateful to our forefathers for their spiritual legacy.  Consequently, God continues to bless us; our membership continues to grow and we are continuing to be used by God in charting the unknown and envisioning for the future.  Without a doubt, Reedy Fork Baptist Church continues to stand firm on the premise that With God, ALL Things Are Possible.