Bertie COUNTY NC Churches Conaritsa Baptist 200th Anniversary Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Mmaker52@aol.com Claudia Williams http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm N.C. Baptist Historical Collection Z. Smith Reynolds Library Wake Forest University Winston-Salem NC 27109-7777 This is a transcript of a Brief History Connaritsa Baptist Church that was sent to me from Wake Forest University. It comes from the 200th Anniversary. Brief History of Connaritsa Baptist Church In 1789, with members of Sandy Run Baptist Church and others joining the people of the Connaritsa community, Connaritsa Baptist Church was formed. The first structure constituted a brush arbor that later became a log cabin. Connaritsa took it name from the chief of an Indian tribe who had settled in the community. The original church was located approximately one mile east of its present location. The earliest records are not available but according to those that are, they show the membership in 1851 numbered 257. Letters of dismission were granted for organizing and constituting the following churches: Oak Grove, Lewiston, Aulander, Roanoke Island, Rocky Mount, Farmville, Brunswick County, Wake Forest and Concanary. Especially near its heart has always been Wake Forest College, Chowan College and Meredith College. In 1890, the church held its centennial celebration with an estimated 2,500-3,000 present. Everyone was bountifully fed and the day was greatly enjoyed by all. The church as we know it today was built in many stages. In 1904 a new building was completed which is now the sanctuary. At about 1930, six classrooms were added. In 1953-54 additional space was added that included a nursery, an office, a small classroom, a large classroom with folding doors and two bathrooms. In 1969 six rooms were added upstairs by lowering the ceiling of the original classrooms downstairs and adding stairs on each side of the building. The pulpit was remodeled and a baptistry was installed. A kitchen was provided and equipped. Stoops and the front porch were added and in 1974 sidewalks were added. The picnic shelter was built in 1957. Prior to 1962 the church rented a house for a parsonage but in 1963, the Thomase Hale House was purchased and used as a parsonage. In 1974 the teacherage on Rice Avenue was purchased and used until 1986 as the parsonage. In July 1986, Richard Bazemore gave the Vernon and Rachel Bazemore Hoggard house to the church. In August of 1989 the church moved back to the teacherage on Rice Avenue. Connnaritsa has been blessed by receiving many gifts. In 1971 a communion table and chairs were given in memory of Moell Jernigan. The pulpit stand was given in memory of Mary Nowell and in honor of Clarence Nowell. The two flower stands were given in honor of Annie Chamblee and the two pulpit chairs were given in memory of Joe and Katie Jenkins and Ed and Lizzy Hoggard. An alter set and offering plates were given in memory of Jim and Sadie Francis. In 1974 a complete heating and air conditioning system was given in memory of Deacon Arthur Chamblee. In 1976 a steeple and lights were given in memory of Annie Bazemore Chamblee. In 1982 the church historical marker and lights were given in memory of Ruby B. Parker. Clarence Nowell and Elizabeth J. Adams left gifts of money to the church. Dr. Fred G. Hale and Lillian H. Harrell have given gifts of money. The oak cross in the back of the church was given in memory of Deacon Alton Jenkins. In 1988 the church received a Sharp Copier from the Aulander Oil Company. Only one person, Dewey Howard, answered the call to the ministry. Once a Baptist in his youth, he now serves as a minister in the Methodist Fellowship. On May 7, 1989, Connaritsa celebrated its bicentennial with approximately 400 in attendance. A wonderful day was had by all as former pastors, guests and members enjoyed good preaching, singing, food and fellowship. Only a church founded on an abiding faith and strong courage with love for one another could have weathered the physical, financial and spiritual storms of life and still remain unshaken by the influence of changing times and ideas through 200 years.