BUNCOMBE COUNTY, TN - CHURCHES - Liberty Missionary Baptist Church ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Leslie Ward ltward@mindspring.com ==================================================================== Contributor's Note: This is an abstract from the minutes of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, compiled by Ada Brooks Robinson. Liberty Baptist Church is in Candler, Buncombe County, North Carolina. A History of the Liberty Baptist Church (Candler, NC) By Mrs. J. Vincent Robinson Liberty Baptist Church was organized in 1895 at the little Liberty schoolhouse where, back before 1890, Uncle Jesse Green had organized a Sunday School. He was the one most interested in having a Sunday School and a place of worship. He was a sick man and knew he could not live long, and he so wanted a place close enough for his wife, Aunt Rebecca Green, and their three little children to be able to walk to Sunday School and church. The Sunday School must have been organized in 1889. By this time Uncle Jesse was not able to serve as superintendent but appointed his brother Jerry Green to that office. The people of the community began calling the little Sunday School in the schoolhouse their church. So on Saturday, June 15, 1895, having made the announcement the Sunday before at Sunday School, a meeting for the purpose of organizing was held. After an opening song and expressions of thanksgiving, a time of solemn prayer was observed. The eleven o'clock sermon was delivered by Rev. Sam C. Owens; lunch and a fellowship hour followed. The afternoon session was begun with a short devotional period conducted by Rev. E. J. Morgan, pastor at that time of the Hominy Baptist Church. The business of the day began with the election of Rev. Sam C. Owens as chairman and Rev. E. J. Morgan as secretary protem. The meeting was called to order and a motion was made to organize a missionary Baptist Church. The Articles of Faith as contained in Pendleton's Church Manual were adopted. On motion, Mr. Jerry Green was elected first deacon, bringing his deaconship from Hominy Baptist. The doors of the church were opened and charter members were as follows (mostly by letter from Hominy Baptist): Miss Mary A. Boyd Mr. Charles S. Brooks Mrs. Mattie Luther Brooks Mrs. Elizabeth Cagle Brooks John Brooks Mr. Harley Duckett Mrs. Emma Ann Brooks Duckett Mr. M. E. Gallion Mrs. Nancy Gallion Mr. Jerry Green Mrs. Artilla Brooks Green Miss Lola Green (Levi) Mrs. Nancy Rebecca Brooks Green Miss Tabitha Green Mr. Wilson Green Mrs. Kettie McFee Green Miss Zora Green (Israel) Mr. Albert Ingle Mrs. Mary Jane Brooks Ingle Mr. Tom Jamison Mrs. Leggie Jamison Mr. A. V. Luther Mrs. Mattie Young Moffitt Mr. Hodge Young Mrs. Mary Morgan Green Young Saturday before the second Sunday of each month was adopted as the time for church business meetings. It was decided not to call a pastor until the first Saturday business meeting which was to be July 13, 1895. Artella Brooks Green was elected secretary, or church clerk. At this first meeting (organizational) delegates were elected to the Sunday School Convention to be held at Hominy Baptist Church. Those elected were Albert Ingle, Jerry Green, Zora Green, H. B. Duckett and Kettie Green. It is usual to decide at once on a name for a new church. We have no record of the origin of the name of the Liberty School, but since this was where the Sunday School was organized, the new church was named the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. At the first Saturday business meeting on July 13, 1895 the Rev. Merritt Sluder, who lived just across the mountain from the church in the Dix Creek community, was called to conduct the services. At the close of the service the meeting was called to order with Rev. Sluder acting as moderator. The church must have previously talked with him about serving as pastor for he was elected that day. The doors of the church were opened and John H. Holcombe brought his letter of deaconship from Morgan Hill Baptist (Weaverville section of Buncombe County); also Mr. and Mrs. Mattock joined. On August 11, 1895 the first baptismal service was held. The preparation for the meeting at the waters was as follows: A pool was needed, so on Saturday a dam was built of boards, a log, mud and rocks in Pole Creek, located just south of the little church. By Sunday afternoon the pool was filled and ready for use. Miss Emma Boyd was the first candidate to be baptized. On September 15, 1895 the first revival was held. Rev. Mace assisted Rev. Sluder and a Methodist minister, Rev. Alf Starnes. One old gentleman, Mr. John Daniel, led in prayer. As he became "filled with the spirit" he prayed louder and louder with such conviction that the unconverted began coming to the altar. Shouts of "Hallelujah!" could be heard all over the hillside. Many leaders of the church for years to come were converted in this meeting. On October 13, 1895 another baptismal service was held. Those baptized were: Robert Sawyer Ganie Young Lowry Young Charles Boyd Stover Mason Lucinda Luther (Mason) Moman Hice Cora Hice Nola Israel Lucinda Israel Emma Brooks Grace Ann Green (Holcombe) Clyde Jamison On Nov. 9, 1895 Mrs. Artilla Green resigned as church clerk, and Ganie Young was elected. No minutes for December 1895 or January 1896 were recorded. Rev. Sluder accepted the call as pastor for an indefinite period in January, 1896. On June 13, 1896, almost a year after organization they were to observer the Lord's Supper for the first time. It must have been planned for several months, as it took time to prepare the wine. Great discretion and unremitting care and wide experience are essential, because so many things effect [sic] its production. First the fruit (grapes) must be properly ripened, washed until absolutely clean, properly pressed and placed in a stone jar in a cool place to ferment. At the end of nine days it must be strained through a cloth to remove the pulp. Sugar is then added and it is returned to the stone jar. The straining process is repeated each morning for nine days, after which the wine is ready to be stored in bottles until used. Now for the unleavened bread: The wheat is planted, harvested, thrashed, and taken to a mill to be ground into flour. It is then mixed with water carefully and made into thin sheets and baked. It is broken into bite-sized pieces and passed, along with the cup on the day of the Observance. In those days two sliver cups were used for the wine -- one for the women's side of the congregation, and one for the men's side. Everyone drank a sup from the same cup. The next important business meeting was held December 13, 1896. The church elected the first church treasurer, Mr. Wilson Green. It was the custom in those early days, when a member passed away, to appoint a committee to write an obituary to be read and approved at the church conference, and entered into the minutes. At this December meeting obituaries for Mrs. Mary Morgan Young and for Mrs. Mary Hice McElrath were read. >From 1899 through 1902 services were held regularly once a month, Rev. Merritt Sluder, pastor. February 10, 1900: "The members of Liberty Baptist Church present do agree to appoint a building committee to superintend a building to be built on land on the corner of Old Culberson Road (now known as Monte Vista) and Penley Road (now known as Liberty Road), Mrs. Rebecca Brooks Green (widow of Jesse Green who organized the first Sunday School in 1889), giving land to build church on." But the men of the church agreed that since "Aunt Becky" was a widow with three children that they should give her $50 for the land. Those appointed to serve on the Building Committee were: Albert Ingle, Wilson Green, J. H. Holcombe, Jerry Green, and Ganie Young. They at once began cutting logs and having timber sawed for such a time when they would start building. On October 19, 1902 a committee from the Sunday School was appointed to work toward getting a library started for Sunday School. The committee members were: Alf Daniel, D. V. Brooks, W. W. Green, C. R. Thrash, Ila Mae Sawyer and Wessie Green. The committee spent $17.65 for books. Leonard Holcombe was the first librarian. On September 28, 1902 all officers of the Sunday School were elected except singing clerk and secretary-treasurer. Columbus Rogers was later elected as singing clerk and W. W. Green as secretary-treasurer. The total enrollment for 1902 was 75. In May 1903 Rebecca B. Green was elected church clerk. The obituary of Mrs. Lola Green Levi was recorded in June of 1903: "She joined the church at the tender age of 14 years, and lived a consistent Christian life until April 7, 1903. After a lingering illness she fell asleep in Jesus." In July, 1903 Albert Ingle moved to the state of Washington. L. W. Young was appointed to his place on the building committee. In February of 1904 Rev. Sluder's time as pastor was over, and they were without a pastor the rest of that year. In December, 1904 the church presented a call to Rev. R. M. Caldwell of Haywood County. He promised to give them an answer in January. He had to travel down from Canton to Hominy Station by train and, if not met, had to walk from the station. He accepted the call in January, 1905. In March of 1905 Rev. S. C. Owens returned to preach in the church which he had helped to organize in 1895. >From its organization the church plan of finance was to get subscriptions to be paid each year over a period of time, as families were able. The church people were poor in material things but were enthusiastic in spirit and faith. In 1903 Mr. John Rutherford, a good Methodist, had offered to saw all the timber needed to build the new church, as a love offering. He, though a Methodist, was superintendent of the Sunday School for several years, and everyone loved him. Early in 1905 the building committee met at Mr. John Holcomb's house to discuss and lay out plans for the church building. They discussed what each one could contribute to the building. They could not understand how they could put a roof on that size building without posts down the center of the building. Swain Holcombe, son of Mr. John, just home from Rutherford College, explained to them how the roof could be put on. He, a carpenter, agreed to meet with them on Monday morning, May 8, 1905. The new pastor, Rev. M. R. N. Caldwell, had promised to be there the first day, but forgot and went groundhog hunting. Swain agreed to oversee the work, which he laid out by pairs. Mr. John Holcombe and Lowry Young began making the rock piers for the foundation; Mr. Wilson Green and Mr. Robert Sawyer started sawing the sills. Mr. Jerry Green and Ganie Young started sizing the floor joists. These men had the foundation well under way before the day was over. Mr. John Holcombe asked if he were not afraid his son would be smarter than he. After due consideration he answered, "Well, I figure he ought to be. If I taught him all I know the boy ought to pick up something for himself." The foundation laid, men and boys began coming in crowds to help with the building. The women did their part by bringing lunch for the men. The building was under a roof in better than a week. The pastor, Rev. Caldwell, was amazed at the progress when he came for Saturday meeting. This particular Saturday meeting was the last service held in the little schoolhouse. Although far from being finished the next month, it was used with only the subfloor, and seats made of planks nailed to round blocks. Swain Holcombe, up until now had given his time. No money as yet had been spent for labor. The church felt he should be paid for the remaining work and they agreed to pay him $1.50 a day. We have no record of when the benches were made, but we don know that they were made by Wess Pharr, nephew of Mr. W. W. Green. Alf Joyner made the pulpit stand, for which he was paid $25.00. Mr. William Jamison and son Arthur could not give labor as they were working away from home, but gave money. Mr. Lowery Young donated enough yellow pine for siding the benches. The first service in the unfinished new church was held June 15, 1905 -- an all day affair with dinner on the ground. An interesting story about the dinner: Aunt Artilla Green was staying in Asheville with her daughter Zora. Ida was keeping house for her dad and brother on the farm. Ida had to fix dinner (a new experience for her), so her mother sent her a bag of prunes to cook and take with her dinner. Aunt Tabitha had to look in Ida's basket before she would let her put the dinner out with hers. When she saw the bowl of prunes she agreed for Ida to put her dinner out with the other Greens. The prunes were something new. Everyone had to taste Ida's prunes. It was now time for the annual revival. Although the church was unfinished, it was described as the most wonderful revival the church had ever had. Close of 1905 records: "May God bless our pastor in his work." -- Rebecca Green, Church Clerk. 1906: On Sunday night Rev. Caldwell began a one-week revival at Oak Hill Union Church. Forty persons professed Christ as personal Saviour. Seven joined Liberty Baptist Church. On February 17, 1906 Trinity Union Church of Oak Hill section in conference resolved to be dissolved and bring their memberships to Liberty, the number of members being eighteen. Trinity Church was meeting in a schoolhouse in Oak Hill section. Trinity was a very old church; as early as 1883 the minutes of Hominy Baptist show they had given help to Trinity Church. On February 24, 1906 sixteen persons joined Liberty Church as a result of the Oak Hill revival. In February of 1906 Rev. Caldwell was unanimously elected as pastor for an indefinite period of time; however, he resigned in August, to take effect in September. In August of 1906 a bell was given by Mrs. Harkins and Mrs. Pharr. (Arthur Jamison's daughter tells us that her father took a wagon and brought the bell from Canton.) It was the old Locust Field Church bell. On November 20, 1906 the church extended a call to the Rev. Sam C. Owens. In 1906 Rev. Charles Neal, on Methodist circuit, preached at Liberty Church. He advised the Methodists to pull out and organize their own church, said he believed "in chickens going home to roost." The Methodists, on his advice, organized a church at Louisa Schoolhouse, near where the church is now, and named it the Francis Asbury Methodist Church. The Baptists were grieved and saddened by the parting of the ways, but were glad for the Methodists to have a church of their own. When they started to build the Baptists helped, even as the Methodists had helped build the Baptist church. When they left they took the Sunday School Superintendent, Mr. John Rutherford, and the singing clerk, Mr. Alf Daniels, both having served since 1902. Wilson W. Green was elected head of the Sunday School. He would go early, build the fire, sweep the church and ring the bell, reminding everyone it was Sunday morning. His favorite songs were "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," and "I Need the Prayers of Those I Love." On May 13, 1907 the following were elected: W. W. Green, superintendent of the Sunday School, C. B. Brooks, assistant, Wessie Green, secretary and treasurer, and J. Columbus Robinson, singing clerk. On the third Sunday of January, 1907 Rev. Sam C. Owen accepted the call of the church to be their pastor. Lowry Young was elected church clerk, since Rebecca Brooks Green had resigned. On Sunday, May 19, 1907 the new church building was dedicated. Rev. Owens spoke at the eleven o'clock service. In the afternoon Dr. T. K. Brown Spoke. The first pastor, Rev. Merritt Sluder who had served as pastor for seven years, was present for the service. The first mention of an organ was not until February of 1908 when we read of money spent for organ repairs. In 1908 a committee was appointed to lay a grave yard, to be sure graves were kept in a straight line. In July of 1908 Mary Holcombe was elected as organist and Ada Brooks as assistant. In December, 1908 W. W. Green was elected as superintendent of the Sunday School and Dave Brooks as assistant. L. W. Young served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, trustee and church clerk for twenty-seven years. On December 10, 1909 Claude Robinson, Leonard Holcombe, Ada Brooks and Daisy Robinson were received into the church. Ice had to be broken on the pond for the baptismal service. In December of 1909 Ada Brooks was elected as organist and Mary Holcombe as singing clerk. On December 10, 1910 Rev. Sam Owens tendered his resignation on account of his health but agreed to serve until they could get a pastor. On Sunday, February 19, 1911 Rev. Owens preached his last sermon. His text was I Corinthians 13:11,12. Rev. E. J. Morgan supplied for him in March. Rev. Sam Owens, born January 28, 1852, died April 2, 1911. On Sunday April 16 a memorial service was held at Liberty Baptist Church in memory of their beloved pastor. Rev. E. J. Morgan conducted what, according to the church records, was a glorious service. On Saturday, May 6, 1911 Rev. S. P. Hamerick preached. The church was called to order for the purpose of transacting business and voted to call Rev. Hamerick as pastor. He agreed to come on Saturday once a month, preach and take care of the church business, provided the church would accept Rev J. B. Grice to preach on Sunday, as Brother Hamerick was pastor of the West End Baptist Church in Asheville. Rev. Grice had not been ordained, and his work at Liberty would serve to give him experience. Rev. Hamerick would fill all duties as pastor except to preach on Sunday. The church agreed. Rev. Hamerick appointed the following committees (new to the church): Finance: J. H. Holcombe, W. W. Green, J. C. Robinson Investigating: L. W Young, H. R. Young Internal: Walter Green, Robert Earley On July 15, 1911 L. W. Young, Wilson W Green, and L. C. Holcombe were ordained as deacons. Those taking part in the service were Rev. R. D. cross from Calvary Baptist, Rev. E. J. Morgan form White Rock Baptist, Rev. G. P. Hamerick from West End Baptist, and J. H. Holcombe and J. C. Robinson from Liberty. The questioning was conducted by E. J. oorgan, the charge given by Rev. Cross, and prayer and laying on of hands by Rev. Morgan. On Saturday, December 25, 1911 a special entertainment was presented by the young people, with special songs and recitals. On Saturday, May 12, 1912 the community came together to bid farewell to Mr. Hodge Young, charter member. For this service Rev. Hamerick was assisted by former Pastor Merritt Sluder. The obituary was written by L. C. Holcombe, W. W. Green, and J. C. Robinson. Again we find the sad duty of writing the obituary for Mrs. Maggie Hice. W. W Green, Rebecca Green and Mrs. Mattie Brooks were the authors. In August of 1913 Rev. G. P. Hamerick resigned, taking with him Rev. J. B. Grice whom the people had learned to love dearly. The church remained without a pastor until December, 1913. Rev. Pruitt was called and accepted January 17, 1914. (Rev. Grice returned to perform the wedding ceremony of Arthur Lance and Emma Robinson on August 30, 1914, at the home of the bride.) In April of 1914 charges were preferred against twelve members for contempt of the church and their names were withdrawn. In November of 1914 Rev. Pruitt tendered his resignation. The church was without a pastor until April 1915. On October 23, 1915 Joe Norris was ordained as a deacon. On November 27, 1915 J. H. Holcombe, J. C Robinson, and L. W. Young were appointed to write the obituary of Arthur Green who had died November 18. In January, 1916 a committee was appointed from Liberty to confer with Hominy and Ridgeway Churches concerning forming a field of three churches to be served by the same pastor. In February they reported to the church that they had conferred with Hominy and Ridgeway, and that Rev. J. C. Bennett had presented a contract, subject to the approval of the three churches. Rev. Bennett was called in March at a salary of $350.00 per year. The Bob Evans house, garden and pasture were rented for them @ $6.00 per month. On May 20, 1916 an obituary committee was appointed, composed of Ada Brooks Robinson and L. W. Young. They wrote "Again the white angel of death has entered our community and taken from us our beloved sister Wessie Green Carter. She was a consecrated Christian, devoted to her church and interested in Sunday School work. Many little deeds of kindness and words of love are remembered by her friends." In May of 1916 Homer Brooks, Ellis Israel, and Marjorie Hyatt Green joined Liberty Baptist Church. On September 15, 1916 several members withdrew from Liberty Baptist Church to organize the Pole Creek Baptist Church. In October, 1916 Liberty, Hominy, and Ridgeway bought a lot with a small house on it from W. J. Gudger to be used as a parsonage. They paid $750 for the house and spent $322.23 remodeling it so the pastor could live in it. The pastor (Rev. J. C. Bennett) served the church and lived in the house until September, 1919 when he resigned to accept a cal to the West End Baptist Church on Patton Avenue, Asheville. >From September, 1919 until Ma4ch 1920 the field was without a pastor. The committee met and conferred about a pastor. Times were hard, and they agreed to request aid from the State Mission Board. A supplement of $300.00 was granted to the Hominy Field to aid in paying a pastor. Rev. Dupree became the next pastor. On June 19, 1920 the cooperative committee reported the well at the pastor's home was completed. Liberty's share of the expense was $165.20. On January 16, 1921 Rev. Dupree resigned. On May 16, 1921 Rev. Tom L. Sasser accepted the call to the field. In June, 1921 an obituary was read for Mrs. Kettie McFee Green. She was a charter member of the church. She worked side by side with her husband, Wilson W. Green, and had made preparation for the observance of the Lord's Supper for many years. In October, 1921 Rev. R. D. Cross agreed to fill the pulpit while Rev. T. L. Sasser attended seminary. In May of 1922, in conference, the three churches voted to buy the pastor a T-Model Ford, Liberty paying three-fourths of the price of the car. In November of 1922 a committee consisting of L. W. Young, H. A. Sawyer, and Albert Parham wrote the obituary for Walter A. Green. In April of 1923 an obituary was written by L. W. Young, W. W. Green, and L. C. Holcombe for Mrs. Jessie Brooks Robinson: "The heavenly Father in His wisdom and foreknowledge, has seen fit to take from us our dear sister Jessie Robinson, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. C. B. Brooks of Candler, N. C. Mrs. Robinson was born January 2, 1892 and died April 22, 1923 at their home near Candler, at the age of 32 years. She joined the church at age 13 and had been a member of Liberty Baptist for seventeen years. She was married to Mr. Claude Robinson Sept. 22, 1908. She was faithful and true to her church, a good worker, kind and gentle to all. She was the mother of six children - four living and two dead. She leaves a father and mother, three sisters and one brother, Mrs. J. V. Robinson of Candler, Mrs. Betty Logan of Cleveland, Ohio, and Miss Virginia Brooks of the home, Homer Brooks of Asheville; a husband and four children, Owen, Martha, Groce and Jessie Margaret. She was a loving and devoted companion, a consecrated mother. We extend our sympathy to the sad and bereaved father, children, and friends. But we cannot wish her back for she is enjoying heaven with all its beauty and grandeur with her little ones gone on before. We can only say good-bye for awhile." On August 5, 1923 C. B. McFee was ordained In October, 1923 a revival was conducted. On December 24 pledge cards were distributed to the membership to be signed and returned by January 4, 1924. In 1924 R. W. Poore brought his deaconship from Zion Hill Baptist Church. In January 1924 an obituary was written by Mrs. Rebecca Green, J. H. Cole, and A. H. Lance for Josephine Jamison Earley. In 1926, following a report of the cooperative committee of the three churches - Liberty, Hominy and Ridgeway - a motion was made that Liberty withdraw from the field. The motion carried. Rev. J. C Bennett resigned as pastor of the field on March 7, 1926. The church in conference, with W. W. Green moderator, called Rev. Bale Rogers as pastor. In May the church voted to sell their interest in the field parsonage. Liberty Church had paid three-fourths of the price of a T-Model Ford bought when Rev. Sasser was pastor, so the church voted to give the car to Rev. Bennett. On March 20, 1926, on motion of the church, loans of money were made to Rev Bale Rogers amounting to $77.00 from the church treasurer, and $31.00 in individual loans, making a total of $108.00. Rev. Rogers resigned in January of 1928, but he was given six months in which to pay back borrowed money. On June 17 the committee reported, "note in hand, fully paid." On February 12, 1928 the Rev. Oder Burnett was called as pastor, and was called for another year in January, 1929. In January of 1930 the church purchased their first piano, paying $100.00 for it. January, 1930: "Rev. Burnett elected for another year." March 16, 1930 Mr. C. W. Rhinehart was ordained as a deacon. On October 19, 1930 the obituary for Mr. J. C. Robinson was read and approved. He died August 4, 1930. On November 23, 1930 Mr. And Mrs. S. F. Parham were received as members by letter, Mr. Parham as a deacon. January, 1931: Rev. Burnette unanimously called for another year; in 1932, called for another year. In 1933, the vote not being unanimous, the call was not accepted. In 1934 the Rev R. R. Mehaffey was called and accepted the call. Rev. Joe Mason assisted in revival that year. In 1935 Rev. Mehaffey resigned. On November 9, 1935 a cal was extended to Rev. E. V. Plemmons. In March of 1936 Rev. Otto Parham assisted in revival. On May 3, 1936 the following obituaries were read and approved: Ms. Julia Owens Robinson who died December 4, 1932. Mrs. N. Rebecca Brooks Green who died December 26, 1935. Everett Lance who died March 14, 1936. On July 4, 1936 the obituary for Mrs. Mary Stanbury was read. On October 18, 1936 Rev. Erskine Plemmons was reelected for ensuing year. He resigned as pastor in May of 1937. On August 22, 1937 Rev. Henry Broome accepted the call to preach on an interim basis. In November Rev Broome was called for the year 1938. On February 20, 1938 an obituary was read for Ila Mae Sawyers. Pastor Broome resigned. In January o f1929 Rev. Claude Grogan was called as pastor. Rev. Oder Burnett assisted Rev. Grogan in revival. On December 31, 1939 three laymen were ordained as deacons: M. Claude Robinson, Arthur H. Lance, and Harry R. Greene. On March 23, 1941 Rev. Dr. J. L. Tillery was called a pastor. In November 1941 the church appointed junior deacons: A. B. Cook, Groce Robinson, and Thomas Parham. Rev. John L. Tillery was reelected in 1942, 1943, and 1944. In November of 1944 Rev. Albert Parham was ordained as a Baptist minister, Dr. John Tillery, pastor. On February 4, 1945 Pole Creek, White Rock, Hominy, and Liberty held a union baptismal service at Enka Baptist Church. J. Groce Robinson was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1955. Milburn Parham was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1955. Rev. Frank Hopkins, pastor. PASTORS OF LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH: Rev. Merritt Sluder 1895-1904 Rev. R. N M. Caldwell 1905-1906 Rev. Sam Owens 1906-1910 Rev. G. P. Hamerick with 1911-1913 Rev. J. B. Grice Rev. Pruitt 4/1914-9/1914 Rev. J. C. Bennett 1916-1919 Rev. Dupree 1920-1921 Rev. Tom L. Sasser 1921-1923 Rev. J. C. Bennett 1923-1926 Rev. Bale Rogers 1926-1928 Rev. R. R. Mehaffey 1935-1936 Rev. Erskine Plemmons 1936-1937 Rev. Henry Broome 1937-1938 Rev. Claude Grogan 1939-1941 Dr. John L. Tillery 1941-1944 For the following we do not have dates and order in which they served. Rev. C. A. Rhyne Rev. Jack Buckner Rev. Tyler LeRoy Rev. Frank Hopkins Rev. Charles Cobb Rev. W. H. Whitlock Rev. Sullivan Rev. Horace Smith (Interim) Dr. Larry Patton Rev. Taylor A little story worth relating about Rev. Tyler LeRoy while he was pastor at Liberty: The church and family were planning a surprise party for him. A deacon, Stewart Metcalf, was delegated to keep him out visiting all day while preparations were being made. They arrived back at the parsonage by evening, around 6:00. To his surprise about fifty church members were there with a table full of packages. Also a Mr. And Mrs. Green from Bristol, Tenn., who had influenced him to attend a revival where he accepted Christ, a Mr. And Mrs. Clyde Poole from Franklin, N. C. (Clyde Poole was with Mr. LeRoy in World War II), a Tyson Buchanan from Spruce Pine, who had worked with Rev. LeRoy for nine years at Liberty Hill Baptist; also a long distance call from his daughter in Colorado Springs It was indeed a happy and memorable evening for Rev. LeRoy Tyler.