VARENNES BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY, Anderson County, SC A.K.A. Version 2.3, 4-Dec-2006, A294.TXT, A294 **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula Seneca, SC, USA Anderson County SC GenWeb Coordinator Anderson County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scandrsn/ **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Apr-2004 Debbie Kellogg in Dec-2006 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Apr-2004 G.P.S. MAPPING . : Gary L. Flynn at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 HISTORY WRITE-UP : Unknown church member IMAGES ......... : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 LOCATION WRITE-UP: ____________ at ____________ in _______ TRANSCRIPTION .. : ____________ at ____________ in _______ **************************************************************** CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ > Latitude N 34 22.210 x Longitude W 82 35.505 CHURCH/CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ CHURCH HISTORY In the fall of 1953 members of a WMS circle studied a program on Missions and Chapels being spon-sored by well established churches. This study created a desire in the hearts of these ladies for a Baptist Mission in our community with Southside Church as sponsor. Being led by the Holy Spirit the ladies ask- ed Southside Church to sponsor such a mission. Rev. J. C. Dyar, pastor and deacons of Southside met to evaluate the needs and consider the possibility of starting a mission In the western section of Homeland Park. God led the Southside Church to purchase two lots on the corner of West Roosevelt and Algonquin Avenue as a future site for a mission. Early In 1954 Southside purchased property on Ml. View Road, one lot and a small building which had been used as a place of worship by another denomination. A mission Sunday School was begun the third Sunday in March with the official opening the first Sunday in April. The Rev. Ray McDowell, associate pastor of Southside served as superintendent of the Sunday School. Three classes were organized: the little one room building was moved to the property of West Roosevelt and Algonquin Avenue. January 31, 1955 marked the beginning of a new era for the mission, morning worship services were begun with Rev. Ray McDowell bringing the messages. On April 3,1955 the Mission celebrated its first anniversary with a day of dedication by the Mother Church. Rev. J. N. Watson brought the dedicatorial message. The Lord continued to bless the work of the Mission and October 1955 was. a fruitful month with six Sunday School rooms being added to the one room building. In May 1956 the Mother Church voted to have a study of the Training Union Manual and to begin Training Union and evening services the first Sunday in July. Forty-seven members were present for the first Training Union meeting. The first Vacation Bible School was held in July 1956 with an average attendance of 50. October 1956 marked the beginning of a full-time program in WMU and its Auxilaries. This gave the Mission all Baptist organizations except the Brotherhood. In January 1957, Mother Church voted for the Mission to be constituted into a church on April 7,1957. During the business session officers and teachers were elected. The name Varennes Heights Church was chosen and approved by vote. The Rev. Thomas R. Brown, Chairman of the Missions, challenged the newly organized church. The young church prayerfully began completing its organization by electing five deacons and three trustees. On March 15,1958 the church voted to purchase seven lots across the street for a future building site to meet its increasing needs. Building plans and blue prints were secured from the Sunday School Board with long range view of using them to build on the newly acquired property. Through God's guidance and help the work continued to grow. Early In September 1958 the Rev. Ray McDowell resigned as pastor. During his ministry the membership increased to 121. The pulpit was filled by guest speakers until October 19th when W. B. DeBruhl, ministerial student at Furman University was called to serve as interim pastor. On November 30,1958 Mr. DeBruhl was ordained into the ministry here at Varennes Heights. He was called as full-time pastor in January 1959. The organization of a Brotherhood in November 1959 gave the church a complete full- time Baptist program. The work continued to grow and there was a pressing need for more Sunday School rooms and a larger auditorium for worship services. Financial conditions did not warrant building a unit of the proposed permanent building. However, God revealed to J. E. Gunter, Chairman of the Deacons a plan for framing in a pastorium to be used as an auditorium and two class rooms. This plan was approved by the church on July 19,1959. Construction work began the following day. The building was ready for occupancy on the Sunday before Christmas. The dedication service was held in January 1960 with Rev. Charles Shacklett bringing the dedicatorial message. The first Sunday in September Rev. W. B. DeBruhl resigned to enroll in Southern Seminary. During his ministry 107 members weca added to the church. On October 17,1960 the church began a revival with Rev. W.M. Weaver as guest minister. He was called to serve as pastor on October 30,1960. Mr. Weaver began his pastoral duties on the first Sunday in December. The church continued to grow under Mr. Weaver's leadership, and it became necessary for Sunday School classes to meet in homes. May 20,1962 was a great day for the church. A ground breaking service was held for the first unit to be built on the permanent site. The ground was broken by three charter members, Mrs. J. A. Tiller, Mrs. Beulah dark and Mrs. J. E. Gunter. During this service the mortgage on all church property was burned. Holman Construction Company began work on the new building the next week. It was ready for service December 9,1962. On January 29,1963 a dedication service was held. The dedicatory message was brought by Rev. J. C. Dyar, former pastor of the Mother Church. The interior of the pastorium was completed in the Spring of 1963. As the church continued to grow there was a need for a part-time Youth Director. On May 19,1968 Sammy Bryum was called to serve In this capacity. He resigned October 20th, to take a position in a neighboring church. Mike Bearden was called as Youth Director and Associate Pastor on November 24,1968. Mike assumed the pastoral duties during Mr. Weaver's illness and recuperation from a severe heart attack. Mike resigned August 1,1971 to enter Southwestern Seminary. On September 3, 1971 the church family was saddened by the sudden death of the pastor, Mr Weaver. Rev. Fred Metts, Anderson College Faculty Member, was called as in- terim pastor on October 10, 1971. The pulpit committee recommended Rev. J. Wendell Rhodes to be called as pastor. He was elected on December 12, 1971 and began his ministry on January 10, 1972. J. Nathan Blackwell, Jr. was called as Associate Pastor and Youth Director August 24, 1972. He resigned June 16, 1974 to take a position with Westside Christian School, Abbeville. On June 30,1974 J. Philip Rogers was called as Associate Pastor, Youth and Outreach Director. He resigned December 14, 1975 to become pastor of Habersham Baptist Church, Habersham, Georgia. Ronnie Cox was called as full-time Youth and Outreach Director on May 9, 1976. The following were ordained Into the ministry: Victor Cheek, September 1,1974; J. Philip Rogers, February 2, 1975; Marion Mitchell, February 13, 1975. The church has been richly blessed during Mr. Rhodes ministry. The membership has more than doubled, with 1,064 members. This increase necessitated the building of larger facilities. On July 13, 1975, a ceremony was held to break ground for a larger sanctuary and burning of the mortgage. Those participating were: James Taylor, Chairman Building Committee; Mrs. Clara Tiller, J. E. Gunter, charter members, and the pastor, Mr. Rhodes. A contract was awarded to Brissey Lumber Company at an estimated cost of $425,000.00. The sanctuary was completed and a dedication service was held November 7, 1976 with the Rev. Ray McDowell, former pastor, bringing the dedicatory message. We are grateful to the Heavenly Father for the growth and accomplishments of the church. We give Him the glory and trust Him to guide us to greater service in His name. o----------o History of Varennes Presbyterian Church From 1814 to 1925 The name Varennes, is unique from the fact that while we do not know the meaning of the word, also aside from our Varennes, there is in all the world no other place by this name except one in Canada and one in France. Tradition has it that a Frenchman owned a store at the cross roads where Varennes was first organized, and the name was adopted at his request as a memorial to the memory of his sweetheart left behind in the hills of France. The book containing the Sessional records from 1814 to 1860 was by some means mislaid, but by the cooperation of Rev. W. F. Pearson and Rev. David Humphreys, a history was compiled and recorded in the new book beginning; 1860, from which we call the following. The Rev. Thomas D Baird established an Academy upon the Col. Jesse Norris place where now reside Mr. Julius H. Anderson. In those days, with sturdy pioneer Presbyterian, the schoolhouse and church were synonymous, and in this crude log building with log seats and an improvised stage, the Rev. Richard B. Cater organized Varennes Church in the year 1813 or 1814. Mr. Cater gave this church one Sabbath in the month, the remainder of his time being taken by Broadway, Good Hope and Roberts. The original elders were John Hillhouse, James Dobbins, Col. Patrick Morris and Capt. James Thomson, Sr. Mr. Cater continued to supply the church for three years. Rev. David Homphreys served the church, as stated supply, a few months during the year 1820. The Rev. Joseph Hillhouse came to the church in 1822 and served as stated supply for several years. The Rev. William Carlisle succeeded Rev. Humphreys, who remained with the church about two years, devoting his time between this and other churches. During his pastorate, about 1837, the church building was taken down and removed three miles south on the same road to a site given by Mrs. James Thomson, Sr., near the home of the late Mr. Jesse P. McGee. This house of worship was built of huge hewn logs and within its walls was a masterpiece of workmanship, known as the sounding-board, upon which was perched a beautiful wooden dove, the emblem of peace. The board was constructed bell shape and by means of iron rods, was suspended from the roof over the pulpit. The Rev. Wm. McWhorter succeeded Rev. Harris and divided his labors between this church and Little Mountain. It is not known how long he remained with this group, but was followed by the Rev. Wm. H Singleterry, who supplied the church for two years. Appearances were now beginning to brighten. A Sabbath school and Bible classes were organized. Initiating the example of his predecessors, Mr. McWhorter passed on to other fields of labor. At this period, Rev. Wm. Carlisle returned to the flock and supplied Varennes and Little Mountain. In the year 1856 or 1857, it became necessary for the congregation to secure a new location. The present site of seven and a half acres were donated by the late John Wakefield and Theodore Trimmier for school and church purposes. The congregation, determined on erecting a new, more comfortable and substantial edifice, accepted the present beautiful site near Storeville, and the original subscription not being sufficient to complete the building, a little foreign aid, and a noble effort by Maj. James Thomson, one of the ruling elders, made possible the completion. The building was erected in good modern style, substantial, neat and comfortable and was creditable to the community. The ruling elders at the time were Joshua D. Gilliard, Thomas Harris, and Dr. Mathew Thomson, who were succeeded by John Herron, Thomas Pennel, Wm. A. Brownlee, Major James Thomson and A. C. Jackson. The building was dedicated to the Lord in August 1857. The dedication sermon being delivered by the late Dr. Buist of Greenville, S. C. Rev. Carlisle continued with the church until January 1, 1860, and was followed by Rev. Wm. F. Pearson, who supplied the church at intervals, until 1864, being interrupted by the War Between the States. The church was then supplied by the Rev. D. X. Lafar until 1866. At this time, Rev. Wm. F. Pearson returned and became pastor until the close of 1870, followed by Rev. R. A. Fair, as supply for two years. He was succeeded by the Rev. H. C. Lindsay, D. D., who served the church until 1880. Prior to 1870, Mr. Samuel Webb was elected ruling elder, also Mr. Henry McGill, sometime later. January 1, 1881, the services of Rev. H. C. Fennel was secured as supply and during his ministry many improvements were made. In 1883, Messr. W. G. Webb, D. F. McLin and Dr. M. A. Thomson were elected ruling elders. In 1887, the church was remodeled and recovered. Mr. John Long was elected elder in 1890 and J. B. Gray and H. M. Tate in 1891. Rev. J. R. Riley, S. C., followed Mr. Fennel as supply for a short time and Rev. J. G. Henderson also was a supply for four months the same year, which was 1892. In Nov. 1892, Rev. Wm. F. Pearson again returned as stated supply and served once a month until his death in May 1893. Rev. J. A. Wilson was called as pastor Nov. 1893, and continued in that capacity until March 1896. Rev. H. C. Fennel was installed as pastor May 17, 1896 and continued to preach once a month until 1911. During this period the church was again improved, presenting the present appearance. In 1907, Messrs, J. J. Findley and J. F. Hall were elected ruling elders. During 1912 and 1913 Rev. W. H. Frazer, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Anderson, S. S. supplied the church once a month. Rev. H. C. Fennel again returned and supplied the church a part of 1914. Rev. J. R. McRae of Tennessee, was then called and continued as pastor until 1923, giving to the church two Sabbaths a month. After the resignation of Mr. McRae, the church was supplied by Rev. W. H. Mills, D. D., Rev. R. A. Durant and others, until 1925 when Mr. Durant was installed as pastor, giving to the church two Sabbaths a month. In regard to the Sabbath School of Varennes, we can safely say that she has not been devoid of that spiritual uplift among her people by reason of study of God's Holy Word. In memory of the writer, there have been Sabbath Schools at Varennes from 1861 to the present time, with intervals of cessation, owing to the bad roads, cold winters and widely separated families of the congregation, but we are proud to chronicle the fact that since 1893, beginning under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Wilson, a continuous school has been conducted by our efficient and faithful brother elders W. G. Webb and J. B. Gray, as Superintendents, assisted by the cooperation of the people and the fervent devoted prayers of the former, since his affliction. In scanning the long list of names of these consecrated ministers of the Gospel, who dedicated their lives and their all to the service of the Lord Jesus, we have a store house full of inspiration and hope, affording and presenting examples worthy of emulation by all. Their loyalty to the church, their Christian fidelity and strong adherence to the sound doctrine, gives us the hope that these principles will continue to resound to the good of humanity and the Glory of Almighty God. Being the recipient of the blessings of the prayers of that long line of consecrated men who left in trust the example of their wise doctrinal judgment, sound theology, fidelity in the discharge of Christian duty and of their unfailing hope that the people of God, following the blessed Jesus, would carry the good tidings to all the world and that universal peace shall reign supreme. The hope now is, that the mantle of the fathers and the worthy servants of God have fallen on worthy shoulders and that a full realization of this wonderful trust and responsibility may come to the people of Varennes, giving to them an even greater desire for advancing the evangelization of the world until the goal is reached. By: Dr. M. A. Thomson TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife >