PRATER's CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY (1875), Pickens County, SC a.k.a. > Version: 3.0 Effective: 27-Nov-2006 Text File: P125.TXT Image Folder: P125 ******************************************************************************** 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 recording contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the following USGenWeb coordinator with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn (visit above website) SCGenWeb "Golden Corner" Project Coordinator Anderson: http://www.rootsweb.com/~scandrsn/ Oconee: http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/oconee.html Pickens: http://www.rootsweb.com/~scpicke2/ DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Nov-2006 Vivian Parkman in Nov-2006 GPS MAPPING .... : Gary Flynn at (visit above website) in -2006 HISTORY ........ : ____________ at ____________ in _______ IMAGES ......... : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in -2006 RECORDING ...... : ____________ at ____________ in _______ ******************************************************************************** CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ > GPS = Latitude N x Longitude W CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ The Monitor, Liberty, SC July 1975, Vol. 17, No. 23 By John McCravy Congratulations! Rev. Charles Porter and all members of Praters Creek Baptist Church; your 100th birthday centennial celebration was beautifully carried out. We know that all of the early members and founders of Praters Creek Baptist Church would have been justly proud of their descendants and present church members if they could have come back and experienced the way the church is progressing today. It was a real blessing to me to visit with these splendid people on last Sunday, July 20. There were many fine friends attending the service which we haven't seen in years. Some are distant relatives and others related to in-laws. During the morning worship, Rev. L.W. Pace brought the message and referred to the founders and early pastors, explaining what they had meant and accomplished by being dedicated persons, making sacrifices and overcoming obstacles. By determination and hard work, they had made our heritage today possible. For those who didn't get to attend this celebration last Sunday, today's Libertarian is bringing you this account. As we approached the church, we noticed old fashioned dresses, bonnets, high top hats, bow ties and other attire worn during the period of 100 years ago and of course his added to the spirit of the congregation. The memorial service was conducted by Mrs. Lula Roper. Recognition of guests and both the oldest and youngest members were made. I might add that Praters Church has always been known for its fine music. The Boldings, Pilgrims, Porters, Seaborns and Watsons see to that. During the dinner hour, the crowd was invited into the recreation building where one of the finest reunion dinners was served. Such a delicious spread you have never seen before. (I might say some of the best cooks in our county are from near Six Mile). Someone said, did you get a piece of that fried ham? Its been cured two years. Hm! Hm! It makes your mouth water to think abut it. After Dinner, the congregation was invited to visit Pastor Porter's study in the church and view the church records and artifacts which were put on display. As we entered this beautifully kept study, we were impressed by the collections of memorabilia preserved by these people. The minutes of the very first meeting on July 25th 1875 and all other meetings and church records down to the present were on display. A table containing many Bibles, sermons, and other items was displayed by Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Seaborn. These artifacts were once the proud possession of Deacon William "Billy" Christian Seaborn who served Praters Creek for forty years as pastor. In this collection was a Blue Back Speller, a general history published in 1808, a pastor's handbook, a story of the Baptists, several Bibles and preacher's notes - his unusual kerosene lamp attracted much attention. Other items on display were a Bible which belonged to Mr. Carter Gillespie. A "Christian Harmony" book also belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Carter. It was remembered that Ida Gillespie taught organ music for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Seigel Bolding displayed many interesting photographs. As we moved along in the line, we were impressed by the costume attire worn by Mrs. Hoyt Pilgrim; she wore a lovely hand made lace blouse on which she had pinned an antique horseshoe broach which was filled with white sapphire sets. Another pin was of seed pearl and gold which once belonged to Lizzie Wooten. The large well preserved music chart and two director batons once belonged to Seigle N. Bolden, who taught many young people how to play and sing shaped notes. The chart was printed in 1891. I really enjoyed the song book by J.H. Reubush and D.S. Kiefier of Dayton, Virginia. (Ruebush had a college and musical conservatory in Dayton). The large memorial plaque read....Presented to Praters Creek Baptist Church this 20th day of July 1975. In memory of those who held dear our Heritage - July 25, 1975. The George Welborn Memorial Museum in Pickens showed the old Martin Luther Bible which was printed in German and which contained the birth and marriage dates of members of Rev. Billy Seaborn's family. The valuable "History of Praters Creek Baptist Church" is a well written document compiled by the Pastor Rev. J. Charles Porter with the help of several others. We wish to commend him for a good job, well done. CHURCH CELEBRATES 100 YEARS The Monitor, Liberty South Carolina Because of the convictions and ambitions of many people the Praters Creek Baptist Church of Pickens, S.C. was organized July 25, 1875. Letters of laymen from other churches were received by the presbytery with D.H. Kennemore acting as chairman. Elder J.H. Boroughs was elected as the first pastor and served from October 22, 1875 until his death on March 29, 1877. There have been 18 pastors through these one hundred years with Rev. Charles Porter now serving as pastor. Through the years Praters Creek Baptist Church has stood as a memorial to the many members who have come her way. The morning service included special singing with an old pump organ giving flavor of by gone years. Rev. L.W. Pace, pastor from 1934-36 brought a very inspiring message reminding the members and friends of the wonderful past of the church and encouragement to carry the same convictions and ambitions in the days to come as did those who first organized Praters Creek. Rev. Pace is the oldest living pastor. Rev Coman Brown was also present during the day. Rev. Brown served the church as pastor from 1961-1973. Tribute was given to the oldest and youngest member of the church during the service. The oldest living member is Mr. Jason M. Entrekin. Mr. Entrekin was born November 24, 1879. He accepted Christ and joined the church in July 1893 and has been a member for eighty-two years. He has served as chairman of the deacons, Sunday School Supt., Teacher Organist, Chorister, song leader, music teacher, clerk treasurer, janitor and moderator of conference in the absence of the pastor. A brief history of Praters Creek Church has been printed and is available at the church office. TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife