Hominy Baptist Church, Candler, N.C., 1812-1962

              1B12 - 1962
NC
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Hominy Baptist Church
CANDLER, NORTH CAROLINA
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| State Library of North Carolina
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Wake Forest University
Z.S. Reynolds Library
NC Baptist Historical Collection
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State Library Of North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C.
Hammy Baptist Church
CANDLER, NORTH CAROLINA
1812 - 1962
THEME
A look at the past as we chart the future
.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/hominybaptistchuOOhomi
DEDICATED
To the memory of our Founding Fathers and to all of those ivho> for a cen-tury
and a half, have labored with sacrifice to give this present generation and to all1
posterity the heritage of a great church ivhose God is the Lord.
May these sacrifices be remembered and may the responsibilities of growing a
great church be passed to the next generation as they perforin in a tvorthx manner
the tasks passed on to them.
168723
ARTICLES OF FAITH
1. "We believe that the Holy Bible, written by men divinely inspired, and full of
unmixed truth, is a perfect rule of faith and practice.
2. We believe in one God — Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
3. We believe that man, once holy, fell by voluntary transgression from that happy
state, and is now utterly void of holiness.
4. We believe that sinners are saved by Grace alone.
5. We believe that men are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
6. We believe that Salvation is free to all who will accept the Gospel.
7. We believe that except a man be renewed by the Holy Spirit he is not qualified
or prepared for the Kingdom of Christ on earth, or to enjoy his Glory hereafter.
8. We believe that repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are
the duties of every one who hears the Gospel.
9. We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, by which he graciously
regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners.
10. We believe that Sanctification begun in regeneration and ever progressive, is the
process by which we are made to partake of God's holiness.
11. We believe in the preservation of Saints; that they are kept by the power of
God through faith unto salvation.
12. We believe that God's law is the only, the eternal and unchangeable, rule of his
church and moral government.
13. We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, united
in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances and obeying the
laws of Christ ; and that its officers are pastors and deacons.
14. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, by
a properly qualified administrator, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost.
15. We believe that only such as have been properly baptized and received into the
fellowship of a regularly organized Baptist Church should partake of the Lord's
Supper.
16. We believe that the Lord's day or Christian Sabbath should be devoutly observed,
and sacredly devoted to religious services.
1 7. We believe that civil government is of divine appointment and that the governors
of states and nations should be obeyed when the laws thev seek to enforce are
not in conflict with the Gospel.
18. We believe in the future resurrection of the dead.
10. We believe in the final judgment; and that, in that day, the righteous and
wicked will be separated forever.
20. We believe that the righteous will be made happy forever in heaven, and the
wicked miserable forever in hell."
Preface
In the shadow of Mount Pisgah, in lovely Hominy Valley surrounded by peaks of
various elevations, stands the Hominy Baptist Church as a witness to the goodness
of God, and the faithfulness of a dedicated people over a period of one hundred and
fifty years. This church is older by thirty-three years than the Southern Baptist Con-vention.
It is as old as the Foreign Mission Movement among Baptists in America,
as it was organized in 1812.
The first building was of log construction, which was later torn down and replaced
by a frame building. This church was rectangular in shape, with a large fireplace at
each end, as remembered by our oldest members. There was a door for the men and
one for the women. They never entered together and never sat together. This building
was also used as a school. It was destroyed by fire in 1888. Another building of ap-proximately
the same type suffered a similar fate in March of 1923.
The present building was erected in three stages. The oldest part, now in use, was
built in 1923. It was used until the present sanctuary was erected in 1947. Then it
was made into Sunday School rooms. The present educational building was finished in
1956.
The history on the following pages was written over a period of one hundred and
fifty years, by people of various customs, and in various stages of spiritual and edu-cational
developments. We would also call to your attention that these people loved
the Lord and the church, and that they gave their best to the church and the cause
of Christian education.
During the history of this church an entire race of people was given its freedom,
many of them belonging to members of this church and holding membership in the
church. However through the years and by the efforts of the faithful here, many people
have found freedom from the power of sin. The witness of the church has gone out
even unto the utmost part of the earth, because the church has always been missionary,
and always cooperated with the organized work of the Baptist people.
The Hominy Church realized years ago that Jesus was uttering no meaningless plati-tude
when He said that if one should lose his life, he could save it. The church exists
to give itself through various channels available to the cause of Christian Mission,
Christian Education, and as the causes sponsored by the Convention.
Hominy Church did not come into being by accident. It is the result of many sacri-fices,
constant faithfulness on the part of dedicated members, and consecrated leader-ship
through the years. In periods of spiritual depression, there were those who fanned
the dying embers into flame by their undying loyalty and their never ceasing efforts.
In the membership of the church there have been through the years those who dared to
give the church leadership. There were those who lived, and loved, and dreamed of a
better tomorrow, of a greater church.
It has been my happy privilege to be pastor of this great church for more than seven-teen
years. The church has been kind to me, and has responded to leadership in a
wonderful way, and in a beautiful spirit. The lovely family that God gave us grew
up in this church and received their spiritual training through her ministry. This is
home, and we love it.
I do not wish to express appreciation or give special recognition to any one person, or
to any particular group within the church. We would like to say to the older members
of our congregation thank you for a good foundation, and to the younger members
thank you for your loyal support through many difficult days. To the young people
and the children we say thank you for your love and your confidence, and we would
add to this statement that we expect more of you than we have been able to give.
It remains only for me to add that I am indebted to all who have lived and wrought
here for the work that was done, and to every member of this church for their love
and unending loyalty as we move together to discover the will of Him who called us,
and with the discovery of that will, the willingness to do.
We look backward upon one hundred and fifty years of striving, of sacrificing, of toil,
and of dedication, but we look forward to the years ahead with faith and courage, as we
seek to grow "Men to Match our Mountains."
M. D. SMITH, Pastor
November 21, 1962
10
"ELDER" HUMPHREY POSEY
First Pastor
1812-1818
11
FIRST BUILDING USED UNTIL 1854
(Drawn from a pen sketch and a written description)
12
THE HISTORY OF THE HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH
ESTABLISHED 1812
Among the founders of the homes in America were men of God, who loved the
Bible and wanted to live by it. A few of these men settled near the banks of Hominy
Creek, in the shadow of Alt. Pisgah. The conditions of the section were at that time
very primitive; no good roads, no telephones, few settlements, no schools or churches.
Only a few patches of woods had been cleared for cultivation ; few trails had become
dirt roads, and the houses were built of logs. The minds of those early settlers could
never have imagined rocket ships or space warfare, but they lived and worked hard, and
their faith in God was a prized possession.
In the early days before a church was organized, circuit riders came a few
times a year to perform the duties of a pastor. Often he would hold several funerals
for burials that had been months prior to his coming. He also "caught up" on the
weddings of couples who had been given permission to live together (by consent of the
community) until a preacher could ride in and perform the ceremony. Sometimes
there was a funeral of widower's first wife, followed the same day by the same
widower's second marriage. He also did the work of an evangelist, exhorting, bap-tizing,
etc.
These settlers were predominantly Baptist in principles of church government
and Biblical teachings. Before the first log church was built, meetings were conducted
in homes and out in the open.
Hominy Church had her beginning in such a setting as this: "Hominy Creek
Church was constituted on November 21, 1812, by a presbytery of ministers, to wit:
Benjamin King, Jeremiah Taylor, Moses Freeman and Thomas Snelson". This was
the year of the American-English War known as "War of 1812". Humphrey Posey was
the first pastor, born in Virginia, January 12, 1780 and ordained a minister at Cane
Creek Baptist Church in 1806. He was pastor for six years at Hominy Church before
becoming a missionary to Cherokee Indians. Stephen Morgan was said to have been
the second pastor of the church, and remained pastor for 20 vears.
The church derived its name from Hominy Creek and Hominy Valley. "Con-neehanee"
(meaning Big Hominy) was the name the Indians used for the creek, fol-lowing
an incident there with the food "Hominy"-. The church has been called
"Hominy" for 150 years. It is the fourth oldest church in the Buncombe Association.
The oldest church record included the church covenant, the articles of faith
and the rules of decorum tor the "Hominy Creek Church." An article of faith reads:
"We believe it the duty of all regular church members to attend church meetings and
it the duty of the church to deal with them for neglecting to attend, especially the
13
male members." A rule of decorum reads: "Whereas the use of ardent spirits has
done great injury to the human family by an excessive use of the same. The Word of
Truth plainly declares that no drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven: There-fore
resolved we as a church will not fellowship any member who will make and
vend or use ardent spirits as a beverage article or be guilty of public drinking in any
public crowd."
Among the charter members were: John Webb, Edmond Sams, Porter Owenby,
James Rutherford, William Young and wife, Rebecca, James Morgan and wife, Peggy,
and Stacy Webb. Stacy Young Webb was the wife of John Webb, the first pioneer
settler in the Candler section. Both are buried in a cemetery plot about one mile
north of Hominy Baptist Church, on a site of land once owned by A. J. Lee and the
Henrys. This land originally owned by John Webb, came to him by way of a grant
given from King George III, of England. (This cemetery plot was given to the Hominy
Baptist Church ; it is located on the property presently owned by Mr. Jay
Hall, a member of Hominy Baptist Church).
The first minutes of the church were destroyed or lost. Only from obituaries
and other sources do we know a great deal until 1842. By this time all but a few of
the original members had died or moved. We do know that most of the early settlers
were members of Hominy Church or Baptist inclined. The membership was not large,
for few people under 30 years of age belonged.
As in other times, the women exceeded the men in number. Male members were
listed separately from females. In the first log church, which stood where the present
cemetery is located, there was one door for the males, another for the females. They
sat on opposite sides of the church. On the roll were several negro women but no
men. These were referred to as women of color and were the slaves of Samuel Gudger,
Benjamin O'Kelly, Robert Henry and John Starnes (Great grandfather of Rev.
Nane Starnes).
Business meetings were held one Saturday and preaching one Sunday a month.
The Lord's Supper was taken from a common cup. A Baptismal service was called
"A Meeting at the Water." The election of a pastor was held annually, a custom still
practiced by a few remote churches. Meetings were held in brush arbors sometimes.
In 1829 Nancy Sams was lettered away by Hominy Church to unite with the
little Baptist group east of the River. This church is now known as the First Baptist
Church, Asheville, N. C, organized in 1829.
The territory of Hominy Baptist Church extended to the foot of Mt. Pisgah
and west nearly to Canton. It spread east to what is now West Asheville. Hominy
Valley was called Buncombe Valley. Bent Creek and Pole Creek communities were
also included. Hominy was the only church in this radius. Meetings were held over
the territory in meeting houses, schools and private homes. Later churches were built
as meeting houses for all denominations, but Hominy remained the mother church
of the Baptists. Other places of worship were: Pisgah Meeting House, Russell Jones,
William Warrens, Henry Cagles, in Bent Creek and Squire Thrashes school house.
14
THE 1800's
1840 There was a general gathering of the members. A pastor was not mentioned.
Among the members were: Enoch Morgan and James Thompson, future
ministers; Perminter D. Morgan and Elijah Morgan, Deacons. During the
time Jesse Morgan and Jeremiah Green died. These younger men at once took
their places of activity in the church. It was in January 1840 that Perminter D.
Morgan was baptized.
Extracts from the minutes of 1842-1848 show the activitiy of the members
and the outside connections of the church.
1842 The messengers to the association were Hodge Rayborn and James Morgan.
Church Clerk was James Morgan, and deacons were James Morgan, Jeremiah
Green and Hodge Rayborn.
1843 Messengers to the association were Hodge Rayborn and James Morgan. The
church changed from the French Broad to the Salem Association.
1844 Messengers to the association were Hodge Rayborn and William Warren. "The
church met, but no minister."
1845 Messengers to the Association were William Warren and Uriah Warren and
Wesley Green. A great revival broke out, lasting over a year and receiving 36
members. There were one to three additions at a time. Bent Creek petitioned
for an eldership.
1846 "The brethren Perminter Morgan and Wesley Green were examined, set
apart and ordained as deacons in and for Hominy Church by Elders Wm.
Haynes and Robert Patterson as a presbytery by prayer and laying on of hands."
James Morgan resigned as clerk. His son, Perminter D. was elected. 'The church
opened the door and received by relation a black woman of Benjamin O'Kelly
by the name of Lucia." Slaves, now buried in the church cemetery, were
members; and at one time a black man preached in the church.
The first mention of the Convention was made in 1846 when Enoch Morgan
and James Morgan were sent as delegates to Boiling Springs. This is more evi-dence
that Hominy Baptist Church was a cooperating Baptist church from the
beginning. While this convention, known as Western N. C. Baptist Convention,
was still suffering from birth pains, Hominy Church had delegates there to
help. The Western N. C. Baptist Convention was organized August 20, 1845,
at Boiling Springs Camp Ground in Henderson County, and for fifty-three
years maintained its separate existence. But in 1898 the Western Convention
agreed to merge with the N. C. Baptist Convention, and since that time all
N. C. Baptists have been united in one body.
1847 A collection was taken for Home Missions. Wesley Green, Perminter and
Enoch Morgan were sent as delegates to the Western Convention.
1848 A committee was appointed to examine a hymn book. A Home Mission Of-fering
was taken.
1849 The pastor was William Haynes, elected to supply for one year. He was a
man then up in years and likely had been pastor before.
15
1852 "The church at Hominy Creek called a meeting for the purpose of worshipping
God and to agree on a supply to attend us for one year. The church agreed
that Brother C. B. Mingus should be petitioned.". He remained until 1861.
1853 Enoch and Perminter Morgan were sent to the Convention. An offering of
$10 was taken for Foreign Missions. John Haynes and Peter Miller were
invited to attend communion.
1854 Following the church growth of 1846, the membership declined by deaths and
removals until the revival in August. Ten members were then baptized. Lemuel
Young, who was past middle age, became a leading member. A new church
was "put up". This was a long, frame building with a chimney at each end,
two doors with the pulpit between.
1855 In the fall, eight members were received among whom were: "Jonathan
M. Morgan, Whitehead and Jesse Green and Wm. Young. Lemuel Young
was the first treasurer." According to the custom of the day, several people
were excluded for intoxication and selling liquor. Both men and women were
excluded for dancing, swearing, lying, cheating and stealing. Other exclusions
were for broken fellowship between members, fornication and adultry. If
members publicly confessed and promised to do better, they stood a chance
(sometimes) of being forgiven by the church and retained as members or rein-stated.
One woman was said to have been excluded for looking on at a dance,
although she had not participated. "June 1 the church excluded a brother for
distilling ardent spirits and selling as beverage article."
1856 Asheville, a small village, petitioned for continued aid and members to form
a church. Brothers Stradley and O'Kelly attended Wake Forest College from
Hominy Church.
1859 Elijah Morgan was elected singing clerk. Upon recommendation of the church,
Jeremiah Clark went to Mars Hill School to prepare for the ministry. This
was the year that Mars Hill received its charter.
1861 A revival occurred, which lasted until the last of January, 1862. Announce-ment
of the Civil war was made in the church and volunteers were called for
at the church services. During the long winter revival, 60 members were added,
among whom were: Thomas Starnes, Jesse, Benjamin ., Marion and Jones H.
Morgan, E. L. Clark, Pink R. and Jasper Young and many who died or were
killed in the army.
Hominy Church cemetery was a Civil War camp ground, where a reunion
was held annually. Military uniforms were worn. Women relived the
horrors of war by crying, fainting, and wailing over their losses,
This custom continued for years. Following the war, the church was used for
many years as a subscription school. This was called the Peabody School, be-cause
a Mr. Peabody was a rich man who left money to promote schools. Pupils
came from all over the county.
1862 Enoch Morgan was mentioned as pastor. $2.00 was sent for the minutes of
the association.
1863 Elijah Morgan was elected second church treasurer.
16
State Library Of North Carolina
Raleigh, MC.
1864 John Parham and Enoch Morgan served as pastors. $60 was the salary paid
annually.
1866 John Amnions, pastor. Deed of the church ground was altered.
1867 Enoch Morgan was pastor until 1873. "The church built a chestnut rail fence
with square ends, 10 rails high with locusts posts at each corner and extending
around the sides of the graveyard."
Elder C. B. Mingus, pastor at one time, served as one of a presbytery of minist-ers
who met at the First Baptist Church in Asheville, October 16, 1869, for
the purpose of ordaining Bros. J. B. Marsh and Joshua Stradley into the full
gospel ministry.
1870 Marks the beginning of the most healthful and rapid growth up to this date.
It began with a revival at Stump House Church, where twenty were baptized.
During this time two new churches were set up, but still the church was strong-er
than at the beginning of this period. For 12 years there was a steady increase
of members. Three ministers were ordained : Pink R. Young, E. Judson Mor-gan
and Lemuel Y. Israel.
The Hominy Church received its mail at the Laurel Forks Post
Office, known later as the Candler Post Office. The location of this early
post office is now known as Candler Town. In the same building with the
Post Office a general merchandise and grocery store was operated by W. G.
Candler. This was about the time the old Richmond and Danville railroad was
being built. Needless to say the coming of a post office, a general store and
railroad contributed greatly to the growth of the community and church. Later
the store was operated by W. E. Candler and Jasper L. Young. We are told
that Mr. Young, a one-armed man, was a member of Hominy church. Mr.
Jasper Young's father, Mr. Lemuel Young, was Sunday School Superinten-dent
at Hominy Church for 40 years.
1871 "An arm of the church was granted members at Pisgah Meeting House."
1875 C. B. Mingus was pastor. Hice Hill petitioned for a new church; it was not
allowed.
1874 The church was incorporated with William Green, Bob Justice and Enoch Mor-gan
as trustees. Members near Thomas A. Starnes were dismissed to forim a
church called Sardis.
1875-
1S77 S. J. Morgan was pastor.
1876 A Bible Sunday School was organized with Lemuel Young as the first Super-intendent.
E. J. Morgan held a meeting at Pisgah M. E. Church and baptized
5 members, although he was not a pastor.
1878 John Amnions was pastor.
1879 Enoch Morgan, pastor. W. F. Clark was received as a deacon from the
Waynesville Church.
1880 E. Allison was pastor.
1881 W. W. Wells was pastor.
1882 Elder Bradley was pastor and E. L. Clark was Sunday School Superintendent.
The church helped to buy literature. Before this the only literature used was
17
the Bible. The Sunday School Board was created by the Southern Baptist Con-vention
in 1891 to prepare literature.
1883 E. L. Clark and Frank P. Morgan were ordained as deacons. The first Sunday
School convention was mentioned. Collections were taken for White Rock,
Swannanoa and Trinity churches.
1884 E. Allison was pastor. B. L. Morgan was clerk. Earlier a hole had been burned
in the floor. This year the floor was repaired and a new stove was bought.
1886 C. B. Mingus was pastor. He is remembered by our oldest members.
1887 S. C. Owen preached once monthly at the beginning of the pastorate, but in
October of the same year he went to half time at a salary of $200 a year,
preaching twice monthly. Our oldest living members are quoted as saying he
was pastor for a long and successful pastorate. Jeremiah Green and P. P.
Morgan were ordained as deacons. This was the year that a new church was
built on the site of the present church.
Elder Owen continued his schooling during his ministry at Hominy. His wife
worked to help pay for his education. She sold and delivered produce in
Asheville. Mrs. Mary Duckett, now 82, and still a member of Hominy Church,
was Mrs. Owen's wagon driver. He wrote a mission book and tracts, and
later became a missionary to Cuba.
Uncle Fate Hutchison and family were listed among the faithful members
at this time. Mr. Hutchison helped build the addition to the first parsonage.
Roland C. Jackson was in charge of the cemetery during the late 1800s, and
the early 1900s. A special cemetery working was held annually the first Sat-urday
in August. This was a big day with the ladies serving "dinner on the
ground."
1895 Judson Morgan was pastor several times. He has many descendants in the
church now. He helped organize several of Hominy's daughter churches. Dur-ing
his ministry he attended the Southern Baptist Convention held in Texas.
He traveled by train. Also of much interest to the Baptists at Candler were the
visitors he brought home with him from the Texas Convention. The summer-long
visitors included three foreign missionaries to China on leave at the time.
Dr. Ralph Herring and his missionary parents, brothers and sisters were in
the group, spending the summer at the Morgan home.
Below is given a baptismal service typical of the times
:
The Hominy Baptist Church "met at the water" the first Sunday in July 1895,
with Elder Judson Morgan, pastor, in charge. The members and candidates
sang lustily the old song:
"Will the waters be chilly,
Will the waters be chilly,
When I am called to die,
When I am called to die?"
The candidates immersed at this time in Hominy Creek were: Robert Hutchi-son,
Maggie Hutchison (Morgan), and Sally Hutchison (Clark). After chang-ing
clothes at Miss Mary Dryman's home, the service was continued in the
18
the church building. The right hand of Christian fellowship was given to the
three members by the church members. "Am I a Soldier of the Cross" was
sung and a (long) sermon preached by Brother Morgan.
Mrs. Mary Clark and Miss Julia Owen did outstanding community mission
work, walking all over the Candler area.
1904 Gertrude Young (Jones) was among the candidates baptized by Brother R.
N. Caldwell. Ethel Hyatt (Morgan) and Gertrude Hyatt (Mason) were
baptized during this year by Brother Caldwell.
Several Baptist Churches organized later were said to have received aid from
the Hominy Church or from the pastors of the Hominy church. Among those
churches were: First Baptist Church, Asheville, 1829; White Rock, 1881;
New Morgan Hill, 1885; Liberty, 1895; Bent Creek, 1900; Ridgeway, 1913;
Pole Creek, 1916; and Enka, 1929, organized by the Reverend John C. Ben-nett,
pastor of Hominy Church at the time.
19
HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH BAPTISMAL SERVICE
HOMINY CREEK
JANUARY 20, 1907
Among those in the picture were: Mrs. Mann, Etta Hutchison (Long), Stella Briggs,
Berver Hutchison, James Hutchison, Ennis Jamison, Sallie Wilson, Nola Rutherford
(Miller). Extreme right: Rev. M. R. N. Caldwell, pastor. Eront : Cecil Brewton
an 1 Tom Pavne. Ennis Morgan (not shown).
20
REV. SAM C. OWEN
Pastor 1887-?
REV. R. A. SENTELLE
Pastor 1891-
?
DR. A. E. BROJVN
1892-
Pastor
REV. JUDSON MORGAN
1895 -
Several Pastorates
21
CLOSING EXERCISES
OF
D. M. LUTHER'S SCHOOL AT HOMINY CHURCH
AUGUST 26th, 1881, 7:30 P. M.
SALUTATORIAN
:
DECLAMATION
:
DIALOGUE:
RECITATION
:
DECLAMATION:
DIALOGUE
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION:
DIALOGUE:
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION
:
SONG:
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION
TABLEAU
:
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION:
DIALOGUE:
RECITATION:
DECLARATION:
DIALOGUE:
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION:
COMIC DECLA-MATION
:
RECITATION:
DECLAMATION:
DIALOGUE:
DECLAMATION:
Awarding of Prizes
BENEDICTION
Subject: Farewell, Miss Dora Welch
Subject : Maeryn and Byron, Mr. John W. Rutherford
Subject: Our Cousins, Lon S. Hyatt
Subject: Adieu to Britannia, Van A. McFee
Subject: True Eloquence —
Subject: Ginger and Pampy
Subject: The Lips that Touch Liquor Must Never Touch
Mine, Lara A. Wilson
Subject: Cultivation of the Intellect
Subject: Purchasing a Sewing Machine, Ella W. Penland
Subject: Belle of the Atlantic, James F. Cathey
Subject: The Character of Napoleon Bonaparte
—
Shabby Genteel
Subject: Romance, Ida C. Trull
Subject: Spartis to the Gladiations at Capau, G. L. Morgan
Subject: Sambo and Jack —
Subject: The Hero of the South, Eugenia L. Luther (Mrs.
J. C. Hyatt)
Subject: The North American Indian, Jesse C. Hyatt
Subject: Then and Now —
Subject: Submission, Alice C. Dryman
Subject: The Scriptures and the Savior, Charley L. Rice
Subject: The Barber and His Trusty Razor, Matty A. Jones
Subject: The World was made for Man —
Subject: I still Live, T. C. Rayfield
Subject: Grandfather and Grand Dame —
Subject: Light, Mary C. Dryman
Subject: Ruins of Time, Watson H. Davis
Subject: I Wrould I Were a Careless Child, E. G. Starnes
Subject : Beyond Crossing Cimeters Lies Paradise, and
Valedictory, Ella W. Penland
and Honors —
Mrs. Eugenia Luther Hyatt, listed in the program above, is the only living participant.
22
95 IN 1962
< --«
OLDEST LIVING MEMBER
Mrs. Eugenia Luther Hyatt
Born June 1st, 1867
Joined Hominy Baptist Church
in the Spring of 1888
v:-. . •
THIRD BUILDING - 1887-1923
DESTROYED BY EIRE
23
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
AND
FOLLOWING YEARS
Among those who served faithfully and well were: O. C. King, C. E. Jervis, L. B.
White, and J. A. Davis. Records for this period have been lost, but we do know
that Hominy Church continued to grow under their leadership. Home and foreign
mission offerings increased, gifts of money and produce were sent to the Orphanage
at Thomasville, and there were continuous improvements on the buildings and
grounds. During L. B. White's ministry the Buncombe Baptist Association's annual
meeting was held at Hominy .
On Nov. 3, 1912, a program committee composed of M. H. Morgan and Levi Clark
were named to plan the 2-day centennial celebration. Songs suggested by committee
were: "What Wondrous Love" and "How Firm a Foundation". The Centennial
Services were held on Sat., Nov. 23, with Elder Hamrick of Asheville bringing the
message from John 10:10. C. E. Jervis was the Centennial pastor. Elder E. Judson
Morgan, former pastor, brought the Centennial message Sun., Nov. 24, 1912.
Charles Spurgeon Owen was granted a license to enter the ministry while he was
a student at Wake Forest College. This was on Feb. 6, 1915.
It was a step forward in the history of the church when, on Feb. 5, 1916, "a com-mittee
was called for to confer with committees from Liberty. Ridgeway, and White
Rock churches with regard to the co-operative plan." The co-operative plan was
that "the four churches call the same pastor and locate him somewhere in the bounds
of all the churches." The committee was named with Levi S. Clark as chairman. On
this same day the committees from Liberty and Ridgeway churches met with the
Hominy committee. The White Rock church did not desire to unite in the co-operative
plan. This committee was to recommend a pastor and locate a house for him within
the area.
On March 4, 1916, Rev. J. C. Bennett was chosen to be the pastor of the three
churches. His salary was to be $325.00 a year and a house, garden and cow pasture
furnished. The Bob Evans house, garden, and pasture was rented for $6.00 a month.
He moved to the field, with his family in March and was met at the train by Mr. P. P.
Alorgan, who took them to their new house in his new T-Model Ford.
In July 1916, a house and lot were purchased from W. J. Gudger for $750.00 to be
used as a pastor's home. Later one-fourth acre adjoining the lot was bought and the
house remodeled at the cost of $322.33.
During Mr. Bennett's ministry "the envelope system to take collections to pay the
pastor's salary and defray the expenses of the church was adopted." The first order
was for 75 sets of envelopes.
L. Spurgeon Clark called on August 5, 1916, for a license to the Christian Ministry.
He was then a student at Wake Forest College. The license was granted, and on
Sunday, January 7, 1917, he was ordained.
The forerunner of the present Training Union was B. Y. P. U., the Baptist Young
People's Union, first organized June 3, 1917 with R. H. Hutchison as president.
In April 1918, a 32-inch, 600 pound bell was purchased from Ottis Green for $42.75,
plus $7.16 freight.
24
In May, 1918, the pastor's salary was raised from $15.00 to $20.00 a month. In June
music books were bought and the organ repaired. In August a committee found 37
names of inactive members on the roll. The committee was to visit or write each one.
In October subscriptions for the Biblical Recorder were solicited. The first mention
of W. M. S. was found in the records when in 1918 money was given for the Orphan-age,
Home and Foreign Missions.
Messengers to the Association were appointed each year. Brother Bennett was active
in Associational work, at one time serving as moderator. On Sept. 12, he resigned
to become pastor of West End Baptist Church, (now Patton Avenue) in Asheville.
Again the committee from the three churches met to confer about a pastor. The State
Mission Board was requested for aid in paying a pastor's salary. $300.00 a year was
granted as a supplement to the Hominy Field. J. E. Dupree became the pastor, with
Hominy to pay $300, Ridgeway $250, and Liberty $150, making $1000 a year for
salary.
During his ministry some were excluded for non-attendance and for plowing on Sun-day.
The first church canvass was made, and the church roll revised. He served one
year.
In May 1922, T. L. Sasser was elected pastor of the field. His ministry was also a
short one, being less than two years. During that time a well was drilled at the par-sonage,
and new song books were bought. He was granted a leave of absence to attend
the Seminary at Louisville, Ky., to be away seven months, and seven days. During his
absence J. W. Crow supplied the pulpit.
In June 1922, the Buncombe B. Y. P. U. mass meeting was held at Hominy church.
In November of that year the 110th anniversary was observed with special services
and dinner on the ground. It was called homecoming day, and former pastors and old-est
members were recognized.
On March 25, 1923, the white frame church was destroyed by fire. The church held
its meetings in the Candler School until another church could be built. At a meeting
in the school Rev. J. C. Bennett was unanimously elected to again become the pastor.
He accepted this challenge, and this ministry lasted until his sudden death, on De-cember
6, 1931.
The first thing to be done was the appointment of a building committee, of which he
was urged to be chairman. Other members of the committee were: J. G. Robinson,
W. F. Clark, V. L. Young, G. C. Crisp, C. C. Morgan, Homer Brooks and R. Si
Sorrells. A new brick building was begun. A great deal of the labor on this church
was done by members, but Preacher Bennett stood foremost in this work.
The Southern Railway paid the sum of $3,850 for damage of property by fire. Thef
church burned from sparks and hot coals from the trains. This was
used for building material, and the church was completed in 1923. This was the
first church to have electricity, oil lamps having been used previously. It was also the
first church to have a baptismal pool. Hominy Creek had been used before.
In 1924 the parsonage was also wired for electricity. Beginning the fourth Sunday
in October and lasting until November 13th, a revival was held with Rev. J. C. Pipes
doing the preaching. Forty-one professions were made and there were 22 baptisms
at the close of the meeting. Rev. Pipes was paid $69.18 for his services.
25
On Jan. 4, 1931, on recommendation of the deacons and by a vote of the church, what
is known as a budget system was adopted, one treasurer handling all the money from
all organizations of the church and paying all bills. The total budget adopted that
year was for $940.00.
In the minutes for 1931, we find the first mention of a choir director, Thomas Clark,
Jr. Since that time the music program has gone steadily forward, as will be noted
later.
Brother Bennett gave his best to Hominy Church, showing an intense interest in every
phase of our Baptist work. As a Christian and citizen he bore his witness for Christ
in service and sacrifice. He was pastor of Hominy 13 years.
On May 1, 1932, M. L. Lewis was called as pastor and served until January 22,
1933. During his pastorate these things were noted: repairs to building, grounds
and road ; the church set its approval on the W. M. S. movement and a committee
was appointed to aid in the work; use of two rooms of the church was granted to
the school authorities for the consideration of $10.00 per month for each room; every
member canvass was made; ordained as deacons were D. E. Wright, R. R. Barnes,
and J. C. Bennett, Jr.
Rev. Nane Starnes was unanimously called as pastor on Jan. 5, 1933. W. M. U. was
completed by the organization of a Y. W. A. Mention was made of the ob-servance
of the week of prayer for foreign missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas
offering. The first Vacation Bible School was held, with Miss Lucille Dryman as
principal, who gave an excellent report.
The old pastorium was sold and the money was used to start a building fund. The
rent received from the school authorities for use of the rooms was added to the build-ing
fund. The interior of the church was repaired and painted. The Buncombe Bap-tist
Association was entertained in Hominy church. A very successful revival was
held and 21 were added to the church by baptism in Brother Starnes' first year.
Homecoming day was held in June 1934. Miss Dolly Morgan read her history of the
church, (used as a reference for this history). Churches of the surrounding commu-nities
which were influenced by our church sent representatives: White Rock, Pole
Creek, Liberty, New Morgan Hill, Ridgeway, and Bent Creek.
In January of 1935, we find the G.A. and R.A. having regular meetings. At the close
of the revival, 13 were added by baptism and eight by letter. One ?sre of land was
bought from Miss Lily Henry for $300. The church voted to build a six-room house,
estimated cost to be $2500. Mr. Hoke Hall was to be in charge of the work.
Rev. and Mrs. Starnes were married on October 3, 1935. The parsonage was not
ready for occupancy. When they did get to move into it on January 15, they were
given a generous "pounding" by the members and other residents of the community.
Mr. Starnes grew fond of his "six old hens" that were brought to the pounding.
It was a sad day for the congregation when Bro. Starnes resigned to accept a call to
the West Asheville Baptist Church.
The next pastor was Dr. L. H. Gardner, who served a little more than a year. It
was during his ministry that the B. Y. P. U. was first called the B. T. U. in our
church. All organizations carried or, in their usual manner, making progress. The ro-tating
system of office for deacons was adopted, also their recommendation that three-
26
fourths time preaching be tried out for six months.
Mrs. Gardner served as president of the W. M. U., and the annual report showed
increases in all phases of the work. Mr. Gardner resigned on Oct. 3, 1937.
Dr. J. W. O'Hara supplied the pulpit for a year, until July 23, 1938 when Rev.
G. L. Royster was called as the first all-time pastor, at a salary of $100 a month.
The driveway on the line of the parsonage property was completed and graveled. New
roof was put on the sanctuary. Deacons elected and ordained were: H. M. Pinner
and J. M. Smith. The pastor and deacons suggested that bulletins be used each Sun-day.
The alternate system was used for the deacon board.
Vacation Bible School was held, with Mrs. F. C. Miller as principal, as has been
done annually for a number of years. She reported 103 enrolled and an average at-tendance
of 90. The church had difficult days financially, but on October 6, 1940,
Mr. T. S. Clark, treasurer, reported the church was out of debt.
On December 22, 1940, Mr. Royster resigned to become the pastor of the First
Baptist Church of Forest City, N. C.
The pulpit committee named, after Mr. Royster's resignation, was : D. E. Wright,
chairman, Mrs. T. S. Clark, Mrs. C. V. Brooks, Mr. C. C. Morgan, and F. C.
Miller. Dr. J. W. O'Hara, who lived in the community, was elected full-time pastor.
The parsonage was rented for $15 a month.
During the two years that Dr. O'Hara served, the following things were done in
addition to the regular program : B. T. U. study course was held with 20 awards,
Youth Choir organized May 11, 1941, with Mrs. T. S. Clark, director. On Sept. 7
$100 was paid to tap the city water line that was already run to the school, Biblical
Recorder Club of 13 members was organized, five young people from our church
went to Mars Hill College, Willis Bennett was ordained to the gospel ministry,
Sunday School Study Course taught by the pastor: "Outlines of Bible History", piano
purchased for the Primary Department and piped water to the parsonage, with the
men of the church doing the work.
Hominy Church has a wholesome relationship to God and Country. In the three major
wars of our nation, Civil War, World War I and World War II, members of this
congregation have answered their country's call. A special service was held for the
dedication of the Service Flag on Sept. 4, 1942. The service roll for AVorld War II
reads
:
Richard Allen J. B. Crisp Clarence Dryman
Edward Clark B. E. Brenton Lane Cooper
Crate Brown Loren Cooper Coke Candler
Troy Caldwell H. H. Cole Lloyde Cooper
Hall Devlin Jay Devlin Paul Israel
Clinton Jones Garland Knighten Edward Morris
Richard Penland Thomas Kirkpatrick N. L. Lovingood
William Morgan Howard Roberson George H. Miller
Howard Pinner, Jr. Florian Osborne Robert Scarf
f
Ray Miller Robert Payne Richard Shipley
Paul Pinner Howard Morgan Ray Penland
L. V. Young Wayne Hall Frank Hyatt
J. B. Crisp and Edward Morris gave their lives during this War.
27
Dr. O'Hara resigned in January 1943.
On March 7, 1943, Rev. Ralph R. Hensley was called as full time pastor at a salary
of $25 a week, or $1300 a year. A week of prayer was held for Home Missions with
a $30 offering. High goals were set for the year and a census was taken. New vestments
Avere made for the choir, Mrs. Clark doing much of the sewing. A walkway was
poured in front of the church. Janitor's salary was raised to $15.00 a month.
On October 10, on moton of Mr. G. C. Crisp, the pastor's salary was raised to $150
a month. The first mimeograph machine was bought for the church. A fire insurance
policy of $10,000 was recommended and voted by the church in conference.
In March 1944, Bill Roberson reported that about 300 books had been collected for
the beginning of a church library. Material was purchased to make shelves for the
books and Bill was elected the first librarian. At the next conference he reported
the library open for business. On motion it was decided to put $5.00 a month in the
budget for the library.
That year a new furnace was bought and installed at a cost of $270. Also that year
Rev. H. M. Hocutt was employed as associational missionary and $5.00 a month was
put into the budget to be paid on his salary.
During 1945 memorial stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary: Thomas
Arthur Clark, Rev. J. C. Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Leatherwood, William
Pemilton Clark and Mattie Louise Clark, Hilliard Green, Katie Lee Justice, John
Barthwell Crisp, Charles B. Brooks, Mrs. Milton Roberson, Mr. and Mrs. G. L.
Hutchison, Rev. E. Judson Morgan, L. S. Clark and family, and Edward Aula Mor-ris.
Bro. Hensley did outstanding Royal Ambassador work and directed a choir.
Inlaid linoleum was put in the kitchen at the pastor's home, also new window shades,
rug, chair and light fixtures were added to the library. Mr. McKay Dryman was
elected librarian.
The outside of the parsonage was painted, and also the kitchen. Mrs. Clark request-ed
new vestments for the choir. The church bought white material and members
made the vestments.
Rev. Ralph Hensley resigned May 20, 1945, to further his education at Southern
Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.
28
REV. M. D. SMITH
1945-
Pastor
20
M. D. SMITH PASTORATE
A pulpit committee was appointed: H. AI. Pinner, D. E. Wright, T. S. Clark, G.
C. Crisp, and Mrs. F. C. Miller. It was decided that the next salary should be $200
a month, and the telephone be left in the parsonage and paid for by the church.
This committee prayed much, held many meetings, traveled several places and heard
a number of preachers. Rev. M. D. Smith was invited to preach for the congregation
to hear. He did so on Wednesday night, July 25, 1945. The committee was unanimous
in their recommendation of Bro. Smith, and on August 5, he was extended a un-animous
call, which was accepted. This was a great day for Hominy church, for Mr.
Smith has served untiringly from then until the present day. He is now serving his
eighteenth year.
All the accomplishments of Air. Smith's ministry would fill a book itself. Only the
most outstanding ones can be mentioned.
Mr. Smith brought his first message to the church as pastor on September 2, 1945.
The subject was "The New Beginning". Following the service, conference was held
with these reports being given : Sunday School average attendance for August 86,
the balance on hand as reported by the treasurer, Air. Thomas S. Clark, $381.31, better
attendance was urged for Training Union.
On October 7, 1945, a Budget of $6,500 was adopted with $1,000 going to the De-nominational
Causes. The attendance and interest began to increase. By April, 1946,
the average attendance in Sunday School was 132 and the contributions for the month
were $667.89. "The people had a mind to work''. The records show that on Septem-ber
1, 1946, the church voted to pay off the indebtedness on the pastorium, the amount
being $1,076.57. In October of 1946, the Sunday School was averaging 137 and an
effort was being made to reach 150. Training Union was also growing, and all the
organizations were functioning properly.
On December 28, 1946, a Committee composed of the following Deacons and Min-isters
met to examine Air. William T. Roberson for the Gospel Alinistry: D. E.
Wright, Reverend Nane Starnes, Reverend Everett Alurry, Reverend Dwight Long,
H. M. Pinner, and the pastor, Reverend M. D. Smith. After proper examination, Air.
Roberson was recommended for ordination. The ordination service was held Sunday
night, December 29, 1946. The sermon was preached by the pastor, M. D. Smith,
the charge given by AV. G. Russell, Scripture was read by Dwight Long, prayer was
offered by Ralph Hensley, and the Bible was presented by Willis Bennett. Air.
Roberson continued his education at Southern Seminary. He surrendered to the call
of Christian Alissions, and is now serving in South Viet Nam.
Plans for the new Sanctuary were being drawn on April 6, 1947. The Building Fund
had bv this time reached $3,939.36. On April 4, 1948, the church voted to go forward
with the Building Program on a pay-as-you-go basis. The members of the Building
Committee were composed of the following: Thomas S. Clark, chairman, H. M. Pin-ner,
and Jackson Al. Smith. The church soon ran out of funds because of the exorbi-tant
cost of building materials and labor.
The finance committee appointed at this time included: Hugh Crawford, Chm., Airs.
Tom Clark, Wayne Gosnell, Airs. F. C. Miller, Sr., Airs. AV. M. Plemmons, Luther
30
Taylor, Charles Kluttz, G. C. Crisp and M. M. Morgan.
On August 1, 1948, the church voted to borrow $10,000. It was during this period
that the attendance at church was cut in half by an epidemic of polio, no children
being allowed to attend the church.
The minutes show that by December 5, 1948, the Sunday School was averaging 165,
the offerings for the month were $2,890. During the month the W. M. U. and its
auxiliaries gave $203 to Foreign Missions. Work on the new sanctuary continued.
On December 24th the choir gave a Christmas program as the first service in the new
building. The sendee was inspirational and well attended. Through the years the
church has continued to grow in numbers, in spirit and in finances. On Easter Sunday
1950 there were 223 in Sunday School, with six fine young people uniting with the
church that day.
In 1950 the church adopted a budget of $10,000, and voted to give $45 a month
through the cooperative program. On December 3, 1950, the church voted to pur-chase
a Hammond organ at a price of $2,433, and Airs. Thelma C. Morgan was again
elected as organist. She first started at age 14 playing the reed organ.
By April 1951 the attendance was averaging 241 and the offerings running $300 per
week. On August 1, 1951 Air. Smith gave the synopsis of the church letter to the
Association and with the following highlights: membership had increased to 371, and
the offerings for the year were $14,382.73.
Through the years the church continued to grow, a lovely spirit of cooperation and un-derstanding
prevailing. Many things happened and many fine personalities visited our
church for revivals and special sendees. The choir of the Gardner-Webb College was
a guest of the church at the evening hew en March 2, 1952. Many of our mission-aries
and members of the Convention staff have been frequent visitors to the church.
All of these have made their contribution to the growth and development of the
church.
On June 7, 1954, a Deacons meeting was held and the following items were discussed:
the purchase of a new lawn mower, a new mimeograph machine, a new Sunday School
building, and a summer worker, to be employed from the date of the meeting until
the last of August. An increase in the pastor's support was also discussed and recom-mended.
All these items were presented to the church and were passed without a
dissenting vote.
On July 10, 1955, the church adopted the report of the Building Committee com-posed
of the following: E. M. Plemmons, Chairman, Edd Queen, Luther Taylor and
Ketron Smathers. The building was erected in 1956 at a cost of approximately
$45,000.00. It at present accommodates the Nursery, Beginners, Primaries, one of the
Junior Departments, the Intermediates, Young People, and also a kitchen, furnace
room and the church office.
Mr. Thomas S. Clark, who seiwed as treasurer for many years, resigned this position.
The church expressed its appreciation to Mr. Clark by the adoption of a resolution of
gratitude. Mrs. H. M. Pinner accepted the position, and is doing a wonderful job.
With the growth of the church the job of treasurer has become quite a task. Mrs.
Pinner keeps complete and accurate records of all finances and quarterly statements
are mailed to the membership.
31
In July of 1957, a "Prove Me" program was launched b\ the convention. Hominy
as usual joined in this convention-wide effort. This program gave our finances quite a
boost. In 1958 a budget of $21,000 was adopted. The offerings for the year however,
reached $25,000. In the fall of 1958 the church entered the "Forward Program of
Church Finance" and adopted a $40,000 budget. This emphasis increased the offer-ings
by $6000 the first year, with a much larger percentage going through the co-operative
program. Since 1958 the financial program has been projected along these
same lines.
Because of the strong financial program, the cooperation of the people and the pride
the membership has in its church buildings, many improvements have been made. The
following things have been done in the last few years
:
The church is now giving $125 per week through the Co-Operative program, this
is exclusive of other gifts through special offerings on special days ; last year the church
gave $9,330 to Denominational causes, a new wall-to-wall carpet was placed in the
sanctuary, folding partitions were placed in the Young People's Department as called
for in the original plans, at the cost of $3,900, and the entire building has been tiled,
thus bringing the building nearer completion.
Mrs. Margaret Miller has served as Secretary for the past six years, rendering a
valuable service to the pastor in his efforts to keep in contact with a wide spread and
growing field. The secretary also tries to keep in touch with the members who live out
of the community, and those in the armed forces, as well as our young people in
college. Mr. J. S. Burton is custodian of property and spends much time in keeping
the building in repair. Among the paid staff members in charge of the care of the
buildings have been L. D. Knighten, Ott Devlin, Bryan Hall, Jimmie Crisp, and for
the past 14 years Wayne Gosnell.
The church has a healthy youth program. Not only does the church provide for the
musical education of its youth, but through the Brotherhood and the W. M. U. all
phases of religious educatic i are being emphasized. All the work has been done by
volunteer workers, serving -ficiently and unselfishly. The Hominy Kindergarten was
begun for the Hominy community in the Primary Department by Mrs. George
Llewellyn in 1952. This worthwhile addition now has 20 enrolled. The Hominy
Church owes a tremendous debt to these faithful workers. While these organizations
are training our youth in missions and sportsmanship, our Training Union and Sun-day
School are making similar contributions as they seek to develop the young people
in the Church membership and Bible study.
On November 20, 1958, the pastor became ill and was out of the pulpit for 90 days.
During that period Dr. Thomas Lane did the preaching and the people worked so
well together that everything remained intact, and the work moved on in a beautiful
manner.
Mrs. Wayne Gosnell, librarian, reports that there are more than 3600 books in the
library, and it is in constant use as a resource center.
The year 1962 finds the Hominy Baptist Church still working, loving, and seeking to
meet the needs of the community called Candler. Several churches have been organized
from its membership, and many fine men and women have gone out from its fellow-ship
to make a great contribution to the whole world.
32
So closes the brief report of one hundred and fifty years of laboring and sacrificing, of
travail of soul, and of joy in service. Due credit has not been given to many who have
worked and sacrificed, and many who have now entered into their rest. However we
can not call every name, so may it suffice to say that Hominy Church is proud of its
record, her children, and grateful for her present opportunity and desires to pay tribute
to every loyal worker.
In the preceding pages you have read the facts concerning the life and development
of the Hominy Baptist Church as recorded in the minutes. This church has a glorious
heritage, having made a magnificent contribution to the life of the community and
to the world.
From the membership of this church have gone leaders in many fields, now making
their contribution in government, industry, education, religion and business. We also
have those who are ministers, minister's wives, missionaries, (teachers, S. C.) and
denominational workers and others.
We have at this time, November, 1962, eleven young people in college and univer-sities
in several states. We are naturally proud of this fine group of young people,
and equally happy for the many others who will be following in their train.
The history of this church, as is true of all churches, reflects the rise and fall of the
economy as well as the periods of spiritual revival and time of spiritual depression. The
church at this time has 557 members. The buildings for the moment are adequate and
comfortable. The prospects for growth and development are bright. The church is
growing in membership and stewardship. A program of training is being promoted
intensively and extensively through the various organizations.
The church is definitely missionary in spirit and in reality. Last year, 1961, the total
gifts of the church were $38,556.71. Of this amount $9,365.40 was given to missions.
The Hominy Church is a people's church. Its membership is composed of teachers,
doctors, industrial workers, business men, and clerical workers. In this church every
member is important, and the church attempts to meet the needs of its constituency
as well as the needs of the community.
Hominy Baptist Church opens its doors to all who are sad and need comfort, to all
who are weak and need strength. The weary are invited to seek rest here, and the
sinful are sought in the Saviour's name. The church does not need good people, or bad
people, but people who need help, and people capable of rendering help in a wide
ministry. The church in its attempt to emulate the invitation of the Saviour urges all
to come, yea, "Let everyone who wishes come."—Rev. 22:17.
Our hearts are grateful to those who have wrought before us—we salute them. Our
hands are outstretched to those who constitute our present membership, as we ask for
your help. To those wTho come after us, we challenge you to reach out, and to make
a greater contribution than we have been able to make.
"Hats off to the past, coats off to the future."
33
1961
HOMI NY KIN DERGARTE
N
Established 1950
First Row, L-R: Jill Nicholson, Kathy Garrison, Billy Hall, Alike Nifong, Tommy
Keels, Patsy Peebles, Jean Parks, Joan McCracken.
Second Row, Jeff Godfrey, Doug Wright, Jerry Reed, Steve Dean, Kim Leather-wood,
Terry Colony, Pam Ducker, Calvin Cody.
Third Row: Mickey Lancaster, David Cogburn, Richard Tyndall, Deborah Queen,
Johnnie Gordan, Mickey Buckner, Steven Warren, Susan Neal.
Absent from Picture: Laura Lee Chipley.
?vlrs. George Llewellyn, not shown in the picture, founder and director for these 12
years.
34
PASTORS
(Incomplete)
Humphrey Posey 1812-1818
Shephen Morgan 1818-1838
William Haynes 1847-1849
C. Bert Mingus 1852-1861
Enoch Morgan 1861-1863
C. Bert Mingus 1863-1865
John Parham 1865
Enoch Morgan 1865
John Ammons 1866-1869
Enoch Morgan 1869-1873
C. Bert Mingus 1873-1975
S. J. Morgan 1875-1877
Enoch Morgan 1877
John Ammons 1878
Enoch Morgan 1879
E. Allison 1880
Wiley W. Wells 1881
Elder Bradley 1882
E. Allison 1884
C. Bert Mingus 1885-1886
Sam C. Owen 1887
R. A. Sentelle 1891 (?)
Dr. A. E. Brown 1892 (?)
E. Judson Morgan (several pastorates) 1895
O. C. King
O. Bright
R. N. Caldwell 1904-1907
Charlie E. Jervis 1910-1914
L. B. White 1914-1915
J. A. Davis 1915
John C. Bennett 1916-1920
J. E. Dupree 1920-1921
T. L. Sasser 1921-1923
J. W. Crowe (9 mos. supply) 1921
John C. Bennett 1923-1931
M. L. Lewis 1932-1933
Nane Starnes 1933-1935
Dr. L. H. Gardner 1936-1937
Dr. J. W. O'Hara 1937-1939
G. Leland Royster 1938-1940
Dr. J. W. O'Hara 1940-1943
Ralph R. Hensley 1943-1945
M. D. Smith 1945-
35
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m April, 1923. : ::::.:
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BAPTIST YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNION
(Forerunner of Baptist Training Union)
Robert H. Hutchison
Willie F. Clark
C. C. Morgan
Homer Brooks
Rosa Morris
F. C. Miller
John Bennett
Lily Bennett
Alberta Taylor
Willis Bennett
TRAINING UNION DIRECTORS AND ASSOCIATES
Lucile Welch
H. M. Pinner
Helen Morgan
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr. (7 yrs.)
Lassie Morgan
Ray Long
Sarah Roberson
Mary Lee Byrd
Jean Knighten
Rev. Dwight Long
Howard M. Pinner, Jr.
Mrs. V. P. Byrd
Mrs. T. M. Rickman
Wayne R. Gosnell
Mrs. Coke Candler
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr.
38
REV. M. R. N. CALDWELL
1904-1907
Pastor
REV. T. L. SASSER
1021 to 1923
Pastor
iiit§itf
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REV. J. C. BENNETT
1916-1920
1923-1931
("Two Pastorates)
^^^^mi§: -*«^»%;i«K:i*'s'A l
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WI-REV.
M. L. LEWIS
1932-1933
Pastor
39
REV. NANE STARNES
Pastor 1933-1935
DR. J. W. O'HARA
1937-1938
1940-1943
Pastor
REV. G. LELAND ROYSTER
Pastor 1038-1040
REV. RALPH HENSLEY
Pastor 1043-1945
40
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Early history states that there was a "Great Religious Awakening" in this part of our
country in the early 1800's. Sunday Schools in general were started around 1837 in
connection with the American Sunday School Union. The Sunday School at Hominy
began in 1876, when a Bible Sunday School was organized with Lemuel Young as
the first superintendent.
Records from that time until 1910 have been lost or destroyed, but from 1910 until
the present, the minutes states that officers and teachers have been elected each year.
Many of these have served faithfully year after year in many various places of
leadership.
In May 1934, upon motion of Pastor Nane Starnes, a Daily Vacation Bible School
was conducted. Of this emphasis the minutes of church conference states, "The Daily
Vacation Bible School, which was headed by Miss Lucille Dryman, and other workers
was a very great success and did much to build and mold character in the children. The
whole community seems benefitted regardless of denomination."
Since that time there has been a successful school each year.
The Sunday School used to give each first Sunday's offering to the Orphanage. Also
in former years, a love offering of farm produce was sent each Thanksgiving from
the Sunday School. This practice has been discontinued, now that gifts are made
through the co-operative program. The people of the community also now earn their
livelihood more from industry than from farming.
The six-point record system was adopted in 1916, when Brother Bennett was pastor.
Sunday School study courses have been taught each year for many years. Under the
former system of awards 20 of the teachers and officers held the "King's Teacher"
diploma. Following that 5 workers held the "Worker's Diploma", one the
"Advanced Diploma", with many others holding book awards. Under the latest sys-tem
now called "Church Study Course" 70 workers hold the "Christian Training
Diplomas", 36 red seals, and 26 have blue seals. Many others will be eligible for the
next diploma as soon as the system advances to it.
As progress has been made, more room has been needed. The social department
in the basement had to be converted into classrooms. The old building, which was
made into classrooms, is fast becoming inadequate. The Sunday School is fully de-partmentized
and has an enrollment of 465 including a Cradle Roll and an Ex-tension
Department .
Highest attendance to date for one day was on Easter, April 22, 1962, when 323
were present.
41
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS
Date Superintendent Associate
1876 Lemuel Young No associate
1910 Judson E. Morgan M. H. Morgan
1911 L. Spurgeon Clark E. L. Clark
1912 Judson E. Morgan Levi S. Clark
1913 Levi S. Clark Judson E. Morgan
1916 Levi S. Clark M. M. Morgan
1918 Willie F. Clark T. F. Hall
1919 J. G. Robinson C. C. Morgan
1921 G. C. Crisp Levi S. Clark
1923 V. L. Young W. F. Clark
1924 L. D. Knighten M. M. Morgan
1925 E. R. Echerd L. D. Knighten
1926 E. R. Echerd Clarence Knighten
1927 G. C. Crisp Clarence Knighten
1928 T. S. Clark Ed Warrick
1930 T. S. Clark G. C. Crisp
1931 G. C. Crisp Ed Warrick
1932 R. R. Barnes Ed Warrick
1934 R. R. Barnes - C. C. Morgan
1935 R. R. Barnes G. C. Crisp
1936 G. C. Crisp D. E .Wright
1939 J. O. Israel G. C. Crisp
1940 T. S. Clark D. E. Wright
1941 D. E. Wright G. C. Crisp
1945 H. M. Pinner D. E. Wright
1948 Luther Taylor K. C. Smathers
1952 K. C. Smathers Luther Taylor
1955 Luther Taylor H. L. Peebles
1957 H. L. Peebles Ellis Leatherwood
1958 Ellis Leatherwood Alvin Cooper
I960 Alvin Cooper Jack Ferguson
1962 Jack Ferguson T. L. Keels
42
THE TRAINING UNION
For many years this organization was for young people only, and was knowTn as
Baptist Young Peoples' Union (B. Y. P. U.)
In was on June 3, 1917, that the Hominy B. Y. P. U. was organized, with R. H.
Hutchison as president. Our records are very meager concerning the first years. The
records show that from October, 1918 no meetings were held until after December,
due to the "terrible flu epidemic".
When the B. Y. P. U. was re-organized C. C. Morgan was elected president. The
programs were topical, the subjects being devotional, missionary, doctrinal, and others
on Bible study, stewardship, prayer, evangelism, and Southern Baptist work.
There was in the record that in June 1922, a B. Y. P. U. mass meeting was held in
Hominy Church. The roll book showed the names of thirty-seven members. It was
noted that some of these were intermediates and some were adults.
In 1934 the Convention Leaders decided to change the name of the organization to
Training Union. Juniors had become organized and there was need for adults to
come with their children. This group is called Baptist Adult Union (B. A. U.)
We find that in 1940 our Training Union became departmentized. At present there
are eight departments with 15 unions. These include all age groups. There are 206
members enrolled.
Training Union study courses have been held in the church for a number of years.
In the latest system before the T. U. and Sunday School merged with other organi-zations
to form "The Church Study Course" there were 21 adult diplomas completed
with all seals and 16 awards of merit. There were also 28 Junior diplomas and 10
Intermediate diplomas. The latest record of awards is listed in the Sunday School
chapter.
Hominy Church has furnished Associational leadership for many years. Mrs. V. P.
Byrd and Mrs. F. C. Miller have served as directors. Other leaders have been: Mrs.
Coke Candler, Mrs. H. M. Pinner, Mrs. R. B. Woodard, Rev. M. D. Smith, Miss
Bonnie Roberts, Mrs. Harry Johnson, and Mr. David Huff.
Each year the following special emphasis are promoted: Youth Week, Christian Home
Week, Off-to-College Day, and Student Night at Christmas.
From this Training Union have come several State Winners in the Junior Memory
Work Drill. Of these Shirley Henderson and Kay McCall are the only ones who
have gained recognition for being four-year state winners.
We shall strive to carry out the purpose of Training Union, "Training in Church
Membership" as we look ahead and plan to "Chart the Future." .
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr., is the present Training Union director and Mrs. Coke Candler
is the Associate.
43
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4S
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION
In 1914 Mrs. W. R. Gudger and Mrs. R. H. Hutchison were delegates from Hominy
Church to the Buncombe Baptist Association W. M. U. meeting.
On February 6, 1915, a "Ladies Prayer Meeting" was called to meet on Wednesday
afternoons at "2:30".
In 1918 a W. M. U. was organized. There were ten members at this time with
Mrs. W. J. Gudger as president.
In 1919 Mrs. E. L. Clark became president and the total contribution to Missions
was $123.00.
Mrs. Mary Clark served as president in 1920.
In 1922, a Sunbeam Band was organized with Mrs. T. L. Sasser as Leader. The
total membership at this time of the Mission Organization was 25.
On July 24, 1932, a committee composed of Lucille Dryman, Dolly Morgan, Mrs.
G. C. Crisp and Mrs. T. S. Clark was appointed to aid in the work of the Woman's
Missionary Society movement. This organization has grown until there are now six
circles. Past presidents are: Mrs. Tom S. Clark, Mrs. J. M. Smith, Mrs. L. D.
Knighten, Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr., Mrs. W. B. Tilton, Mrs. H. M. Pinner, Mrs.
W. M. Plemmons, Mrs Coke Candler, Miss Maude Morgan, and Mrs V. P. Byrd.
The president at this time is Mrs. Ray Long.
Other organizations in the W. M. U. are the Sunbeams, Junior Y. W. A., Y. W. A.,
and Junior and Intermediate Girls Auxiliary. When a Y. W. A. member is planning
to be married, she is presented a white Bible by the auxiliary, in an impressive cere-mony.
The G.A.'s have annual recognition and coronation services honoring those
who have successfully passed the required steps. Those who have attained Queen are:
Jessica Gosnell, Shelba Jean Brown, Judy Woodard, Vickie DeBord, Sharon Peebles,
Dara Llewellyn, and Sandra Saunders. Shelba Jean Brown recently passed the highest
step of Queen Regent.
Convention sponsored G. A. camps are attended annually.
The W. M. U. sponsored the Royal Ambassadors, a missionary organization for
Junior and Intermediate boys until 1954. At this time the work was taken over by
the Brotherhood which was started in 1954. Presidents of the Brotherhood have been:
Luther Taylor, William Brown, C. R. Dryman, Ralph Stanberry and Jack William-son.
There are two R. A. groups. Crusaders - Bill Robersun chapter, and Pioneers - M. D.
Smith chapter. A recognition service is held yearly, in November, for those boys who
have passed new ranks. The boys have won three baseball trophies in Associational
games.
Annual R. A. Camps are attended.
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION PRESIDENTS
(Incomplete due to incomplete records)
Mrs. J. C. Bennett Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr. Miss Maude Morgan
Mrs. Thomas S. Clark Mrs. W. B. Tilton Mrs. V. Paunee Byrd
Mrs. L. H. Gardner Mrs. H. M. Pinner Mrs. Ray Long
Mrs. L. D. Knighten Mrs. W. M. Plemmons
Mrs. J. M. Smith Mrs. Coke Candler
46
The Reverend and Mrs. William Thomas Roberson are shown above with their
children Nancy, Amelia and Hanes. Mr. and Mrs. Roberson have been missionaries
to Vietnam, Southeast Asia for the past three years. Air. Roberson is a former member
of the Hominy Church.
47
THE CHOIRS
From an early date Hominy church has been a "singing church". In 1848 "a committee
was appointed to examine a hymn book". In 1859 "Elijah Morgan was elected for
singing clerk". A tuning fork was used before the pump organ.
Long before a staff member or a choir director were thought of as paid workers,
there were those who gave of their musical talents to the church. The records are
very incomplete, but we do find mention: G. C. Crisp, Thomas A. Clark, E. R.
Echerd, John Womack, and Mrs. T. S. Clark.
It was Mrs. Clark who first organized the "youth choir" in 1927. She used old
sheets to make vestments for this choir. Her faithful service for many years laid
the solid foundation for those who are now adults. White material was bought and
the ladies had "sewings" to make vestments for the church choir.
Gradually pianos were obtained for the church until now there are 10 pianos. They
are in use in every department. The Hammond organ was bought for the sanctuary
in 1950.
The music program in Hominy Church includes five vested choirs: the Beginner
and Primary choirs have white robes made by the mothers, Junior choir has black robes,
Chapel choir for the youth have blue vestments, and the church choir has new sandle-wood
vestments bought in 1962 at a cost of
Mrs. Thelma Morgan is church organist and Mrs. Luther Taylor is pianist. Many
others give of their musical talents for the childrens' choirs and in departmental wor-ship
programs. Some of the church's finest young people are now playing the pianos
in these departments.
For several years the Junior Choir and the Youth Choir have taken part in the state-wide
hymn festivals at Mars Hill and at Wake Forest. Hominy church has been
represented at all the Associational music schools, one of them being held in our
church. During intervals when there was no choir director, there have been those of
the membership who filled the vacancies in a beautiful manner.
Following Mrs. Clark other directors have been: Dan Cooke, Anne Banning, Kay
Hooper, Mimi West, Judy McCurry, Joan Watkins, Tom Stogner, Bonnie Roberts,
Ellen Piner, V. O. Rhodes, David Huff, Walter Carringer, and presently Al Mellnik.
Mr. Huff made an outstanding contribution to the development of the present pro-gram.
The church is happy to have now Mr. Mellnik, who lives in the community
with his wife and four children. He is employed as a full-time member of the staff for
music and education.
The music program is one of the outstanding features of the church. We believe "The
best is yet to be".
48
4$f ;; W!.,
^W \
HOMINY CHURCH CHOIR — 1950
1st Row, L-3 : Mrs. Thelma Morgan, Organist; Mrs. Hugh Crawford, Margaret
Jones, Lorena Smith, Janet Sue Rhodes, Betty Jean Bailey, Willena Jenkins.
Mrs. Tom S. Clark, Minister of Music; M. D. Smith, Pastor.
2nd Row: Mrs. Coke Candler, Mrs. W. M. Plemmons, Jean Smith, Mrs. Willard
Battle, Mary Ann Byrd, Roberta Queen, Mimi West.
3rd Row: Mary Ann Hall Bailey, Mrs. Clarence Dryman, Carolyn Hall, Mrs. F. C.
Miller, Sr., Mrs. Paunee Byrd, Betty Jackson.
4th Row: Edward Clark, Bill Parker, Willis Wright, Ortive Crowder, Robert
Wright, C. D. Kirkpatrick, W. M. Plemmons.
Absent from the picture: Evelyn Smith Wright, Wayne Gosnell, Mrs. Wayne Gos-nell,
Mrs. Edward Clark, Mrs. Floyd C. Miller, Jr., Norene West Moore.
40
COMBINED CHOIRS OF HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH — 1959
Bottom
1st row—L-R: Jane McCracken, Cheryle Wolfe, Nancy Peebles, Patsy Peebles,
Steve Hamilton, Janet Bailey.
2nd row—L-R : Susan Dryman, Deborah Brown, Calvin Devlin, Glenda Lou Bailey,
Glenna Wilson, Joleen DeBord.
3rd row—L-R: Brenda Williams, Myra Wilson, Kathryn Long, Jimmie Liner,
Louise McCurry, Marty Rhodes.
4th row—L-R: Danny McCurry, Dwight Devlin, Linda Rhodes, Luanna Miller,
Shirley Henderson, Kay McCall, Ray Hall, Cathey DeBord, Mary
Long.
5th row—L-R: Brenda Liner, Peggy Wilson, Jean Brown, Ann Peebles, Tommy
Wolfe, H. B. Jenkins, Linda Wilson, Bonnie Roberts, Minister of
Music and Education.
6th row—L-R : Joi-Jan Llwellyn, Margaret Crowder, Jessica Gosnell, Kitty Candler,
Betsy Plemmons, Judy Woodard.
7th row-—L-R: David Smathers, Mary Lacy Byrd, Margaret Miller, Terry Dryman,
Jean Satterfield, Margaret Battle, Mary Plemmons.
otn row—L-R: Darrell E. Wright, B. T. Satterfield, Ed Bumgarner, Ed Queen,
Vernon Rhodes
Absent when picture was made: Ortive Crowder, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Britt, Kath-erine
Candler, Mr. and Mrs. James Wolfe, Arthur Taylor, Charles (Buddy) Peebles,
Mitchell Plemmons, Floyd Peebles, Jr., Chloe Bennett Miller.
50
51
THE LIBRARY
The library was opened in 1944 with 300 books because Bill Roberson and the Rev-erend
Ralph Hensley, pastor, had seen the need of a church library for the Hominy
Baptist Church. Bill Roberson had a vision of an enriched church program, through
the addition of a library, so he appropriately became the first librarian.
McKay Dryman, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Roberson and Mrs. Wayne Gosnell, serv-ing
presently, are among the other librarians.
The choir room was also used for the library during the first years. This room is now
used for the library workroom. Later the Bennett Bible Class room was used for the
library and a Sunday School classroom. It was not until 1956 that the library was
able to secure rooms, ideally located back of the sanctuary, that were reserved ex-clusively
for the book ministry of the church.
The Free Book Offer and many other helps were received from the Church Library
Service of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The library
was first put in the church budget for $5 monthly. This amount has grown to $20
monthly in 1962. Memorial donations are also received.
Among the annual observances are National Library Week in April and National
Book Week in November. Also the Summer Reading Club for children and Operation
Home study for adults is held each summer for three months. The Hominy Library
joined the American Library Association several years ago. Joi-Jan Llwellyn, student
librarian, is in charge of Annual Youth Week librarians.
Miss Addie Mae Cooke, state supervisor for Baptist libraries, and Mr. M. H. Cox,
associational council librarian for Buncombe, led in the reactivating of the library
in 1956. This project was climaxed by open house July 8, 1956. Mr. McKay Dryman,
former librarian, was among the special guests.
Mrs. Thomas S. Clark bought new drapes for the library and Mr. Ben Morgan made a
magazine rack in 1956. Mr. Willie Roberts did the cabinet work and Mr. Ortive
Crowder donated two dozen printed category signs. Miss U. B. Duckett, library
staff member since 1956, gave a charging desk in memory of her brother, Porter
Duckett.
July 7, 1957 a Book Shower for juniors was given at the church. Also in August
a vertical file was donated and set up with supplementary materials. Mr. Gene Hall,
a college student at the time, donated several days a week to detail work in the library,
during the summer of 1957.
Mimeographed library materials have been prepared regularly down through the
years for all Hominy Church members. Included in these promotional aids are the
Hominy Library Bulletin, book lists, monthly reports and a letter of welcome sent to
all new church members.
Open House was again held February 9, 1958. The staff gave a book fashion show at
the Sweetheart Banquet, February 13, 1959. Also three bound volumes of Hominy
Church bulletins were placed in the library in honor of the present pastor, M. D.
52
Smith. The Frontispiece for each book was a picture of Mr. Smith.
Among those having attended Library Week at Ridgecrest during the past years are
Miss Bonnie Roberts, minister of music and education. Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr., Train-ing
Union director, Mrs. Wayne Gosnell, Mrs. Ellis Leatherwood, Mrs. Etta Long
and Mrs. Webb Saunders.
The Library Council of the Buncombe Association has been entertained a number of
times at the Hominy Church. The Council has had three officers from the Hominy
Library.
In 1959 the library staff and committee presented a library skit, "King Imp and
His Subjects", under the direction of Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr. for the Library Week at
Ridgecrest. The skit was also presented to the Training Union of the Hominy Church.
The Hominy Church sends a car pool of members annually to the North Carolina
Baptist Church Library Convention. Mrs. Wayne Gosnell is the present publicity
chairman for the N. C. Convention. Included in the list of delegates from the Hominy
Church have been Mrs. Clyde Stewart, Mrs. N. G. Henderson, Mrs. Etta Long,
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Gosnell, Mrs. Coke Candler, Mrs. Robert Wells, Mrs. Claude
Goodson, Mrs. Webb Saunders and Mrs. Willie Roberts. Mrs. Coke Candler led a
conference at the State Library Convention held in Winston-Salem in 1960.
The Church Library Bulletin, May, 1960, official library publication of the Southern
Baptist Convention, featured a front page story of the Hominy Library; also including
a picture and story of its founder, Reverend W. T. Roberson. The Robersons are now
missionaries in Vietnam, Southeast Asia.
Twenty-two attended a Hominy Library picnic held August 27, 19ol at Salley's
Lake at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Long.
The first three months of 1962 were devoted to the expansion of the 200's (section of
books on religion). The unabridged Duey Decimal Classification system for the 200's
was put into use at this time, replacing the abridged system formerly used. Mrs. E. P.
Schoeler assisted in this work.
The Library Magazine and Library Manual are used in guiding the library staff.
Around twenty library study course awards are held by Hominy members. Ten mem-bers
have enrolled to take the new Church Library Course presented in twelve lessons,
scheduled to begin early in 1963. This enrollment includes the new staff members,
Mrs. Duey Campbell and Mrs. Mabel Rickman.
The 3600 books and other materials are made available to the membership during open
hours before and after services including Bible School, study courses, and many other
special times.
53
DEACONS
(Incomplete list due to incomplete and lost records.)
Name Date Ordained V. L. Young 1923
Perminter D. Morgan 1842 Darrel Wright 1932
Elijah Morgan 1842 C. C. Morgan 1933
Jeremiah Green 1842 L. D. Knighten 1935
Wesley Green 1846 Robert Barnes 1932
James Morgan 1846 J. C. Bennett, Jr 1932
Hodge Rayborn 1846 Thomas S. Clark 1937
Lemuel Young 1857 J. C. Womack 1937
Hugh Brooks 1857 H. M. Pinner 1940
Jesse T. Morgan 1867 Jackson M. Smith 1940
M. H. Morgan 1867 Luther Taylor 1947
S. F. Young 1867 H. L. Davis 1947
W. F. Clark 1879 W. M. Plemmons 1947
E. L. Clark 1883 Hugh Crawford 1947
Frank P. Morgan 1883 Howard Pinner, Jr 1947
P. T. Morgan 1887 Edward Clark 1947
Levi S. Clark Ray Long 1947
O. F. Thompson Ketron Smathers 1947
John P. Morgan Wayne R. Gosnell 1947
Marian Morgan Floyd C. Miller, Jr 1947
M. M. Morgan 1917 C. C. Jackson 1947
E. L. Clark 1917 Floyd Peebles, Jr 1957
Levi Clark 1917 E. M. Edney 1957
Willie F. Clark 1917 W. M. Battle 1957
T. F. Hall 1917 Claude Bumgarner 1957
J. G. Roberson 1920 Harold L. Peebles 1957
G. C. Crisp 1923 Vernon L. Rhodes 1957
54
HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH
Candler, N. C.
SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEES
September 5, 1962
General Planning
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr., Chm.
Mrs. Wayne Gosnell
Mrs. Clarence Dryman
Special Sunday Services
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Jr., Chm.
Rev. M. D. Smith, Pastor
Mr. K. C. Smathers
Mr. D. E. Wright
Mr. W. M. Plemmons
Historical
Mrs. Etta Long, Chm.
Mr. Luther Taylor
Mrs. Ray Long
Mrs. R. F. Fawcett
Mr. Coke Candler
Publicity
Mrs. V. P. Byrd, Chm.
Mrs. G. W. Llewellyn
Mrs. B. B. Woodard
Mrs. A. K. Trexler
Pageant
Mrs. T. L. Keels, Chairman
Mrs. Luther Taylor
Mrs. R. F. Peebles, Jr.
Mrs. Jack Ferguson
Mrs. Luther Taylor
Music Committee
Mr. A. L. Mellnick
Minister of Music, Chm.
Mrs. Thelma Morgan
Mrs. Luther Taylor
Mrs. Eugene Britt
Mrs. E. P. Schoeler
Banquet Planning and Program
Mr. V. O. Rhodes, Chm.
Mr. C. D. Knighten
Dr. John R. Taylor
Banquet
Mrs. H. M. Pinner, Chm.
Mrs. K. C. Smathers
Mrs. W. B. Brown
Mrs. Kenneth McCall
Miss Cordie Morgan
Decorations
Mrs. Luther Taylor, Chm.
Mrs. R. Dewey Campbell
Mrs. Ellis Leatherwood
Mrs. A. K. Hall
Mrs. Willie Roberts
Exhibits
Mr. R. Dewey Campbell, Chm.
Mr. Ellis Leatherwood
Mr. Harold Peebles
Mr. Jack Williamson
Mr. Harold Daves
Dr. W. B. Tilton
Costume Committee
Mrs. James Wolfe, Chm.
Mrs. T. B. Jones
Mrs. Coke Candler
Mrs. Joe DeBord
Mrs. Ralph Stanberry
Mrs. Edwin Bailey
Mrs. Robert Hall
SS
REV. RALPH HENSLEY
REV. NANE STARNES
DR. G. WILLIS BENNETT DR. DOUGLAS M. BRANCH
HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH
Candler, North Carolina
founded
November 21, 1812
M. D. Smith Pastor
Phone MO 7-2471
Al Mellnik Minister of Music and Education
Phone MO 7-4347
56
Sesquicentennial Order of Service
Theme: A Look At The Past As We Chart The Future
Sunday, November 18, 1962, Eleven O'clock
Prelude
Call to Worship Adult Choir
"Shepherd of Tender Youth" — Dexter-Bunnett
Invocation The Pastor
Hymn No. 12: "Come, Thou Almighty King" Giardini
Choral Worship Adult Choir
"All Hail the Power" — Rippon-Eller
Words of Welcome and Program Emphasis
Scripture
Prayer of Dedication The Pastor
*•
Hymn No. 288: "Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me" Wesley-Walton
Worship through Tithes and Offerings
Solo
Message Dr. G. Willis Bennett
Hymn No. 360: "Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult" Alexander-Jude
Benediction and Choral Response 31
"Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing" — Sisilian Melody
Organ Postlude
Evening Worship, Seven Thirty
Prelude
Call to Worship Adult Choir
"Crown Him with Many Crowns" — Thring-Elvev
Invocation - The Pastor
Hymn No. 1 : "Holy, Holy, Holy" Heber-Dykes
Choral Worship Youth Choir
"Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart" — Plumptre-Messiter
Words of Welcome and Program Emphasis
Scripture
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn No. 160: "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" Hastings
Worship through Tithes and Offerings
Solo
Message The Rev. Nane Staines
Hymn No. 240: "Just As I Am" Elliott-Bradbury
Benediction and Choral Response 372
Organ Postlude
*Ushers will seat those waiting
57
Sunday, November 25, 1962, Eleven O'clock
Prelude
Call to Worship Adult Choir
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" — Winkworth
Invocation
Hymn No. 20: "O Worship the King" Grant-Haydn
Choral Worship Adult Choir
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" — Watts-Sims
Words of Welcome and Program Emphasis
Scripture
Prayer of Dedication The Pastor
Hymn No. 255: "O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink" Arne
Worship through Tithes and Offerings
Solo
Message Dr. Douglas M. Branch
Hymn No. 357: "Take My Life, and Let It Be" Havergal-Malan
Benediction and Choral Response 514 "The Doxology"
Organ Postlude
Evening Worship, Seven Thirty
Prelude
Call to Worship Adult Choir
"Higher Ground" — Oatman-Gabriel
Invocation The Pastor
Hymn No. 318: "Count Your Blessings" Oatman-Gabriel
Choral Worship Junior Choir
"Let All the llorld In Every Corner Sing" — Reynolds
Words of Welcome and Program Emphasis
Scripture
Prayer of Dedication , 1 he Pastor
Hymn No. 101 : "Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed" Watts-Wilson
Worship through Tithes and Offerings
Solo
Message The Rev. Ralph Hensley
H_\mn No. 235: "Only Trust Him" Stockton
Benediction and Choral Response 372
Organ Postlude
* Ushers will seat those waiting
58
Sesquicentennial Celebratiox High-Lights
Guest speakers for Sunday, November 18th are: Dr. G. Willis Bennett, Pro-fessor
of Christian Ethics, Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Ky., for the morn-ing
worship hour and the Reverend Nane Starnes, President of the North Carolina
Baptist State Convention, former pastor, and pastor of the West Asheville Baptist
Church.
Guest speakers for Sunday, November 25th are Dr. Douglas M. Branch,
General Secretary and Treasurer of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, and
the Reverend Ralph Hensley, former pastor.
* * *
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20th, a Banquet and Pageant will be given
in the Social Hall of the church. The Pageant, depicting the life of the church cover-ing
one hundred and fifty years, was written and directed by Mrs. Thomas L. Keels.
.;£ sjf %
FORMER PASTORS OF HOMINY BAPTIST CHURCH now living are
as follows
:
The Rev. T. L. Sasser, Winston-Salem, N. C.
The Rev. M. L. Lewis, Hendersonville, N. C.
The Rev. Nane Starnes, Asheville, N. C.
The Rev. G. Leland Royster, Graham, North Carolina
The Rev. Ralph Hensley, Asheville, N. C.
* * *
THE PLANNING COMMITTEE for the Anniversary Celebration are
Mrs. F. C. Miller, Sr., Chairman, Mrs. Wayne Gosnell, Mrs. C. R. Dryman, and
the Rev. M. D. Smith, Pastor.
50
BUILDING A CHURCH AS GREAT AS OUR MOUNTAINS
Historical Pageant, Nov. 20, 1962
—
Written and Directed By
Mrs. Thomas L. Keels
PROLOGUE: Mt. Pigsah — Paths of Men directed to — Deut. 3:27
EPISODE I — Small Beginning—Early 1800's — Job 8:7
EPISODE II — Striving Onward—Middle and Late 1800's — Hag. 2:9
EPISODE II — Pulling Together— 1900 to 1933 — Matt. 16:18
EPISODE IV— Men Who Match the Mountains— 1933-1948 — I Chron. 10
EPISODE V — Present Plateau— 1948 - Present Day — Matt: 5:16
EPILOGUE: Marching Onward —
* * * *
SESQUICENTENNIAL BANQUET
November 20, 1962
6:30 P. M.
Banquet Hostesses Hosts
Mrs. H. M. Pinner, Chairman Mr. V. O. Rhodes, Chairman
Mrs. K. C. Smathers Mr. C. D. Knighten
Mrs. W. B. Brown Dr. John R. Taylor
Mrs. Kenneth McCall Rev. M. D. Smith
Miss Cordia Morgan
Pioneer Menu
Turkey and dressing
Conneehanee (Indian for Hominy)
Leather Britches Pickle Beans
Yams Irish Potatoes
Baked Applet Cranberries
Pumpkin pie, apple stack cake, egg custard, gingerbread
Coffee or Sassafras tea
Corn Pone "Hoe" cake biscuit
Members wore pioneer costumes for the week long sesquicentennial celebration,
November 18-25. Mrs. James Wolfe was chairman of the Costume committee.
60
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STATE LIBRARY OF NORTH CAROLINA
"
ate Library Carolina
Ralehh N.C. "
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DATE: DUE
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GAYLORD FRINTED IN U.S.A.