The Holy Spirit was in the room at Fork Chapel Baptist Church as they celebrated their 100th anniversary on Sunday.
It was a powerful and unforgettable service that was fitting of the occasion.
The room was filled with singing prior to the service, and then Pastor Morris L. White, Jr. entered followed by the Fork Chapel Mass Choir.
The theme of the celebration was “Won’t God Do It?.”
Deaconess Mary Horton presided.
Joann Carmichael read the scripture. Deacon Jeffery Horton gave the prayer. The Fork Chapel Mass Choir performed many beautiful selections throughout the service. Georgia Ford welcomed everyone, and this was followed by a response from one of the visitors. Mrs. Cynthia Pernell from the Business and Professional Women offered greetings from the Business and Professional Women.
Evangelist Irish Reaves talked about “Won’t God Do It?,” the theme of the event.
Beverly White read the church history. The church history is as follows:
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh, but in vain-Psalm 127″1
The origin of Fork Chapel Missionary Baptist Church goes far beyond 1925, as the first original structure which was located near The Campbell Bridge near Fork, South Carolina. It was destroyed by fire causing all legal documents, deeds, and important information to be destroyed during that time. Rev. Hodge served as pastor. Since the believers had no permanent place to worship, they began holding church services at the Old Fork Chapel School every other Sunday.
Though the first building was destroyed by fire, there was now a great fire that burned in the hearts of great individuals such as Brother Julian Reaves, Brother William Reaves, Brother Manning Carmichael, and Brother W.M. Reaves, who purchased land on September 4, 1925 in the Bermuda/Hayestown Township of Dillon County from L.T. Sessions for $400.00.
In 1930, the church needed order in certain areas so the late Mother Rosie Colvin served as the church’s head mother and missionary from 1930-1982. The church building which was an old wooden church was completed in 1931 and the members elected Rev. Lawrence Ware as pastor. Deacons who served during that time were Deacon William Reaves, Deacon Neal Wheeler, Deacon Salmon Wheeler, Deacon Neal Page, Deacon Melvin Reaves, and Deacon Luke Canary.
in the year of 1934, the Lord sent a great pioneer by the name of Rev. C.B. Black , Sr., who came with a vision. During the year 1935, the first usher board was organized with Brother Max Brogdon as President, and Deacon Solomon Wheeler as Vice-President. Fork Chapel was well on its way. The first funeral to be held in the church was the late Sister Emma Reaves Ford. Rev. Black served at Fork Chapel from 1934-1967 until his death.
In 1972, more additions were added to the church and the old frame church was used as a fellowship hall. The church began to grow swiftly and financially under the leadership of the Rev. Mack T. Hines. Once again changes were made and during this time a fellowship hall was added to the church. Rev. Mack T. Hines served the church from 1967-1977.
In 1977, a young man from Clio, S.C. by the name of Rev. John L. Davis came to this portion of the vineyard and the church grew. he served from 1977=1984. Rev. Davis had a heart for the people of God.
For a period of time, the church experienced the pastoral ministry of Rev. Dan Lee, 1986-1990, and Rev. Lila McRae from 1991-1994. Deacons who have served faithfully are Deacon Ledell Hayes, Deacon Charlie Horton, Deacon Joseph Carroll, Deacon Leonue Davis, and Deacon Charlie Jackson, Deacon General Hayes, Deacon Willie Hayes, and Deacon Randolph Gilchrist.
Trustees who have served are Chairman Trustee Larry Ford, Trustee Vondell Smith, Trustee Sam Fields, and Trustee Rev. Smith.
In 1995, Rev. John Fling became pastor and once again the church began to grow tremendously. Under his leadership, the church was remodeled and a baptism pool was installed. The old church building that was the fellowship hall was torn down and the present fellowship hall was constructed, and the Fling Inspirational Choir was organized. Rev. John Fling faithfully served from 1995-2008.
In 2008, Rev. Curtis Campbell became pastor and once again a great growth took place in Fork Chapel. Additions were made which included classrooms, a secretary’s office, and a pastor’s study. Rev. Curtis Campbell served from 2008-2012.
In 2012, Rev. William Nesbitt became the pastor and served briefly until 2014.
In 2014, Rev. Robbie Bridges became the pastor. Rev. Bridges came with a gift of singing and playing the organ. Rev. Bridges served faithfully as pastor from 2014-2022.
From August 2022 until August 2023, the church was without a pastor leaving them wondering if they should close the doors or scatter. Though the devil had a plot, God has a plan.
In August 2023, a fiery Holy Ghost-filled preacher full of love and compassion by the name of Rev. Morris White, Jr. was sent by God and was unanimously voted in by the people. He was installed in November 2023. Under his leadership, the church has once again experienced great growth. The children’s choir has been reinstated; the children’s Sunday School Class has been reinstated; the Pastor’s Aid has been revamped; a Pastor’s ambassadors group has been formed; all choirs have taken their designated Sunday; a youth department has been organized; and a youth praise dance ministry has been formed. The Mother’s Board has been reorganized. Deacon Randolph Dixon was elected Deacon Chairman in July 2024. Deacon Jefferey Horton and Deacon Eddie Reaves were ordained Deacons on November 2024 and Brother Tony Whittington was added to the trustee member in 2024.
(Humbly submitted by Sister Joann Carmichael, Present Member, 9/2016, and Rev. Morris L. White, Jr., 5/2025).
Following the reading of the history, the children’s choir performed a selection. April Wheeler lit the memorial candle and recalled special memories about past members. Sister Vicky McClellan made announcements and recognized visitors.
Two mothers of the church were anointed with oil. They will serve as examples and as a resource for other women in the church.
Pastor White gave pastoral remarks. This was followed by the tithes and offerings and the sermon by Pastor White.
After the service, many in attendance gathered for a delicious lunch. It was truly a grand celebration of 100 years in the community and faithfulness of God to Fork Chapel Baptist Church.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
