NoCar BX 6480 H15 P45 2001 History of Halifax Baptist Church A Continuation^ 131 West Prussia Street Post Office Box 465 Halifax, North Carolina 27839 Margaret and Doug Phillips October 2001 (5^ As the first pastor of the twenty first century at Halifax Baptist Qiurch it is an honor and privilege to part of the long line of Baptist minist^ who have proclaimed the Gospel in the town of Halifax and in Halifax County since colonial times. As this history states there wa:e Bi^tists in Halifax County at least as early as 1742 as evidenced by the formation of Kdiukee Baptist church that year. The early records of Halifax Baptist Church are sketchy, and sometimes incomplete but it appears that the church was established in 1840 and the present sanctuary was built sometime between 1859 and 1869. It is safe to say that Baptists have been worshipping the Lord and spreading the Gospel in Halifax for over 150 years. The fact that the church has survived so many years is proof that she was built upon the rock of Matthew 16:18. As we look back on the accomplishments of the past, let us face the future with anticipation, remembering the words of the father of modem missions, William Carey: " Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." TO GOD BE THE GLORY. A special thank you goes out to Margaret and Doug Philips for all their hard work in putting togetha this latest edition of the church history. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 1r https://archive.org/details/historyofhalifaxOOphil Foreword In 1953 Randolph Haskins, a young member of the Halifax Baptist Church, prepared the first known history of the Halifax Baptist Church. His work was done as a project for Royal Ambassadors. He interviewed older residents and members, contacted former pastors and their families, and requested information from the records at the Baptist State Convention, in addition to researching in the written record. This document of Mr. Haskins is invaluable, and for almost fifty years has been regarded as the definitive word on the history of Halifax Baptist Church. Another document was prepared by Rev. Frank N. Bearden, Jr. in 1966 in time for the October Homecoming. Pastor Bearden expanded upon the work of Mr. Haskins and updated much of the information. Both of these documents are still kept by local members, but toward the end of the 20th century one of the church leaders, Clyde Peedin, became concerned that the record had not been updated in many years. He condensed the two histories and compiled a new history with additions when possible. As Mr. Peedin added updates of ministers and church officers since 1 966, he began to realize that a more intensive work was called for, and appealed to the membership for help. This History of the Halifax Baptist Church is the result of these previous works, and is simply a continuation of the previous papers. Some new facts have come to light since Mr. Haskins searched so diligently for the beginnings of his home church, and they are included in this paper. Some facts included in the Haskins and Bearden works are not repeated here, so in order for the reader to have a completed picture of the history, all should be consulted. Despite all efforts to make this continuation of the history as accurate as possible, mistakes do happen. We would hope that all readers will be compassionate and understanding. Margaret and Doug Phillips October 2001 HALIFAX BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION Preamble God has called His people to form the Church. The Church is the living representative of God on earth. We establish this Constitution to direct our service, worship, fellowship and witness in an orderly- manner consistent with our church's history. Article I: Name This body shall be known as the "HALIFAX BAPTIST CHURCH", located in the Town of Halifax, Halifax County, North Carolina. Article II: Purpose The Church was begun by Jesus Christ to enable its members to complete His mission. We will, therefore, meet regularly for public worship, Christian education and fellowship. We will observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. A major focus is reaching others for Jesus by witnessing, evangelistic services and offerings to assist the Gospel being preached around the world. Article III: Membership Section 1. The membership of this church shall be comprised of persons who have confessed faith in Jesus and have been baptized by immersion, who have subscribed to the covenant and constitution of this church, and who have been received by vote of the church. Section 2. A member of another Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received by vote of the church upon a letter of transfer from the church. Section 3. Anyone who has once been a member of a Baptist Church, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no regular letter of dismissal, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to the church. Section 4. Letters of transfer may be granted to any Baptist Church of like faith and order for members in good standing. When letters are granted, membership in this church will terminate. All such applications must be passed by the church in conference and will only be granted to other churches. Section 5. When a member of this church joins a church of different faith and order, membership in this church will terminate. Section 6. The church believes in the restoration of all members to full fellowship. Every effort will be made to restore a member to our church. Members can request termination of membership in writing. Section 7. In considering the duties involved, members are . expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of the church, to give regularly to its support and kingdom causes, and to share in its organized work. Section 8. Members, and members only, may act and vote in the transactions of the church. Absentee ballots will be available for those members who cannot attend. Section 9. New members of the church are expected to participate in the new member orientation sessions. Article IV. Meetings Section 1. The church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training and fellowship. Section 2. The church shall hold regular business meetings for the disposition of all business matters not otherwise provided for, to hear reports from the various church organizations, and to consider the matters essential to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the congregation Section 3 . Other meetings of the church as a whole or of authorized groups within the church may be set according to the needs of the congregation. Article V: Church Officers Section 1. The officers of the church shall be a pastor, deacons, trustees, clerk, treasurer and such other officers as shall be required to do the work of the church in any of its departments or organizations. All of these shall be elected by the church and shall be members in good standing at the time of elections. A pastor is not required to be a member until after he accepts a call from the church. Section 2. Duties and Election. A. Pastor . The pastor shall oversee the welfare of the church. He shall be an ex-officio member of all organizations, departments and committees. He may call a special meeting of the deacons or of any committee according to procedures set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws. He shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances and minister to the spiritual needs of members of the church and community. He shall perform other duties that usually pertain to that office. He shall, in cooperation with the deacons, provide for pulpit supply when he is absent. With the assistance of the Deacons, he shall arrange for ministers of the same faith and order to assist in revival meetings and workers to assist in other special services required by the church. It shall be his special responsibility to win the lost to Christ, to minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation, and through prayer and study to render effective preaching and pastoral ministries. Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor shall be called by the church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor or the church. In either case, at least thirty (30) days written notice shall be given unless mutually agreed upon by both church and pastor. The call of the pastor shall take place at a meeting especially set for that purpose with at least one week's notice being given to the membership. The election shall follow the recommendation by a special committee nominated by the deacons and approved by the church to seek out a minister whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office. The committee shall present one name at a time; all nominations must come from the committee. Election shall be by standing vote or by ballot at the discretion of the congregation with an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present and voting necessary for the extension of a call. B. Deacons . The qualifications for Deacons are set forth in the New Testament (Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons are expected to be an example of Christian character in personal and spiritual life, leading the way in the support of this church in tithing, giving, attendance and service to the glory of God. A person must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and a member of the church one year before serving as a deacon.