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The Asclamore (now Paynes Baptist Church) was first organized in a log cabin schoolhouse on Asclamore Creek, in about 1880. The church was moved in 1884 into the hills, about a quarter of a mile from Paynes Community, which was called Dogwood Flats. Brother Joe Rice was pastor. Both the Baptist and Methodist at that time, on separate Sundays, held worship services in the new building. The church, under the able leadership of its pastors, grew during the years until in 1940 the building, unable to accommodate the growing community, had to be abandoned. The church was moved to “the valley”, and for two years worshipped in the Paynes Consolidated School building. The people, however, were not satisfied without a house of worship. So, they began talking and working toward a building, being led by Brother James B. Ray, who was pastor. They decided on a place for the new Church “in the valley” by the side of the school building, and a lot was soon purchased for that purpose. (Note: The lot was purchased from Mr. Robert Payne.) In the Spring of 1941, Brother Ray resigned as pastor to accept other work, and the church called Rev. O.B. Beverly in April of 1941 to be their pastor. With the whole-hearted cooperation of the people, along with their new pastor, a new building was begun July 7, 1941. The people gave the trees, a man used his sawmill and soon the lumber was ready to be planed. The church bought a planing machine and all of the lumber used was made on the grounds of the church lot. The people were then called on to give and a great group of members and friends, many of them being other denominations, gave sacrificially in order to keep the work going. They paid as they built, and not once did the building stop for lack of funds. When it looked as if we would have to stop, The Baptist Convention Board gave us $300.00 to help complete the building. The people, not being satisfied with the name “Asclamore” for the church, changed the name to “The Paynes Baptist Church”. A drive was then made to furnish the building. The auditorium and four of the Sunday School rooms were equipped with nice oak pews at a cost of some $1200.00. The building was lighted with fluorescent lamps, a butane gas heating system was installed and the baptistery completed. The church was then presented with a new Spinet piano by Mrs. E.L. Fite. The estimated cost of the building was $15,000.00. (Note by Helen E. Staten Arnold: Mrs. Fite was the pianist when I attended Paynes Baptist Church, and she also taught piano. I was one of her students.) Some of the many pastors of the church were:
Reverend Hudson
J.D. Tennison; Some interesting “FIRSTS” about the present church building: The FIRST SERMON was preached by Reverend O.B. Beverly on the first Sunday in February 1942. The FIRST FUNERAL held in the church was that of Thomas Shook on April 2, 1942. (He was the grandfather of Johnnie Shook Staten) The FIRST NEW MEMBERS BAPTIZED in the new baptistery were, Mrs. Etta Staten Mitchell, (This was Helen E. Staten Arnold Aunt), and Mr. Neal Wrenn. The FIRST MINISTER ORDAINED in the church was Reverend George Horton on March 5, 1950. (He is married to the former Evelyn Edwards) The FIRST WEDDING in the church was Wilma Tribble and William Archie Worsham on June 28, 1946. (Evelyn Edwards and George Horton were married in the church in January 1947.) After the completion of the new church building, the next great need in the community was a pastorium. In June of 1945 it was completed under the leadership of Brother V.R. Crider, who was then pastor. Some time later the people realized the great need for more Sunday School rooms, and an Educational Building was started in the year of 1954. The framework, windows, top, and asbestos siding was erected at a cost of approximately $3,000.00. The building stood as it was until January 1957 when $3,600.00 was pledged and given along with lumber, nails and other materials, all of which totaled approximately $10,000.00. By the help of the Lord the building is complete with eleven Sunday School Rooms, two rest rooms, central heating unit, two pianos, a complete nursery with five new baby beds, a speaker system was given by one of the members, eighty samsonite chairs, thirty-eight small oak chairs, and rubber tile purchased for one floor. NOTE: Since the above facts were listed the work in progress completed, a new Family Life Center has been constructed. Paynes Baptist Church is still filling a spiritual need in the community. This report was prepared by Johnnie Shook Staten from notes given by several members. She said, “I well remember the old Dogwood Flat Church “up on the hill” where I accepted Christ as My Saviour, at that time a Brother Hullett was Pastor”.
*(Note: by Helen E. Staten Arnold. I accepted Christ as My personal Saviour
and was baptized under Brother Canterberry.) |
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