History Committee Mayson Easterling, Chair Our Convention’s formation in 1821 began with the nine men from three associations who met with a shared vision of what a statewide group of churches working together could accomplish for God’s Kingdom. Richard Furman, William Bullein Johnson, Hepzibah Jenkins Townsend, and countless others were open to God’s leadership. It’s the story of the Baptist churches in this state seeking to redeem their part of South Carolina by leading men, women, and children to faith in Jesus Christ. We stand on their foundation Imagine what the thoughts of the men who formed the South Carolina Baptist Convention 200 years ago would be if they were here today. Would they be amazed that the Convention is still moving forward despite wars at home and abroad, financial recessions, and pandemics? We can be sure they would be surprised at today’s communication and resources for ministry. We can also be sure of their joy that bringing people to Jesus Christ is still front and center as we work together in missions, education, and cooperation—just as they decided to do. The 200th celebration is focused on preserving and communicating our history and heritage through videos that can be used for the annual meeting and beyond. Our institutions and agencies as well as key people in our recent history have been interviewed and will be resources on the Convention website. In addition, a commemorative 200th anniversary Christmas ornament has been commissioned, and there are new historical articles published for this Convention that highlight the Executive Directors from 1866 to the present, and another which tells the forgotten story of the State Lady Missionaries. These will be found in your Ministry Plan Book. The new 200th history of the Convention has been delayed and is not available as we hoped for this meeting. The task of the History Committee is to help SC Baptists tell their story. It’s to assist churches, associations, the Convention, and individuals to organize, preserve, and protect written documents, photographs, and other materials of significance. This would be an excellent year to evaluate your church’s records and other historical materials. It would be a great time to interview senior adults and preserve their stories. Preserving your history may give insights and direction to the future. The Committee continues to be thankful for and relate to the South Carolina Baptist Historical Collection at Furman University. Dr. Jeff Makala and his staff communicate regularly with the Committee. The Historical Collection contains church records and microfilm, association minutes, and manuscripts. The South Carolina Baptist Convention Archives is housed at the Convention Building. Jane Young Poster, the part-time History Consultant, is available to assist you with inquiries through the end of this year. Poster has served in this position since August 1, 2007, and has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2021. She previously served in Baptist Collegiate Ministry in Columbia. We are grateful for her work. Please be in prayer as we search for a replacement. Thank you for the opportunity to serve during this 200th year. Mayson Easterling, Chair Larry McDonald
Michael Bryant
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Carol Hardy Bryan H. E. Barkley