Welfare Baptist Church had our beginnings in 1867, only five years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Like many historically African American congregations, our organization evolved from a Caucasian congregation: Neals Creek Baptist Church. By the help of our Lord and Savior, the freeing of those who had worshiped under the fig tree of their masters had finally become a reality.
On
September 5, 1867 thirty-three community leaders joined together to discuss the feasibility of starting an independent church. The following ministers were asked to assist in officiating this meeting:
After careful consideration, the committee decided the time had come for a new beginning, a new era, thus the formation of WELFARE BAPTIST CHURCH.
During the following months the first pastor, Reverend Phillip Morris of Anderson, South Carolina, was elected. At the same meeting, the first deacons were also elected. They included Catae Rice, Eli Greenlee, and Milton Thompson.
Reverend Morris exhibited great leadership. Through his dedication and the faith-fullness of the members, the first building, a log cabin edifice, was built. The good Reverend Morris resigned in 1870 leaving a congregation exceeding 125 members.
On October 7, 1871, the church contracted with
Enoch Vandiver for the purchase of two acres of land, located half way between Belton and Anderson, at a cost of $10.00. A loyal member,
William Scott, paid the amount of purchase.
Six pastors served from 1870 until 1890. Each pastor did his very best to teach, preach, and lead the congregation to new challenges. In 1890, reverend J.A. Pinson was elected the seventh pastor of Welfare. Under his tenure, a community leader, James N. Anderson, deeded three acres of land to the church.
In 1901, Dr. Harrison Watkins became the eleventh pastor of Welfare Baptist Church. This was the beginning of a new era in the life of the church. Under his leadership, a new building was built. He urged the membership to become involved in local, state, and national Baptist bodies.
During the Watkins years, the church progressed. His achievements included the following:
- Deacons were assigned the task of preparing the wine for the Lord supper
- The Deacons ordained by Dr. Watkins were:
- Silas Rice
- Henry Dean
- Andy Whitner
- Henry Ellis
- Perry Nance
- Henry Peterson
- Loyd Brown
- Frank Brown
- Washington Reid
- Franklin Kay
- M.T. Boseman
- Mariah Whitner baked the shew bread
- Dr. Watkins wife, Corrie Watkins, became the first organist. Mrs. Watkins also organized the first Senior Society, Sunbeams, Girls Auxiliary (GA's), and the Royal Ambassadors (RA's)
- Nancy Kaye was named Mother of the Church
- Matilda Agnew, a mid-wife, was named the second Mother of the Church. Mrs. Agnew delivered many of the babies of the church community
- Maggie Brown was named the third Mother of the Church. During her lifetime she made quilts, and canned fruits and vegetables to give to young married couples
During the late twenties, Dr. Watkins eyesight began to fail to the point where he became blind. He passed in 1932.
Thank you Dr. Watkins for your leadership!
