|
Honor and praise are given to God, Our Heavenly
Father, who inspired our forefathers to organize this church. We thank
Him who has led, strengthened and blessed this congregation
to witness a century - 100 years of kingdom work. Under the inspired leadership
of the late Bishop C.L. Keen, this church was organized in November 1900,
and has stood as a beacon for all who seek solace and comfort through
the word of God and fellowship with Christian friends.
Following Bishop Keen, were the following
pastors: the late Rev. W.F. Grasty; the late Rev. N.T. Johnson, the late
Rev. T.H. Lea, the late Rev. P.W.Williams; the late Rev. C.L. Stone, the
late Rev. J.R. Redd, the late Rev. James Carter, the late Rev. F.D. Smith,
the Rev. St. Claire Hopkins, and the Rev. M.C. Hawkins
We were without a pastor for a short period of time,
until March, 1966,when the Rev. Jasper Watkins, assumed the pastorate.
Over the years, White Rock Baptist Church has made numerous
improvements in its physical structure and in many other areas. Each decade,
significant changes were realized. By the grace of God, the vision of
Rev. Watkins and the dreams of a new sanctuary were realized with the
Ground-Breaking Ceremony on Sunday, November 13, 1966. The Corner Stone
laying ceremony was held the following year on April 23, 1967. And on
Sunday, January 10, 1971, God allowed us to witness the Church’s
Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Since that time, many improvements have been
made to maintain the sanctuary where all the Saints of God can come and
worship.
After 23 years of spiritual devotion and leadership,
Rev. Watkins retired. However, God had plans for the WHITE ROCK BAPTIST
CHURCH. We were blessed in May of 1990 to call a pastor after many months
of searching -- Rev. Dr. Walter M. Tinsley of Eden, North Carolina.
Under his able leadership as pastor, we have attained several new ministries,
as well as a public address system; a functional church library, and church
van. Many souls have been saved and new members by Baptism, Christian
Experience, and Reclamation have been added to the Church Family.
Moreover, the much needed church expansion was completed
and a DEDICATORY SERVICE was held on Sunday, November 5, 1994.
The Lord has continued to shower his blessings upon
our church. Some of which are: finalization of the parking lot renovation;
the loan for the renovation and expansion of the church was paid in full
December 1996; the Sunbeam Choir for youth was organized; an after- school
tutorial program was implemented in 1996-97; a computer lab established.
Fluorescent lights and a public address system have been installed in
the lower auditorium and classrooms. Dressing rooms on the top floor of
the church were repaired for use during baptism. Our pastor has established
a tape ministry and monthly visits to the Stratford Health Care Center.
The years 2000 and 2001 brought added blessings to the White Rock Church
family and pastor. Improvements were made internally and externally and
include the renovation of the church basement. An enclosed area is now
used for the Food Bank, which was set up August 17, 2001 to assist individuals
and families in our church and community. The parking lot area was resurfaced
and enlarged to accommodate our growing membership. A shelter was built
to house the van, and exterior lighting around the church was improved.
The Music Department brought about a change, organizing one Combined Choir
and the Sunbeam Choir.
During 2002, planning began for an Exercise Room in the church. Equipment
was purchased and classes for all ages were started the following year.
In the spring of 2003, White Rock expanded its tutorial program and with
the assistance of grant funding began a pilot computer literacy program
with Sister Jean Lloyd established a scholarship fund to aid members interested
in learning to play the piano. In May 2003, White Rock Baptist Church
went live on the World Wide Web (Internet) with its own homepage (www.whiterockbaptistchurch.com).
On Oct. 13, 2003, the Sunbeam Choir uniform shirts were dedicated during
the morning service.
During 2004, Mr. Robert Curley became our Minister of Music, and many
members have joined the choir. In 2005, we continued to make improvements
to the church with the dedication of a lighted church sign.
We cherish our Sons in the ministry that White Rock has given to the world.
They are the late Rev. E. F. McLaughlin, the late Rev. G. W. Coates, the
late Rev. E. H. Stewart, the late Rev. James McLaughlin, the late Rev.
Ernest C. McLaughlin, the late Dr. Wayman P. McLaughlin, and Rev. Wesley
K. McLaughlin. The Lord is good and He is doing great things for us as we grow
spiritually as a church family.
|
|