Williamston in Anderson County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Big Creek Baptist Church
— 2 Miles South —
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
1. Big Creek Baptist Church Marker
One of the oldest congregations and the mother of several others in Anderson County, it was organized in 1788 by Elder Moses Holland who served as pastor for 41 years. Dr. James Bruton Gambrell's mother was a member here. Soldiers of five wars lie buried in the cemetery.
Erected 1958 by Anderson County Historical Association. (Marker Number 4-3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Anderson County Historical Association/Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1788.
Location. 34° 37.346′ N, 82° 28.253′ W. Marker is in Williamston, South Carolina, in Anderson County. Marker is at the intersection of East Greenville Street and Hamilton Street, on the right when traveling west on East Greenville Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamston SC 29697, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Confederate Skirmish (approx. half a mile away); Williamston Municipal Center (approx. half a mile away); Williamston Female College (approx. half a mile away); Gist Rifles Monument (approx. half a mile away); Williamston 9-11 Monument
this page online
Regarding Big Creek Baptist Church. This church has a personal connection to me in that I am a direct descendant of Moses Holland through two of his children. The small brick building shown was built in 1875 but is no longer used. The current building is located next door. In addition to founding this church. Holland was the founder of the Saluda Baptist Association and several other churches in the area, including Neal's Creek, Hopewell, Friendship, Barker's Creek, Washington, and Standing Springs Baptist Churches. (Hopewell and Barker's Creek have their own markers.) Holland was a Revolutionary War veteran who was present at the surrender of Cornwallis.
Also see . . . Big Creek Baptist Church. Almost coeval with the Presbyterians
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
2. Original Big Creek Baptist Church Cornerstone
Additional commentary.
1. Big Creek Baptist Church
Big Creek is the oldest Baptist Church in Anderson County that has continued as an active organization since its beginning. It has been argued that Shockley’s Ferry Baptist Church was organized before Big Creek, but that is no longer of concern since Shockley’s Ferry on the Savannah River ceased to exist prior to the Civil War.
Big Creek was constituted in the year 1788 through the effort of Rev. Moses Holland, a native of Culpepper, Virginia, who just prior to this time, had migrated south to find suitable land for cultivation and a promising field for the Gospel he felt led to proclaim. It was inevitable that upon settling along the Saluda River, in what had recently been Cherokee Indian Territory, he would begin his ministry near his home. The first few who gathered were his immediate neighbors and the meeting was in his newly constructed log cabin or outside in a "brush arbor". As the news spread from family to family, the numbers increased. In all
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
3. Current Big Creek Baptist Church Cornerstone
Pastor - Rev. Martin H. Timms
Building Committee
Cecil Hawkins - Chairman
Rev. J.C. Coker - Co Chairman
James Blackston
Mahlon Ellison
Chris Davenport
Quay Miller
Clyde McAlister
Records indicate that the first church building was a small log structure located a half-mile or more from the present site and close to what is now the Lee Steam Plant of Duke Power Company. This would place it near Moses Holland's home and close to the ferry that spanned the Saluda River, which was called "Holland's Ferry". In recent years, Charles Davenport, a member of Big Creek, while searching for the original site of the church, located a field stone under brush and briars with a crude carved inscription, "BIG CREEK CHURCH - 1788". This stone is a prized possession of the church and is secured in the church library.
Very little is actually known of the early development of the church up until 1801, when the first recorded minutes appear. If there were written records before that period, they were lost. It seems probable that they were not made since the congregation was small and business affairs simple and sparse, plus the fact that many of the inhabitants were not schooled sufficiently to maintain such records.
With the written record of 1801 and later, it is evident that Brother Holland served the church and the
Photographed By Brian Scott
4. Rev. Robert King
Second Pastor of Big Creek
Founder of Neal's Creek Baptist
Second Pastor of Big Creek
Founder of Neal's Creek Baptist
As often is the case, after this growth, a season of decline occurred and we find that in 1820 there were only twenty-eight members. One would wonder if this decline was not actually the result of the efforts of Brother Holland to actively promote and assist in the establishment of other churches in the surrounding area. Many of these new churches were formed by a group who had been members of Big Creek. This period probably was the beginning of the events that later identified Big Creek as the "Mother Church" of the Pendleton District. Over the years, Big Creek and Moses Holland were involved in organizing many churches in the area, such as: Neal’s Creek in 1803; Hopewell (formerly Six and Twenty); Grove Station; Shady Grove; Dorchester; Beaverdam; Williamston; Cedar Grove; Brushy Creek; Salem; Broadway; Little River; Barkers Creek; Washington; Friendship; Lebanon; Columbia; Fork Shoals; Standing Springs; Big Shoals and New
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
5. Big Creek Baptist Church Sign
The church prospered under Brother Holland's leadership and that growth created a need for a larger and better building. About ten years after the first structure was erected, a second larger meeting house was built and located at the present site of the church. It was a frame building with a section for slaves. This structure served the community until 1875 when the present "Old Church" was built.
The first tragic event to occur in the church was the death of the beloved pastor, Moses Holland, on September 8, 1829 at the age of almost 71 years. He had been the leader of the flock for 41 years. It was a difficult time for the church and they were somewhat at a loss to know what course of action to follow. In May 1830 Robert King was chosen and a committee carried the petition to Neal's Creek Church asking for Brother King's services. The request was granted and he became a member of Big Creek and the second pastor. The ties of Big Creek to Rev. Robert King were evident, as his wife was the daughter of Rev. Holland. She was Miss Fannie Holland before her marriage. One must assume that this was, to a degree, a continuation of the influence of Moses Holland.
In 1831-32 a national revival swept the nation and Big Creek was an active and willing participant from December 1831 to the end of 1832. During this year over
1898
6. Big Creek Baptist Church Membership Photo
Notice that the east portico does not appear in this photo, meaning it was added at a later date.
Brother Robert King resigned as pastor on August 4, 1838 and was replaced on August 17, 1838 by Rev. John Vandiver. At this time the church entered into an era of controversy and dissension over the subject of missions. This event was so very different to the manner in which the church supported missions and cooperated with other Baptist organizations. Prior to this Big Creek was a charter member and leading voice in the formation of the Saluda Baptist Association. Moses Holland was the first moderator of this cooperative movement. In 1838 the church changed its viewpoint and voted not to correspond with the State Convention, nor with any of the institutions of the day. The events that occurred are best described by Rev. T. H. Garrett in his History of the Saluda Baptist Association:
"In September 1842, one Edward W. Musgrove, a hard-shell Baptist preacher, came into the neighborhood and was frequently invited to occupy the pulpit. In August 1843, he was received by letter into the church. He had already succeeded in sowing the seeds of discord, which were so soon to yield an abundant harvest of bitter fruit. At the next meeting, after being
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
7. Big Creek Baptist Church -
East (Front) Facade
East (Front) Facade
"The other party, which was the majority of the former church, remained in a disorganized condition from the division in January until October when they met and re-organized, or rather, organized the present Big Creek Baptist Church. About
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
8. Big Creek Baptist Church -
Portico
Portico
"The said Musgrove was present at some one of the meetings held by the church about this time, and acted in such manner as to render himself amenable to the law. A warrant was issued at once. He was arrested and taken out of the pulpit; tried at Anderson Courthouse for disturbing religious services - Judge Evins, presiding; found guilty; and sentenced to a fine of $300 or twelve months imprisonment."
Thus Big Creek weathered and survived its first and only split. On October 23, 1845, the Reverend William P. Martin was called to replace Rev. John Vandiver as pastor of the church. Demoralized, mangled and crippled as it was, the church did not present an inviting field, but Brother Martin was the man for the challenge. Revival followed revival and members were added in great numbers. The first protracted meeting was held in 1855 with 20 conversions. In another scheduled series of meetings, Bro. Martin received 61 for baptism. This dynamic preacher served the church from January 1846 to January
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
9. Big Creek Baptist Church -
Side Window Detail
Side Window Detail
On September 30, 1865 the church passed a resolution that reflects their concern for their colored members and which resulted in the probable establishment of the New Prospect Baptist Church of Williamston. The resolution was: "Resolved - whenever colored members leave their former owners without leave, they shall notify the church of their removal and, if not convenient for them to attend this church, they shall apply for letters of dismission within the space of six months or their names shall be erased from the church book." This would indicate that the church continued to welcome the colored members after the conclusion of the Civil War and also encouraged them to apply for letter of transfer when going to other churches.
An item of interest occurred on May 6th 1865. All services for that Sunday were canceled because of the presence of "a Yankee raiding party in the area."
It must be noted that most of the preachers in those days served other churches on the Sundays they were not preaching at Big Creek. Dr. Wingo was replaced by Rev. R.H. Burris on January 1, 1911.
During the years of
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
10. Big Creek Baptist Church -
Southeast Elevation
Southeast Elevation
Rev. I.W. Wingo 1910-1911 1 year
Rev. R.H. Burdss 1911-1915 4 years
Rev. L.M. Smith 1915-1916 1 year
Rev. D.W. Hiott 1916-1921 5 years
Rev. J.H. Strickland 1921-1922 1 year
A significant event occurred on August 6, 1911, when Rev. R.H. Burriss baptized 22 new converts in the church baptismal pool.
On November 12, 1922 the church elected Rev. W.B. McCuen as pastor for the first and third Sundays of each month at a salary of $500 per year. During his term as pastor, in 1927, the church installed the first electric light, which were donated by Dr. J. F. Wilson. Dr. Wilson shipped the light fixtures from Indiana and also contributed to their installation. The men of the church volunteered to provide and install cedar poles that would be necessary to bring the electrical wires to the church. During 1927 the minutes indicate that a number of letters, which were requested were denied because the person in question had failed to contribute to the pastor's salary. The church at this time endorsed the stand of Governor Richards to enforce the law against breaking the Sabbath. The first choir
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
11. Big Creek Baptist Church -
Portico
Portico
On October 3, 1926 the church voted to reelect Rev. McCuen for the year 1927 and to accept his offer to serve as full-time pastor, preaching every Sunday at a salary of $600 per year and that he would pay $50 of his own salary, leaving the church $550 to pay in meeting his annual salary. This agreement included preaching four Sundays each month and two sermons on each Sunday, one in the morning and one in the evening. On August 5, 1927 this was modified to allow Brother McCuen to preach at Eureka Baptist Church on the third Sundays and that his salary be reduced to $500 per year, as Eureka would pay $100 per year for his ministry.
The minutes indicate that on September 5, 1929 Rev. McCuen advised the church that it was very slack in payment of his salary, as three fourths of the year had passed and he had only received $110. Brother McCuen remained as pastor until the end of December 1930, at which time he resigned to accept a call elsewhere. He was replaced by Rev. H.E. Marlow, who remained only two months, which was apparently only on an interim basis.
On August 9, 1931 the Church elected Rev. C.H. Hamby as pastor to preach the first and third Sunday mornings at a salary of $20 per month. It must be noted that this period of time was identified as the height of the famous depression that swept the nation. Money was scarce and
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
12. Big Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery
Rev. George L. Roberson was elated pastor on May 17, 1936 with preaching on the first and third Sunday mornings at a salary of $20 per month. It was during this period that the church started a fund to build Sunday School rooms at the rear of the church. Up until this time the sanctuary was partitioned off by curtains run on wires, to serve as individual Sunday school rooms and then drawn aside for the morning worship.
On May 29, 1938 Big Creek Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary. The event was an all day affair, with addresses by Rev. George Roberson and former pastor Rev. C. H. Hamby. There was much singing, and the church’s history was reviewed by Mr. J. A. Dunlap. The attendance was most outstanding and the attendees enjoyed a wonderful noon meal outside "on the grounds", served by the ladies of the church.
Rev. Prue H. Kelley, "a local boy", was called as pastor beginning in 1939 and continued through the year, followed in 1940 by the Rev. Roy O. McClain, who was an outstanding ministerial student at Furman University in Greenville, S. C. Some years later, Rev. McClain was recognized as one of the ten outstanding young ministers
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
13. Moses Holland Monument and Big Creek Baptist Church
Rev. Lewis McGaha was elected pastor on November 15, 1942 with preaching on the afternoon of the third Sunday, at a salary of $360 per year. This period was the time many of the young men of the church were called to military service in World War II. It is of importance to note that by November 1943 the Sunday School addition was fully paid for and there was a balance of $121.92 in the building fund. By this time the nation had recovered from the depression and the war years brought employment and more money into each family, which resulted in a responsive support for the churches. On August 22, 1944 Brother McGaha resigned to become full time pastor at Enoree Baptist Church.
Rev. Thomas L. Brown was elected pastor for the remainder of 1944 and also served until the end of 1945. In his tenure, the church installed a central heating system at a cost of $900.
Rev. J. T. Pressley was elected pastor on April 21, 1946 at a salary of $500 per year. However, on November 3, 1946 this was increased to $750 per year. A Baptist Training Union was organized on February 16, 1947. Rev. Pressley remained pastor
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
14. Moses Holland Monument -
Big Creek Church Cemetery
Big Creek Church Cemetery
Moses Holland
Born in Virginia,
Nov. 17, 1758.
Died
In South Carolina
Sept. 8, 1829.
----------
The founder of the Saluda Baptist Association, and of Big Creek, Hopewell, Neal's Creek, Friendship, Barkers Creek, Washington, Standing Springs churches and perhaps Twenty Six Church. He was Pastor of Big Creek Church forty-two years.
On November 20, 1960 the church, by a rising vote, called Rev. Melvin Timms of Hartwell, Georgia as pastor. He preached his first official sermon as pastor at the evening service on November 27, 1960. On July 2, 1962 the pastor’s salary was raised to $85 per week. During the preceding years a building fund had been continually promoted. However, during the ministry of Brother 'Firmns, greater emphasis was placed on this effort. The first public address system in the church was authorized on May 20, 1962 at a cost of $150. Rev. Timms resigned in 1967 to accept a call to Toccoa, Georgia.
Rev. Fred N. Cobb was called as pastor to replace Brother Timms in 1967. On January 7, 1968 a ground-breaking ceremony was held to launch the building of a new sanctuary. The church had occupied the "Old Church" for 93 consecutive years, so it is easy to understand the importance of this event and the feelings that still exist toward the "Old Church". The new sanctuary was completed and the dedication of the beautiful church was celebrated on August 4, 1968, at which time Rev. Cobb brought the message, assisted by
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
15. Mary E. Barton Tombstone -
Holland Tombstone, West Side
Holland Tombstone, West Side
First Wife of
Moses Holland
Born in Va. 1768.
A consistent member of
the Baptist Church.
Rev. Paul Mabry, former pastor of Williamston First Baptist Church, most effectively filled the pulpit as interim pastor until a full time pastor could be secured.
On March 28, 1971, the church called Rev. Faye Lanford as their pastor. Brother Lanford preached his first sermon as pastor on March 16, 1971. During this time the pastor's salary had grown to $165 per week. Brother Lanford served the church well and it was with great reluctance that the church accepted his resignation on June 1, 1975. Rev. Paul Mabry again stepped in as interim pastor.
The church, without delay, called Rev. Melvin Timms as their pastor on July 6, 1975. Rev. Timms had been away 8 years from his first pastorate at Big Creek and the congregation had many fond memories of him and his wife and much faith in his ministerial abilities. His initial salary was to be $238 per week, plus his utilities. On May 2, 1976 the church voted to build a new modem pastorium on an acre lot purchased across the highway from the church. This project was completed in March of 1977 and the lovely brick parsonage was dedicated with an open house celebration on March 6, 1977. On March 17, 1980, there was much anguish and concern in the entire community when the new church, which
Photographed By Brian Scott, circa 1990
16. Mary Barton Holland Tombstone
Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
Marton was Moses Holland's first or second wife, depending on the research. In total, Moses Holland may have been married three times.
On June 7th 1981 the proposed design for a new church was presented to the church and, after careful review, it was approved with a standing vote. The low bid for construction was $386,984 submitted by Hall Construction Company of Belton, S.C.
A momentous event occurred on July 4, 1982, which was a day of celebration and rejoicing not only for Independence Day but for "New Church" day, as on this date the first service was held in the beautiful new sanctuary. There were 185 in Sunday School and the offering for the day was $1,700. Prior to completion of the new building, the church had authorized the necessary repairs that needed to be made to the "Old Church" as a result of the fire. Also the Sunday School rooms at the rear of the "Old Church" were in such condition that it was determined best to remove them. The end result was a lovely new church and the restoration of the "Old Church" to its original appearance.
In 1982 the church authorized a budget of $66,478.76 and the total membership was
Photographed By Brian Scott, June 4, 2008
17. Grace King Tombstone -
Holland Monument, South Side
Holland Monument, South Side
Second Wife
Born in S.C.
And what a consistant
Christian at an advanced age.
— Submitted January 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
2. Early Minutes of Big Creek Baptist Church
Big Creek was Constituted in the year of our Lord - 1788, and formed the following Constitution and rules of Decorum.
1. The Church Shall be opened and Closed by prayer.
2. A Moderator and Clerk Shall be Chosen by the suffrage of the members present if required.
3. The Moderator Shall be deemed a Judge of order and have a right to Call to order at any time.
4. Any member not Satisfied with his Decision on any point of order, may appear to the Church on the same Day but no other time.
5. But one person shall speak at a time and he shall rise to his feet and obtaining leave proceed.
6. The Moderator
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
18. Ellison Family Monument -
East Side
East Side
Miles Ellison
29 November 1799
10 February 1884
Wife
Deborah Johnson
10 March 1796
19 April 1869
7. No member shall be interrupted when speaking unless he Departs from the subject in hand, or uses words of personal reflection,and every motion made and Seconded Shall Come under Consideration of the Church, except withdrawn by him that made it.
8. Every Case taken up by the Church Shall be first decided or withdrawn before another is offered.
9. When anything is taken up by the Church after allowing time for Debate the Moderator Shall take the question and those in favour of the thing proposed shall rise, to their feet and those against it shall keep their Seats.
10. The Moderator Shall pronounce the Decision before the Standers take their Seats.
11. No person Shall Depart the Service of the Church without leave.
12. The Appelation of Brother Shall be used in our addresses one to another.
13. The Names of the members shall be Call'd as often as the Church may Direct.
14. No Member Shall be allowed in any practice that has a tendency to interrupt, in time of public Church.
15. The Moderator Shall be entitled to the same privilege of Speech as any other member provided he appoints Some other member to his Seat while he is Speaking, but shall not vote unless the Church be equally Divided.
16. Any person Breaking
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
19. Ellison Family Monument -
West Side
West Side
Female Abt. 1820 - Joel 1821-1862, CSA Va. - Female Abt. 1838
William M. 1827-1905 CSA Cedar Grove Bapt.
Amaziah M. 1829-1864 CSA Petersburg, Va.
Elizabeth 1832-1901, Kay Family Cem. Williamston, SC
Allen 1834-1919 CSA, Mt. Olive Cem. Aspermont, Tx
Greenlee H. 1835-1921 CSA, Cedar Grove Bapt.
Miles Lewis Jefferson 1836-1908, CSA, Big Creek Bapt.
Nancy M. Ellison Apr. 11, 1939 Dec. 31, 1921 Blount Co. Al.
w/o J.T. Stone
Erected by Carl G. Rllison, Truman W. Ellison and other descendants.
Querys, first that is ---
1801.
Sept. 5. Church Convened Together, Query is it legal when a Query comes before the Church and it taken up by the Church and then threw it out and not give the Ans., it is not legal.
Query. What ought to be Done when a Church through an oversight or unthoughtly take a
Query and Cannot give the ans--- Answered acknowledge their fault to the brother who flung in the Query.
October 3rd. Church Convened together---Sisters Nancy Bell & Elizabeth Summers Dismissed---appointed to Sit in Conference brethren Moses Holland James Welborn & Ballard Day. Jeriah Elliott Received into our fellowship by letter Benjamin Bowen Received into fellowship by Experiance appointed Brethren John Harper & George Dilworth to admonish the following members for their neglecting their Church meeting. Viz: Henon Breazeale Thomas Nichols Heskey Breazeale and Caty Owens ---
Nov. 7. Church Convened---Samuel Cobb & Jesse Gray & Elizabeth Halbert & ware received by Experience, John Nickelson restored again into our fellowship.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
20. Original Miles Ellison Tombstone
1802
January 2. Church met according to adjornment the following brethren Received by Experience - Viz Thomas Wilson Ruben Johnston & black Peter & Wilson Cobb & Willis Greenlee & Black Dinah---
Feb. 6. Church met according to adjournment Bretheren Relph Owen & Elizabeth Owen restored to fellowship Brether Peter Acker Mary Bowen & Margiet Harper and was received by Experience. Brother Relph Owen & Elizabeth dismissed.
March 6. Church met according to adjornment - Firs an Allegation brought against Brother Robert Jeffries for the Sin of drunkenness he not being present Brethren appointed & sent to labour with him and so referred. Secondly. Brethern Wm. Harper & John Harper was chosen and appointed to be Ordained the Saturday before the first Sunday in Aprile Each of them to the office of a deacon. Third. The following Brethren was received by Experience, Viz: Margaret Gray Rachel Cobb Jacob Cooley Sen. & Black Amy Mary Farmer Recd. by letter---
April 2. The church met according to adjornment. First the above Allegation ajoins Brother Robert Jeffers brout forward and on his recantion was still retained in fellowship. The following Bretheren received into our fellowship by Exsperience VZ: Mary Grace Joel Holbert Archabald Nickels Sargh Gorder & Fanney Richerson Milley Read by letter.
April 3. Presbetry conveaned. Having the Eldership
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
21. Original Deborah Johnson Ellison Tombstone
1802
May 1st. Church Convened together the following recd. by Experience once Vz. Jane Hambleton Sarah Cooley - John Wilson &Jane Findley Hugh Wilson senr. Black Loosee & Son Cy Wilson.
May 2. Church came together - and rec'd by Experience sisters Mary Halbert and Jane Acker.
June 5. The Church Convened together the following Brethren Received into fellowship by Experiance to VA: Benjamin Farmer Sener James Halbert black peter & thomas Brown & Sarah Brown his wife then Revd. Joseph & Susanna Kelley by letter Sunday June 6th, the Church came together and Recvd. by Experance Ruth Acker Richard Hall Rec'd. into our fellowship.
July 3. Church convened together the Rec'd. by Experience the following Brethren - Edy Parsons John pepper Charrity Duckworth patsy Greenlee - Nancy Johnson John Hunt Jemimah Thaxton John Salyer & Jennet Wilson.
Friday
July 30. Church convened & appointed Brethren Moses
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 12, 2010
22. Miles and Deborah Johnson Ellison Plot
July 31. the church conveaned Received into fellowship by Experience John Briant---
August 1st. Communion held.
Sept. 4. Church conveined. First an Allegation brough forward by Brother John Wilson against himself for the Sin of Drunkiness & his recantation not being satisfactory to the church it if refered--------. Secondly the following Bretheren received into fellowship by Experance Viz: Kiziah Hand Christopher Crider Ann Nickelson Joseph Hand Mavey Crider Sarah Criag Elizabeth Salyer Black Amey---
Sunday Oct. 3rd. Church come together received by Experance Black Peter Joseph Brown George Nelson.
Novm. 13. The Church convened firs the above Allegation against Brother John Wilson brought forward & on his recantation is still retained in fellowship-- Secondly-Brethren John Harper & Wm. Harper Margret Harper & Elizabeth Harper Dismised; Thirdly - a petition from Salem metting house Arm of Shockley ferry Church requesting our Eldership as helps in sonstituting of them a body to themselves; their petition was granted---. Fourthly - a door being opened for the reception of members the following Brethern received into fellowship by Experance; Viz: Black Marey Adam Williamson Margaret Winson
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 27, 2011
23. John and Mary Harper Gambrell, Jr. Tombstone
Born July 18, 1783
Died January 29, 1866
Mary Harper
Wife of John Gambrell
Born March 4, 1784
Died May 28, 1876
Sunday November the 14th. Church came together then received by Experience Hesey Williamson Elizabeth Williamson & Hannah Williamson.
— Submitted October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
3. Moses Holland
This honored and beloved minister of Jesus Christ was born in Culpeper County, Va., November 17, 1758. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. The independence of the Colonies having been secured and peace restored, he emigrated with his wife and two children to South Carolina and settled in Anderson county, on the Saluda River, two miles below the present town of Pelzer, near what is known as Holland’s Ford. He came as a Christian and a Baptist, and proved himself as zealous and faithful in the service of his Heavenly Master as he had been in the service of his country. In 1788 the Big Creek Church was constituted through his instrumentality, and he was chosen and ordained pastor, which position he filled with great acceptability and success until the day of his death, which occurred on the 8th of September, 1829, a period of forty-one years.
Where, when or by whom this saintly man and eminent minister was baptized we have no means of knowing, but he was often heard to say that he entered the service of his country and his Master both at the age of sixteen. He was present at the constitution of the Saluda Association, and, as has already been noted, chosen as its first moderator, which position lie filled to the satisfaction of the body and with honor to himself for many years. As an indication of his high standing as a preacher, he was frequently appointed to preach one of the annual sermons of the Association. And as proof of the high estimate his brethren placed upon his wisdom and judgment, his name appears on all of the most important committees. He was considered as authority on all questions of parliamentary usage and church discipline.
He was widely known in upper South Carolina, and his popularity was co-extensive with his acquaintance. He was without doubt one of the most powerful, influential and useful preachers of his day. His whole ministerial life was devoted to pastoral work and the establishment of churches, in all of which his labors were most signally blessed. He was truly a pioneer preacher. And it is to his untiring efforts the Baptist churches of this section of the State, and especially those of Anderson County, owe their existence today. Big Creek, Hopewell, Neals Creek, and Friendship were some of the immediate results of his personal efforts.
Deacon Joshua Holland, a highly-respected citizen of Anderson County, S.C., is a son of Elder Holland, and the only surviving member of his immediate family.
He died respected and lamented by the entire community, and was followed to the grave by a large concourse of people. His remains were laid to rest in the graveyard at Big Creek, where a magnificent monument has been erected to his memory. (Source: A History of the Saluda Baptist Association by T.H. Garrett, 1896.)
— Submitted June 22, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
4. Will of Moses Holland
State of South Carolina Anderson County
In the name of God Amen I Moses Holland of the State and County afore written being weak of body but of sound memory and perfect understanding knowing that it is appointed for man to die and after death to come to judgement I do hereby constitute this to be my last will and testament and what ever worldly goods it has been pleased God to bless me with 1 do give and bequeath in the form and manner following viz. First. I bequeath my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent manner at the will of my Executors hereafter named - 1 give and bequeath to my beloved wife Gracey all my personal and real Estate and goods and chattels whatsoever during her natural life or widow-hood after that time to be Equal Divided between the lawful heirs of hut body namely Moses, Aaron, Caleb, Joshua, Tabitha, and Elizabeth also give and bequeath to my daughter Ellender one Dollar also to James one Dollar to heirs of Chesley one Dollar to John one Dollar to Fanny one Dollar and to Thomas one Dollar. 1 hereby nominate and appoint William Acker Esquire my lawful Executor of this my last will and Testament and lastly that he disposes of such of my property as he thinks proper to discharge my lawful debts. Revoking and setting aside all other will or wills heretofore made by me. in witness whereof 1 hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine –
Signed, Sealed and acknowledged in the presence of --- Moses X (his mark) Holland
Henry Cobb
William Magee
H. Rice
Recorded in Will Book A p. 397 Recorded November 9 1829 Proved November 9, 1829
John Harris, O.A.D
Roll No. 295
— Submitted October 13, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
5. "Disapprobate Conduct"
The records of Big Creek have been preserved and recount the ideas and customs of its early days. The congregation believed in and practiced the spiritual injunction to settle all their affairs of council of the brethren. A favorite expression used in the minutes was "we disapprobate such conduct" and even Pastor Holland was declared out of fellowship temporarily for failing to settle the matter of a five dollar debt to the satisfaction of the congregation. Slaves were received as members along with their masters' families and in the church their right to be heard was equal to that of any other member. (Source: Sketches of Anderson County, The Anderson Tricentennial Committee, 1969.)
— Submitted August 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
6. "Going Over to the Yankee Army"
One upcountry church even went so far as to use the power of church discipline against a member who had failed the standard of Confederate honor and courage. Big Creek Baptist Church, in Williamston, brought charges again J.B. Turner in January 1865 'for acting the toery and deserting our army and going over to the yankee army.' The Confederate Baptists of Big Creek 'excluded' Turner from the fellowship of the brethren for this act, even as he had excluded himself from the southern war effort. (Source: Never Surrender: Confederate Memory and Conservatism in the South Carolina Upcountry by W. Scott Poole, page 46.)
— Submitted November 16, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 11,427 times since then and 161 times this year. Last updated on June 20, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on June 6, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 6. submitted on August 9, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7. submitted on June 6, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 8. submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 9. submitted on January 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 10, 11. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 12. submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 13. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 14. submitted on July 30, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 15. submitted on January 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 16. submitted on January 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 17. submitted on January 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 23. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
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