The History of the
Fayetteville Seventh-Day Adventist Church
by Geraldine Dearing
Church Historian
Read as part of the Dedication Services
June 11, 1999

 

In the beginning....
Approximately 15 years after Ellen G.White's death in 1915, the three angels' message of God's saving love was born by a Dr. McCloud in Fayetteville where he opened his medical practice. Soon through his faithful witness, he garnered a nucleus of believers and a "Company" was formed and registered with the Carolina Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists.

The first church....
From the mid-1930's to the present, the church has prospered in souls and buildings. The "Company" met in homes until the early 1940's, when the first church structure was erected at 310 union Street, where a Post Office now stands. the first baptism was held in Mintz Pond off Pamalee Drive in 1939. The membership at that time numbered 20. The first pastor was Elder W.O. Reynolds.

Time to move....
The first church was sold in 1971, and we relocated to what was then a funeral home located at 2522 Camden Road, originally constructed as a church. we purchased it in 1972, making renovations to seat 125 individuals. What now serves as our Adventist Church School was then our place of worship. Between 1972 and 1984, four attempts were made to secure the land to build. All efforts failed. The members, after intense prayer, voted to remain in the area and enlarge the facility.

God's guidance, Pastor Godfrey's leadership....
In 1988, under the guidance of God and leadreship of Pastor Charles Godfrey, plans were finalized for the new building addition. Once completed, the first service was held on June 10, 1989.

A new leader....
Pastor Godfrey's departure brought us Elder Paul Van Buren, who instantly shared our joy and entered into our lives. He immediately started visiting every family, endearing himself to us. His ministry with us was from 1989-1992. He transferred to Durham, NC.

Another blessing, Pastor Calloway....
Elder Oral Calloway came to us in the winter of 1992, at Christmas. Having the ability to "picture" a finished project before it was even begun, he visualized the updating of the old part of the original building. Under his guidance and personal efforts, existing rooms were enlarged, fellowship hall partition removed; spacious kitchen, with the new floor built; plus additional property acquired. The adjacent school was renovated and a new room added.

God is good....
God has been gracious to us during this past 60 year period (1939 to 1999); 14 precious men of God have pastored this church. From 20 members to a current membership of 275 (1999).
Ministers come and go -- each time taking a part of our hearts with them. We never forget them and their families. They bring their own talents and contributions to our activities and spiritual health. Let us rejoice and be glad for God's unending blessings. Always remember that with God, nothing is impossible! To Him and Him alone, belong the honor, glory and praise.

Pastors who have served the Fayetteville Church

Elder W.O. Reynolds

Elder C.M. Monks

Elder Lauren Ward

Elder Orva E. Hann

Elder Priest

Elder Larry Groger

Elder Jay Gallimore

Elder Clyde Smith

Elder Barry Mahorney

Elder Herb Weise

Elder Charles Godfrey

Elder Paul Van Buren

Elder Oral Calloway

Pastor John Huskins
Current Pastor