By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
Theme: One Century and Five Decades of Celebrating Our Faithful Journey“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 105:5 (NIV)
The congregation and community came together to commemorate 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service during the Sesquicentennial Anniversary Weekend. It was a time of joy, reflection, and celebration as members honored their church’s rich history and bright future.
Deaconess Debbie Babb, Doris Gilliam-Recording Secretary,
Linda Pearson Goode-Historian, & Chairperson,
Barbara Norman and Trustee Wilamena Jones
Friday Night Banquet: A Beautiful Start
The festivities began with a stunning Friday night banquet at The Veranda in Greenville, where attendees gathered for an evening of elegance and inspiration. Dr. Jamey Graham, President of the South Carolina E&M Convention, delivered a powerful message that resonated with everyone present.
The event celebrated the church’s Financial Superstars, who contributed generously to support initiatives like the souvenir book and the graveyard road project. Special recognition was given to Derek Gilliam, Esq., Deacon Columbus and Deaconess Thelma Stephens, Carolyn Massey Jeter, and Rev. Dr. Elijah and Mrs. Vanessa Ray. A heartfelt thank-you also went to Phyllis Pearson Elmore and Sundra Pearson Byrd for their exceptional fundraising efforts.
Sunday Morning Service: A Spirit-Filled Gathering
Sunday’s worship service brought the congregation together in a spirit of thanksgiving. Dr. Griffin, 1st Vice President of the South Carolina E&M Convention, delivered an outstanding presentation that left attendees uplifted and inspired.
Mayor Kenneth Gist joined the celebration, presenting the church with a proclamation and a key to the city of Woodruff, a touching acknowledgment of the church’s contributions to the community.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
During the weekend, the church honored its Academic Points of Light—members who have earned terminal degrees in their respective fields.
The honorees include:
James Cheek, Esq. (Spartanburg)
Derek Gilliam, Esq. (Dublin, Ireland)
Dr. Harold Dawkins and
Dr. Bobby Dawkins (Charlotte)
Karon Dawkins, MD (Durham)
Dr. Phyllis Pearson (Smyrna, GA)
Dr. Carol Durham (Spartanburg)
Dr. Vareva Harris (Columbia)
Dr. Betty Bennett Ruthe (posthumously)
Rev. Dr. Elijah Ray (Greer)
Dr. Charles A. Wallace II (New Jersey)
Dr. Shanda Hill Clayton (Columbia)
The church expressed immense pride in these individuals and their accomplishments.
Special Thanks
The church extended its gratitude to the 2024 BBC Historical Committee for their dedication to preserving its legacy: Irene Jackson, Wilamena Jones, Doris Gilliam, Madge Byrd, and Linda Pearson-Goode. Contributors included Debbie Babb, Rev. Catherine Evans, Barbara Norman, Paul Ray, and Dr. O.T. Hill, I, Pastor.
A personal thanks went to Lonnie Goode Jr. for his late nights spent assisting with the souvenir book and to Sandra Pearson Gilliam for proofreading.
Closing Remarks
The Sesquicentennial Anniversary Weekend was an unforgettable celebration of faith and unity. Special recognition was given to the event’s leadership: Irene Jackson (General Chairperson), Wilamena Jones (Chairperson of the Anniversary Banquet Committee), and Linda Pearson-Goode (Church Historian and Chairperson of Fundraising and Souvenir Book Committees).As the church looks to the future, it does so with gratitude and hope. Here’s to 150 years of God’s faithfulness—and to the many more ahead!
Author: Tracy Sanders
