Reedy Branch Baptist Church was organized under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Blanks in 1881. The church worshipped in the original building until 1882 when a survey was made for the erection of a larger church building. During this construction, the congregation worshiped under a brush harbor. The church joined The Burnt Swamp Baptist Association on November 3, 1891.
At the close of Rev. Blanks' pastorship, Rev. J. J. Bell served as pastor for a number of years. Rev. J. E. Hunt succeeded Rev. Bell and under his administration the church flourished adding an addition to the sanctuary. Succeeding Rev. J. E. Hunt was Rev. W. G. Hunt serving for a number of years. Then, at the desire of the congregation, Rev. J. E. Hunt was again elected as pastor.
During the year 1920 Rev. C. E. Locklear was called as pastor serving through 1924. At this time Rev. Steve Hammonds was called, serving as pastor through 1927. Again Rev. J. E. Hunt responded to the call a third time to Reedy Branch and served one year, 1927-1928. Rev. C. E. Locklear returned as pastor serving continuously from 1928-1940. During these twelve years the Sunday School was graded and classrooms added making the third addition to the building erected in 1882.
Rev. C. W. Maynor succeeded Rev. Locklear in 1940 and faithfully offered his service through 1950. At that time, Rev. C. W. Maynor was called as pastor. The Sunday School adopted the Six Point Record System, organized a B.T.U., adopted the Stewardship Forward Program, and began worship services four Sundays each month. In 1951 a building program was launched. Committees formed included the pastor as chairman, A. E. Hammonds, secretary; W. O. Hunt, treasurer. The Finance Committee was: H. N. Jacobs, Robert Locklear, Oscar Chavis, Mrs. Macie Chavis, Mrs. Amanda Warriax, and Mrs. Effie Hunt. The Plans Committee was: C. S. Warriax, W. C. Rogers, and Grady Chavis. Labor Committee: T. B. Chavis, Robert Locklear, and Rev. Benjamin Jacobs. Publicity Committee: S. P. Hunt, Mrs. J. O. Brooks, and Mrs. Margie Chavis.
During the fall of 1951 a sum of $4,000 was raised and the walls of the new building erected. It was completed in 1952, a block structure. William R. Oxendine was in charge of construction and made use of much free labor and materials.
During 1967-68 a Fellowship Hall was erected by H. L. Builders Construction Co. at a cost of $15,000. In the beginning of 1973 renovation of the church facility was begun, brick veneering the entire structure, constructing a new top and steeple, and changing all windows. The remodeling was done by H & L Builders and increased the value of the church plant to about $150,000.
A Dedication Service, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. C. W. Maynor, was held on Sunday, July 1, 1973. Rev. C. E. Locklear, the only living former pastor of Reedy Branch, delivered the Dedication sermon and Rev. Tony E. Brewington, Supt. of Missions for Burnt Swamp Assoc., gave the Corner Stone Laying Address.
Over the next 12 years Reedy Branch went through several changes.
The Church Building renovation was approximately $40,000. Other additions included a baptismal pool in May 6, 1974; central heat and air conditioning upstairs in March, 1976; an acre of land was purchased for additional cemetery on May 25, 1976; utility building was constructed at a cost of $3,517.00 on March 25, 1979; carpet was added to the sanctuary in November, 1982; new drapes for the choir loft were purchased in February, 1983; old columns were taken down and replaced by new ones by the men of the church in May, 1984. Brother Ray Oxendine (member of Class #11) put-up hand rails for the stairs to balcony in January, 1985. Under leadership of Brother Joe Brooks, the men of the church renovated the Educational Departments at a cost of approximately $42,000 in September 1986.
Other purchases and renovations began in June, 1986, the pews were covered in the sanctuary for $3,500.00. The Church Van was sold for $1,000.00 in June, 1987. In March, 1988, the construction of a new Bell Tower was undertaken by the Brotherhood of the church for an approximate cost of $2,000.00. December 1988 a P/A System was installed which the church choirs sponsored. The approximate cost was $1,800.00. The church roof was re-shingled at a cost of $2,800.00. In October 1987 the church was painted inside and outside at a cost of $3,800.00 by Marshall Oxendine. Later in November, a dedication of the new Educational Departments was held after the renovation along with the church Homecoming.
In September 1989, Rev. Bruce Swett resigned as pastor. On February 10, 1990, Rev. C. W. Maynor was voted to return as Interim Pastor. Rev. Kent Chavis was hired as Associate Pastor in November 1990. Also, in November 1990 the foundation was laid for the new educational building.
Seven deacons were nominated on February 10, 1991. After three candidates withdrew, Henry Harris, Joe Brooks, James Chavis, Larry R. Chavis, Walter Eddings, Bruce Chavis, Curlie Locklear, Larry Carter, M. H. Hunt, Timothy Lewis and A. V. Hunt, Chair are the current deacons of the church.
On April 28, 1991, Rev. C. W. Maynor resigned and on May 5, 1991, Rev. Kent Chavis was voted in as part-time pastor.
On April 11, 1992 a Mickey Brooks Scholarship Fund was established with a tithe of $10,900.00 to the youth of the church for educational scholarship fund for college. Mickey's father, Joseph, and sister, Eugina, will pay an endowment of $2,000 each annually. The Church will match $2,000 to the scholarship.
In April, 1992, the Fellowship Hall was renovated. The tile was replaced at a cost of $2,365.00 and a refrigerator, stove and cabinets were purchased. The next major addition to the Church was the paving of the parking lots, which took place in April, 1992 at a cost of $16,000.00. In 1993, six acres of land were purchased at $18,000 to be used a cemetery and recreational park. December 7, 1996, the church purchased 2 acres of land in front of church for $20,000. It will have a building facility for the youth and a parking Lot. December 7, 1996, the church purchased a Church Sign for approximately $3, 592 to be put in front of the church. On March 17, 1997, the church purchased 2 acres of land from Charlie Hunt for $20,000 ($10,000 per acre) across the road from the church.
May 3, 1997, the Church passed on a Mission Statement, “To assemble in Worship, Equip the Saints for Ministry, Evangelize the world and increase our Membership in order to become mature Disciples of Christ.” November 1, 1997, Reedy Branch Church approved and put into affect a Church Constitution & Bylaws.
August 8, 1998, purchased 3.1/8 acres of land from Carson Oxendine for $30,000 to the side of the church. November 1998, paved parking lot was paved for approximately $38,250
Willie O. Hunt....................................... 1960 – 1971
Joseph Brooks........................................ 1971 - 1975
James M. Chavis.................................... 1975 - 1976
Curlie Locklear...................................... 1976 - 1994
Holden Jacobs.......................................... 1960 1965
Albert Hammonds................................. 1965 - 1974
Larry R. Chavis.................................. 1974 - present
Oscar Chavis.......................................... 1940 - 1974
Larry R. Chavis.................................. 1974 - present
Joseph Brooks.................................... 1971 - present......................... Myrtle
Larry Edward Carter (Toby).................. 1978 - 1997
Branson Chavis...................................... 1900 - 1940......................... Hattiro
Bruce Chavis...................................... 1976 - present......................... Barbara
Fred Chavis............................................ 1968 - 1978......................... Macy
Grady Chavis......................................... 1950 - 1987......................... Anna Wessie
James M. Chavis................................. 1975 - present......................... Wilma
Larry R. Chavis.................................. 1975 - present......................... Loleta
Oscar Chavis.......................................... 1960 - 1988......................... Margie
Walter Eddings.................................. 1978 - present......................... Lear)
Gerald Goolsby...................................... 1993 - 1994......................... (Janice)
Albert Hammonds................................. 1950 - 1989 (Letha)
Henry Harris.......................................... 1993 - 1997......................... (Belinda)
Aundra Hunt.......................................... 1994 - 1997......................... (Helen J.)
A.V. Hunt......................................... 1976 - present)......................... (Joycie Mae)
Cornelious Hunt..................................... 1951 - 1990......................... (Fannie)
Datris Hunt............................................ 1971 - 1990......................... (Ila Mae)
Hudson Hunt......................................... 1950 - 1982......................... (Mockey)
Josh Hunt............................................... 1891 - 1934......................... (Pink)
M.H. Hunt.......................................... 1993 - present......................... (Janet Faye)
Pittman Hunt......................................... 1969 - 1978......................... (Mary)
Spurgin Hunt (S.P.)............................... 1948 - 1973......................... (Monnie)
Willie O. Hunt....................................... 1951 - 1984......................... (Katheryn)
Neill Jacobs............................................ 1900 - 1940......................... (?)
Whaley Jacobs....................................... 1950 - 1989......................... (Lydia)
James Earl Jones.................................... 1971 - 1982......................... (Treva)
Timothy Lewis....................................... 1993 - 1996......................... (Sandra)
Curlie Lockelar................................... 1978 - present......................... (Flora Mae)
Kenny Lockelar.................................. 1998 - present......................... (Vivian)
Chalmes Rogers..................................... 1951 - 1979......................... (Victoria)
W.C. Rogers.......................................... 1968 - 1979......................... (?)
Charlie Warriax...................................... 1950 - 1983......................... (Mandy)
Reedy Branch Baptist Church
3047 E McDonald Rd.
Fairmont, NC 28340
Rev. Hilton Woodell
Sunday School 9:45am / Worship 11:00am
Phone: 910-628-9117