Church History
History of Lovely Hill Baptist Church
1883-2013
In the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and ninety-three, a select group of our forefathers worshipping at Briner Christian Church left that organization to form the first Missionary Baptist Church in Holly Hill. A progressive group of young men and women no longer wanted to be baptized in Briner Branch. They preferred to have a building of their own with a baptismal pool. The leaders of this successful movement were: Mr. Riley Simmons, Mr. Pumpy Simmons, and the late Rev. John Wright Sr.
After leaving Briner Church, Rev. John Wright, Sr. built the first church on his property. The building was named Bright Start Christian Faith Church later known as Disciples of Christ. However, the group was not satisfied, and continued l to organize the Missionary Baptist Church.
Near the turn of the century, they continued their drive and reorganized meetings under a grape harbor on the street we know today as Railroad Avenue. In 1924, Rev. Joseph Mainard of Summerville donated the land next to the site where they met. It was there the first church was built, named the Lovely Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. John W. Wright, Sr. served as its first pastor. During his administration, some of the outstanding members were Mr. L. L. Rush, Rev. Luther H. Wright, Sr. and Rev. Frank Cain, Sr.
Over the course of many years, the church grew and progressed under the leadership of many pastors: Rev. Morris Wright , Sr., Rev. Kerse, Rev. D. S. Wells, who organized the first junior choir, Rev. J. W. Collins, Rev Eddie Davis, and Rev. H. W. Hooks, who was also the organizer of Hook Zion Baptist Church, known today as Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
As the year’s progresses, the Church’s direction was led by Rev. C. J. Adams, and Rev. Rhodes. From 1961-1962, the pastor was Rev. J. A. Curry under whose present church was built. The members of the Building Committee at this time were: Rev. Paul Haynes who served as Chairman until his health failed and he was succeeded by Mrs. E. P. Keith; Mrs. Matilda Montgomery, Secretary: Deacon John Mazyck; Deacon Ned Randolph; Deacon George Washington; and Deacon Frank Cain.
From 1962-1965, Rev. Stroy served as pastor. In 1965, Rev. A. C. Wright, Jr. became the pastor. Under his commendable guidance and administration the Lovely Hill Family membership has grown as well as the physical infrastructures. An Educational Building has been added to include a Library, a Church Nursery, a number of classrooms, and a kitchen with a dining area as well as other renovations. Reverend Wright served faithfully for 35 years until he went to Glory on September 27, 2000.
Rev. F. D. Hunt, the assistant pastor who served under Rev. Wright’s guidance for 25 years became the interim pastor until he was elected pastor of the church on February 12, 2001. Rev F. D. Hunt was a dedicated leader for five years and left April of 2005, to further his education. Under his administration Lovely Hill Baptist Church established a Children’s Church Ministry, Summer Enrichment Program, Youth Drill Team, and there were significant renovations made to the church’s sanctuary.
On August 13, 2006, Reverend W. J. Frierson, from Manning South Carolina, became the Pastor of Lovely Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Frierson and First Lady Rev. Delaney K. Frierson became members of Lovely Hill Baptist Church on January 23, 2011. He is a powerful man of God who has done great things and will continue to do great thing. As the Lord leads him, we, the Lovely Hill Church family, will continue to embrace and follow his enthusiastic and committed leadership.
In 2011 the Lovely Hill Missionary Baptist Church embarked on a major construction project to include a kitchen and dining area to accommodate the growing congregation and to better serve the community and fulfill God’s plan for mankind.
In July 2012, the church joined the World Wide Web to reach people around the globe and spread the good news of our Lord and Savior. Mrs. Jennifer Jefferson Davis created a website for Lovely Hill, please visit the website.
On Sunday, July 14, 2013, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new 7000 square foot multipurpose building. The new structure has a 5000square foot dinning area, a kitchen, restrooms equipped with showers, and a loft housing the media equipment. This facility can also be used as a shelter in the event of an approaching natural disaster.
Special Note: The majority of the Lovely Hill Baptist Church History was recorded by Rev. F. D. Hunt as dictated by his grandmother Mrs. Matilda Montgomery. Mrs. Montgomery was the daughter of Rev. Frank Cain, Sr., who was one of the founders of the Lovely Hill Baptist Church. Mrs. Montgomery served as a faithful member of Lovely Hill since the early 1900’s. The remaining history came from other faithful members who remembered the trails and triumphs of the early development of the church over the years.