About Us

In 1866 with all guns silent, and minds on Heaven four jubilant former slaves by the names of Lisbon White, Sr., George Belton, Douglas Murphy and Horace Lawhorne met and discussed plans to build a church. According to the facts, they went from house to house to inform the community about their plans. The people were happy. They all agreed – the plans did not meet with opposition. Our founders worked diligently to implement the plans. In 1867, John Robinson gave our forefathers the land in which the first Rock Hill Baptist Church was built. Before then, the church was piled brushes.

​

The Church Building was completed in April 1867. The church was named Rock Hill because our founders weren’t men and women of letters, but they could relate to Rocks and Hills from previous experiences. They chose the Reverend Zion Jones as their Pastor. The church was dedicated to the services of the Lord the second Sunday in May, 1867. Services were held twice each month because their means of travel was a barrier. The preacher was given food items for his service in lieu of money.

​

In 1867 Rock Hill Baptist Church congregation was huge. People walked long distances to attend. Rock Hill Church became the Mother of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Church.

​

From 1867 to the present, Rock Hill Baptist Church has elected sixteen pastors. Their names are: Rev. Zion Jones, Rev. Scott Brown, Rev. Alfred Dixon, Rev. Andrew Stokes, Rev. Thomas Williams, Rev. Byrd, Rev. K. B. Berry, Rev. Eli Derry, Rev. Gibson, Rev. Adam Jones, Rev. J. E. McGill, Rev. J. L. Perkins, Rev. E. F. Steadman, Rev. W. N. Stallworth, Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Joseph Robertson and current Pastor, Rev. Warren Harley.

​

Ministers ordained since 1867 are: Minister Raymond Brown, Minister Paula Perry, Minister Robert Young, Reverend Vera Stone, Reverend Orenthal Robertson and Minister Joann Freeman.

​

Deacons ordained since 1867 are: George Belton, Horace Lawhorne, Douglas Murphy, Lisbon White, Sr., Daniel White, Robert Martin, Jesse Peay, Jacob Murphy, Morant Tucker, Green Kirkland, Boykin Butler, Frank Robinson, Henry Long, Preston Kirkland, Leslie Tucker, Blake Butler, George White, Thomas Tucker, John C. Butler, Joseph Robertson, Willie Kirkland, Milton McGee, Rhudine Harris, Melvin Butler, Caleb White and George Lawhorne.

​

On November 28, 2010, the Membership began worship in the new Rock Hill Baptist Church located at 1060 Shivers Green Road, Ridgeway, SC. The Members marched from the old Sanctuary at 1034 Shivers Green Road to the new Sanctuary. A Dedication Program was held at 4:00 p.m.

​

Our Founders’ Legacy is evidence of their dedication. Our Founders did not hesitate and labored hard and long to improve the Sanctuary and the Worship Services. In these one hundred and fifty years, much progress has been made. Today, we thank God, Jesus Christ the true Cornerstone and our forefathers who made it possible for the Rock Hill Baptist Church.