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DENMARK, S.C. - Fifty years ago, Bishop Edward Smith began leading the flock at Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc. in Denmark.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 13, under the banner "A Legacy Preserved, a Calling Fulfilled," a special weekend of celebration and remembrance will be held at the church, honoring both the pastor's and the church's golden anniversary. Events will conclude Sunday, Sept. 16.
The original Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc. in Denmark actually began more than 50 years ago, in 1952, with the first sermon held at the home of Elder Freddie Collins in Blackville. In 1955, the church moved to a Blackville storefront and boasted a mere six members.
According to church history, Smith was asked to accompany the late Bishop Joseph Williams on a trip to Blackville one night in 1957, not knowing then that he would be appointed pastor. Following the sermon that night, Williams affirmed Collins' resignation and designated Smith as the church's new pastor.
"The physical building was not impressive at all, nor was the location of the church, or the choir," Smith said, describing the early church. "It certainly wasn't the padded pews and the many instruments we have today, or the central cooling and heating systems, because the church didn't have those things back then.
"What impressed me more than anything was the simplicity and purity in which the Word was taught and preached by the late Bishop J.D. Williams."
On being appointed pastor of Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc., Smith said, "The Lord saved me for service, and if this is where I am to serve, here am I, Lord, use me."
Smith credited Williams for his mentorship and guidance.
"I will forever be grateful for his influence upon my life. I feel that what I am today I owe to him and to his steadfastness, and to the Lord that sent him," he said.
In October 1959, the church moved from Blackville to a storefront on South Church Street in Denmark and had grown to a congregation of 15. In 1962, Smith stepped out on faith and began to erect an $86,000 building with $400 in the church's treasury; in February 1963, the building on East Haynes Street was dedicated.
The Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc. is an apostolic church, which has roots reaching back to A.D. 33. In a description of this apostolic church, its members are credited with belief in the fundamental principles, as given to the apostles by Jesus.
After a half-century in the ministry, Smith continues to work as an apostle. He currently serves as the presiding bishop governing all Progressive churches.
"I'd like to thank God for having been blessed with fairly good health," he said. "But I believe it's not just being in good health that k.jpg me going. It's the power of the Holy Ghost and my desire to fulfill my calling and be able to help others as we travel through this world. The Lord daily gives me the strength that I need to do His work.
"My main goal for the Progressive Church is for it to remain a true beacon of light in a dark and sinful world. I want the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ to stand firm on the principles set forth by our Lord Jesus Christ and preached by the apostles He sent. It is also my desire that the church be an example of everything the world needs. If the world is looking for an example of better marriages, better homes, better reared children, better families, responsible men who love and support their families, and women who love their husbands and children, they should be able to look to the Church. That is certainly my desire."
Smith said every time he sees someone "delivered from Satan and sin through the preaching of the Gospel," it makes his efforts all the more worthwhile.
"The greatest joy one can have after receiving the Holy Ghost and becoming a minister is to see God honor the Word that he teaches and preaches," he said.
Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc., located on 16 acres of land on East Pinkney Street, serves students of Voorhees College and Denmark Technical College, as well as attendees and members from as far away as Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Norway, Orangeburg and Wagener.
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T&D Features Writer Donna Holman can be reached by e-mail at dholman@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.