Our History

We stand on the shoulders of the men and women who have gone before us. We are blessed to continue their legacy of standing for Christ as a pillar of truth and beacon of hope in our community and around world…

A meeting was held at Bethlehem School House for the purpose of organizing a new church. This committee was made up of Rev. Tyre Roper, Maxwell Chastain, and Paschal Sutherland.

September 14, 1839
The church was organized as The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethlehem. The charter members were sent from Oolenoy Baptist Church to become members of the new church. They were Maxwell Chastain, Paschal Sutherland, William Rease, Mansfield Aiken, Malinda Chastain, Esther Rease, Esther Sutherland, Mary Ann Sutherland, and Tilmon Aiken.

December 13, 1839
The church at Bethlehem became a member of the Twelve Mile River Association and remained in the association until October 1968 when it became part of the Pickens-Twelve Mile Baptist Association.

1846
The school house became crowded, and the members decided on a more central location for the new church. In 1847, the congregation moved to the present location of the church. Behind the site of the new church, there were two springs and holly bushes growing around the springs. Hence, the name of the church was changed to Holly Springs Baptist Church.

1847
The old sanctuary was replaced by a new building. Much of the work was done by the members. The ceiling was planed and grooved by hand. The weather boarding was also dressed by hand. (This building is presently the Keowee Toxaway State Park Visitors Center.)

1890
A building fund was set up in 1968 in hopes of moving forward with a building program. In 1974, those prayers were answered by way of a new church building. In 1985, the fellowship building was added and dedicated. As in previous years, members helped with the construction.

1968-1985

Baptism in Oolenoy River Between 1896-1912

1974 Article About 1950 Revival & Baptism With 5,000 Attendees

Constructing the New Church, Early 1970s

Our History

A meeting was held at Bethlehem School House for the purpose of organizing a new church. This committee was made up of Rev. Tyre Roper, Maxwell Chastain, and Paschal Sutherland.

The church at Bethlehem became a member of the Twelve Mile River Association and remained in the association until October 1968 when it became part of the Pickens-Twelve Mile Baptist Association.

The old sanctuary was replaced by a new building. Much of the work was done by the members. The ceiling was planed and grooved by hand. The weather boarding was also dressed by hand. (This building is presently the Keowee Toxaway State Park Visitors Center.)

A building fund was set up in 1968 in hopes of moving forward with a building program. In 1974, those prayers were answered by way of a new church building. In 1985, the fellowship building was added and dedicated. As in previous years, members helped with the construction.

Holly Springs Baptist Church