About First Baptist Gowensville
Church Schedule Church Staff Our History
We are a body of believers committed to serving and worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We join together as a church body to encourage and equip one another for taking part in the Great Commission. We are a church with great history dating back 180 years and God is still doing a new work here at Gowensville. We would love for you to come and visit us here at First Baptist Gowensville. Each Sunday morning our greeters are in the lobby of the church ready to assist you and lead you in the right direction. We hope to see you very soon and God Bless!Church ScheduleSundays8:30am Early Worship Service 9:45am Sunday School and Bible Study 11:00am Worship Service 5:00pm Youth Game Time 5:30pm Student Ministry Service 5:30pm Choir Practice, RA's & GA's 7:00pm Evening Worship Mondays 6:30pm Visitation Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30 Mother's Morning Out Wednesdays 6:00pm Family Supper 6:30pm - TeamKid Children's Ministry - Student Ministry 7:00pm - Adult Discipleship Classes |
Church Staff
Rev.
Chad Rickenbaker - Senior Pastor
Chad has served at Gowensville since November 2000. He is married to Joye Rickenbaker and is the father of four children. He graduated from Charleston Southern University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Rev.
Michael Hodge - Associate Pastor of Education and Outreach
Michael joined the staff in May 2002 as the Minister of Youth and Education. Since that time his roles have changed and currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Education and Outreach. Michael is the father of two children and spouse of Amanda Lusk Hodge. Michael graduated from Anderson University and Southeastern Seminary.
michael@fbcgowensville.com
Check out the Hodge
Family Blog HERE
Rev. Kevin Rodgers - Minister of Music
Kevin began his ministry at Gowensville as the interim Minister of Music during a transition time in our church. It became very apparent that God had guided Kevin to us. He is still a resident of Chapin, SC but travels to the upstate each weekend to lead us in our worship services.
Ryan Edwards - Minister of Students
ryan@fbcgowensville.com
Ryan is a junior at North Greenville University. He began
his ministry in the Spring of 2007 as he continues his studies at
NGU. He plans to attend seminary following graduation from
NGU.
Renee Davis - Ministry Assistant
Renee began her work at First Baptist Gowensville in the fall of 2007. Renee is always the first person that you will talk to when calling the church, and she is glad to help answer your questions or direct your calls. She is in the office Monday - Thursday 9-3 and Fridays 9-12.
Renee's Email: office@fbcgowensville.com
Pat Culbreth - Financial Secretary
Pat has served at Gowensville for several years in various roles. She is now our Financial Secretary. Pat is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you need any assistance relating to finances and budgets.
Sherri
Hyder - Pianist
Terry Gosnell - Church Custodian
Harold
Thompson - Family Life Center Custodian
Pat
Lindsey - Nursery Manager
Our History
The first record of the Gowensville Church reads thus: "Met at Brown's school house at the cross roads, the scattered Baptists of the neighborhood, and held a conference in what matter we should proceed to become a people in a body for the worship of God, at this place. It was the view of the whole to fall into the Tyger church, and become an arm of that church. Sent a request to the church for their eldership to attend the next meeting. According to the request they sent the eldership to our assistance."From the first meeting, July 16, 1809, acting as an arm, they held regular meetings for hearing the gospel, and for the transaction of business, until May 5, 1820, when they constituted into a church. At the constitution there were 20 "standing members," (words of record), 6 males and 14 females. They were known as Cross Roads Church until 1873 when the name was changed to Gowensville. On February , 2000, the church voted to change its name to First Baptist Church of Gowensville. In 1849, a house of worship was erected on five acres of land given by William Walker, author of Southern Harmony, the third since the meeting was held at the cross roads. It received a new roof in 1897. On January 7, 1911, plans for the present building were accepted, completed as originally specified, in November 1913, costing $2,257.03. Further work was done and it was dedicated on Sunday, September 25, 1921, as part of the church centennial celebration.
During these years, the preaching services and business were held on Saturday. Sunday School was on Sunday morning, and sometimes there would be preaching services in the morning or afternoon. This lasted until 1931, when the church voted to have conference on the first Sunday of the month. Prayer meetings began during 1920.
- In January 1945, the church began full-time services, with preaching each Sunday morning and night.
- In November, 1945, the church began raising funds to build a parsonage, which was completed in July 1948.
- In December 1966, the church voted to build a new parsonage. The old one was sold on February 11, 1967, and the new and present one was dedicated July 23, 1967.
- In April, 1950, the church voted to build Sunday School rooms and remodel the inside of the church, which was completed in the fall of 1951.
- In March, 1957, the auditorium was redecorated and new pews added.
- On December 6, 1981, the church approved the building of a new education and fellowship building. This was dedicated on January 30, 1983.
- In April, 1977, a Homebound Tape Ministry was established.
- In November, 1984, the church voted to incorporate under the laws of South Carolina.
- The church began its newsletter, The Good News, on March 5, 1989.
- Fifth Sunday Night Singings began in July, 1994.
- On February 5, 1995, the church began an early praise and worship service, in addition to the regular 11:00 service.
On November 26, 2000, Reverend Chad Rickenbaker, our present pastor, started his ministry with us.
On September 5, 2001, family night supper began. Following this time is our Discipleship Hour offering classes for all ages.
On May 27, 2002, Reverend Michael Hodge began his ministry as the Minister of Youth and Education. Since that time his role has changed to Associate Pastor of Education and Outreach. Ryan Edwards was hired in the spring of 2007 to assume the ministry to our youth.
Truly we are a church rich in history. We are proud of our history, but even more excited about what God is doing right now at FBC Gowensville. God truly is doing a new work here at Gowensville. Join us for one of our services and see for yourself. We look forward to the opportunity to minister to you!