BRIEF HISTORY…From the beginning!
In 2003, FoP began with the help of the South Carolina Baptist Association and St. George Baptist Church of Orangeburg as a church plant with 29 people in one of our current member homes. Several weeks later, we began worshipping at Sweatman’s BBQ between Eutawville and Holly Hill on Sunday mornings and at a current member’s home on Wednesday Nights. We continued to grow at Sweatman’s BBQ for 9 months prior to renting a place (old Bingo Parler) in Santee at a strip mall. We worked hard to get it ready to move in and on October 12, 2003, we moved into our building. Dr. Rob White with the SCBC was our interim pastor for 6 months. Pastor Scott Eadie became our interim pastor in April 2004. Our first baptism service was in August 2004 with Pastor Scott Eadie baptising at one of our members lakefront. On January 30, 2006 we closed on 41 acres of land and a home just outside of Santee. Our pastor moved into the home and used as a parsonage.
We began our Time To Build Campaign with a large banquet at the Ramada Inn in Santee on Nov 12, 2006. January 20, 2007 we held a ground breaking ceremony on the property. September 23, 2007 we had our first service in our new facility with 208 people attending.
God continues to grow HIS church in Santee, SC. He are honored that He has chosen us to further His ministry in this area and throughout the world!
In October 2009, we called our Associate Pastor Ronnie Spires.
In September 2014, we called a new Senior Pastor, Kent Wilson, who served FoP until August 2017 before taking a position at a church in the Charleston area.
In 2015, we purchased an electronic sign for FoP which is installed on Highway 6 in front of our campus. It has been a wonderful way to reach people who travel the highway daily.
In 2016, we completed a Ministry Building at the rear of our main facility. It has been used for dinners, celebrations, VBS, exercise classes, Men’s night, Super Bowl parties and other ministry outreaches.
On Sunday, December 10th, 2017, after serving 8 years as Associate Pastor, Ronnie Spires was confirmed as our new lead pastor!
FoP was only closed for one Sunday during the Covid of 2020. It was also during that time that we celebrated our 18th anniversary and the mortgage on our building was paid in full! To God be the glory!
Visitors always comment on the warmth and love that is felt when they enter our doors. Lord, continue to bless all who enter and strengthen your people in our walk with You.