History

The history of Christian Hope Baptist Church is preserved with the hope of inspiring our present and future congregations. It is our prayer that the dreams and visions of those who labored for so long in the Lord's vineyard will continue to manifest.

Christian Hope Baptist Church was organized in 1872 by Rev. June Kennedy, Deacon Earl Evans and Deacon Buddy Smith. It is one of the original churches of the Association. In fact, Christian Hope Baptist Church is the mother church of Christian Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA which Rev. Madison Puckett and others started.

Within the 145 years that we honor and celebrate Christian Hope Baptist Church, we have been blessed to have heard the word of God being brought forth from sixteen pastors. Their voices echoed throughout the church whether it was two or more gathered in God’s name or a full congregation. God was and still is in the midst.

In our 145 years, we have housed three physical church buildings. The first building was located in Ware Shoals, SC on Ekom Beach Road. The second location was located on Indian Mound Rd. Our third and current church house is adjacent to the second location on the same property. Christian Hope Baptist Church as we know it today, was built "by the sweat of their brow" by Deacon John D. Ballentine Sr., Mr. Lee B. Henderson, Mr. Willie Wilson and Chairperson Deacon Edward Evans Sr.

According to the Laurens County records by Mr. William O'Dell II, the land we sit on was deeded to Christian Hope Baptist Church around the 1960's era. The transition from our former church building to our current "church on the hill" was an upgrade from not having running water, inside plumbing and central heating & air. This transition exhibits the luxury of modern day necessities that we are now well accustom to. The carpet, cushioned pews, multiple lavatories, stained glass windows, PA systems, guitars, drums and piano are just a few examples of the added pleasantries.

Christian Hope Baptist Church is still deeply rooted within family morals and beliefs. Those families are the Ballantines, Evans, Mansels and the Griffins. The family trees of the original Christian Hope Baptist Church grew rapidly within generations of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of in-laws. Our church family has grown with extended family and friends over the years. We are confident that Christian Hope will continue to allow the Lord to guide us just as our ancestors did.

In closing, our current pastor Rev. Shannon Gilliard and Elect Lady Xanthine Gilliard became our new leaders in 2011. Since that time, the church has added a new PA system, new doors, creation of our church logo, new software for the financial board, church email, Facebook account and the church grounds have been paved. Also, there are plans to create a church website. In addition, we have adopted our current church motto "Christian Hope, A Place Where We PUSH JESUS” because we realize that nobody but God has brought us this far. For the word of God tells us. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

So “Christian Hope is:

• A Place Where We PUSH Jesus!
• We Put Him 1st in ALL things and praise His Name
• We Usher in His presence
• We Share His love
• And We Hold on to His unchanging hands