Church History

The original members that founded New Faith Baptist Church were former members of New Trinity Baptist Church. New Faith Baptist Church came about as a result of a split in the congregation of New Trinity Baptist Church. The members that left New Trinity Baptist felt that their spiritual needs were no longer being met. These members had no idea where they would meet to have church services. They stepped out on faith that God would provide and bless them with a new place of worship.  

With God all things are possible! That was the fundamental belief that began New Faith Baptist Church. And so it was, on February 3, 1980, the dream and vision began to unfold at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Nesbitt, Jr. It was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Nesbitt Jr., that a group of Christians devoted themselves to uplifting the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and held the first organizational meeting. The group prayed and petitioned God for guidance.   

On February 5, 1980, they met at Mim’s Upholstery Shop to discuss the purpose and goals of the new church. The newly formed church family met on February 8, 1980, and again on February 12, 1980, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Odis Bomar, Sr., for meditation, establishment of church objectives, and to organize the planning committees.   

In this meeting the first church elections were held. Those elected were: 

Reverend Alfred G. Burt, Pastor,  Mrs. Dianna Burt, Musician,  Mr. Herbert Glenn, Chairman of Deacon Board,  Mr. Carnell Collins, Chairman of Planning Committee,  Mrs. Dorothy S. Bomar, Co- Chairman of Planning Committee,  Mrs. Bobbie J. Mims, Secretary,  Mr. Charles Drummond, Treasurer,  Mother Vera Bomar, Chaplain.   

Putting God first, the foundation of the new church was formed. The next endeavor was to choose a name for the church. The Naming Committee, was chaired by Mrs. Doris Peake. Sis. Peake recommended the name “New Faith Baptist Church.” The name was accepted by the committee and the church family. Our first service was held on Sunday, February 17, 1980, at the Wellford Town Armory with Reverend Alfred G. Burt delivering the first message.  

Isaiah 10:31 states that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. New Faith waited on the Lord. Needing a place to meet, God moved on the heart of Mrs. Norma Dantzler Johnson, an employee of Bell Federal Bank. She was able to secure the building where she worked for church services. When this building was no longer available, God moved on the heart of Reverend Oliver N. Greer, Pastor of Rock Hill United Methodist Church. They allowed New Faith to hold worship services in their sanctuary, until New Faith completed its church building.  

New Faith was officially chartered on June 12, 1980. The charter officers of New Faith were:  Reverend Alfred G. Burt, Pastor,  Deacons: Odis Bomar, Sr., Curtis Evans, Sr., Andrew Mims, Jr., James Nesbitt, and Walter Smith. Junior Deacons: Kenneth Foster, Willie B. Johnson, Carnell Collins. Financial Secretary,  Jackie Bomar. Trustee: Chairman, Charles Drummond, Treasurer, Leroy Fowler, Bobbie J. Mims, Gabriel Miller, Elizabeth Nesbitt, Julia Mae Robinson, Myrtle Rector, Dorothy S. Bomar, Clerk, Dianna Burt, Assistant Clerk, Etta Collins, Education Director.

A fundraising committee was established to sponsor different activities to enable the church to purchase 8.72 acres of land. The land was secured by Mr. Andrew  Mims Sr., from Mr. Page of Jackson Mills, South Carolina. Mr. Jackie Bomar was appointed chairman of the building committee. The loan for the church was secured from Woodruff Federal. Ground breaking was held in February of 1984 by the church family and Solesbee Construction. 

On Sunday, November 4, 1984, J. M. Solesbee turned over the keys to The New Faith Church Family. Dedication Services were conducted by Reverend L. C. Rector Jr. and Reverend Ray Mims. From November 1984 to September 1985, New Faith had a visiting minister to conduct Sunday Worship Services until a new pastor was elected. In September 1985, Reverend Stanley B. Watson was elected pastor.   

Under his leadership, New Faith completed the Education Building, converted the Shaw Appliance Building into an Activity Building, and purchased two additional acres of land. Reverend Watson served as pastor of New Faith for fourteen years. In 2001, Reverend David Sullivan was elected pastor. He served New Faith for 16 months. Reverend Paul Hill served as interim pastor until March 2003. In March of 2003, Minister Sammie L. Stroud, IV was elected pastor. Minister Stroud served as pastor for two years. After which in 2005, Jimmie L. Bruton was elected to serve as pastor of New Faith Baptist Church, where he continues to serve today.