The History of the Liberty Spring Baptist Church – 1873-Present

The Liberty Spring Baptist Church was founded in 1873 it Brothers Jack Holloway and Ezra Adams as our Church leaders. Revered W.M Peterson (Son of Springfield Church) served as the pastor of Liberty Spring from its infancy to his death in 1934. Reverend Peterson passed the board in 1898. Reverend J.W. Marshall assisted Reverend Peterson with pastoring in his later years because of declining health.

The church received is first Bible on October 5,1878, which we still have today. Since its organization the church has had two permanent structures. The first one was built in 1898 under the leadership of the Reverend Peterson and was used until May 1979.Since May 1979 the present structure which was built under the leadership of the Reverend Sullivan has been used.

Reverend Peterson began to celebrate the days of the April 9 and July 4 around 1890, however it cannot be found what the April 9 celebration was for, we do know that July 4 was a tan yard celebration.

Liberty Spring Baptist Church was the scene of the splitting of the Union Third Division, August 30-31 1902.Bethany, New Hope, Mt. Lebanon, and Flint Hill were expelled.

As of 1915, Liberty Spring had 8 licensed ministries:

Rev. M Scott Scott
Rev. Doris Merriweather
Rev. P. Holloway
Rev. David Parks
Rev. Fuller Oliphant
Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist
Rev. M.C. Gilchrist
Rev. William Gary Talbert

During its 124 years existence, Liberty Spring has had only 5 ministers to serve as their pastor:

Rev. W.M. Peterson: 61 yrs.1873-1934
Rev. Milton: 2yrs. 1935-1937
Rev. E. J. Daniels: 38yrs – 1938-1976
Rev. W. S. Sullivan: 12yrs. 1976-1988
Rev. Henry Merriweather: (1989-present)

The church’s first deacon board was organized under the leadership of Rev. W. M. Peterson.
They were:

Deacon Jackson Parks
Deacon D. P. Settles
Deacon Fuller Seigler
Deacon T. F. Seigler
Deacon R. B. Adams
Deacon Will settles (Box)
Deacon Al Cummings
Deacon Eugene Settles
Deacon Andrew Jones (sexton)
Deacon Wash Harrison

Other deacons of the church who were ordained under the leadership of Reverend Daniel Sullivan, and Rev. Henry Merriweather were:

Deacon M.C. Gilchrist
Deacon E.C. Lanham
Deacon Odell Seigler
Deacon Harvey Seigler
Deacon Jesse Settles
Deacon Jesse Ouzts
Deacon Freddie Cheatham
Deacon Jerry Martin
Deacon Lewis Seigler
Deacon W.C. Brown
Deacon M.T. Cummings
Deacon John Dean
Deacon John Harrison (sexton)
Deacon John Settles
Deacon Wade Gilchrist
Deacon Curtis Ouzts
Deacon John Jones
Deacon Willie Ouzts
Deacon Thurmond Lanier
Deacon Willie Morgan
Deacon Jimmy Gilchrist
Deacon James Moton

We have had several church clerks:

Deacon M. Scott (1890-1905)
Deacon J.S. Jones
Deacon Eugene Settles
Deacon Wade Gilchrist (1940-1977)
Deacon Thurmond Lanier (1977-1978)
Diane Lanier (1978-1981)
Treasurer Thurmond Lanier (1981-1990)
Dorothy Warren (1990-1992)
Jackie Murcier (1993)
Dorothy Warren (1994)
Pearlie Jones
Geneva Jones
Angela Abney
Jowanda Polly
Jolanda Polly

Because of our growth we had to add a Treasurer position, Assistant Treasurer and Financial Clerk.
Treasurer positions have been held by Navon Settles and Raymond Settles
Assistant Treasures have been Arthur White and Navon Settles
Financial Clerks have been Sylvia Bell, James Moton, and Gwen Harrison

Trustee Board consist of ten members.
They are:

Navon Settles (Chairman)
Clarence Kelly (sexton)
Thomas Gilchrist
Frank Gilchrist
Raymond Roper
Arthur White
Vernon Settles
James W. Morton
Joseph Settles (Deceased)
Chris Warren (Inactive)
Juilan Anderson
Willie Harris
Joe Morgan
Willie Lanier

The Church have had 3 active choirs with Sis. Luetricia Sprowl serving as president of the Senior Choir,
Sis, Kathlean Kelly serving as president of the Gospel Chrous, and Warren Butler, Jr. as president of the Youth Choir. Currently we have one combined choir.

We have a Women’s Missionary that meets monthly Sister Jackie Murcier as president. We currently have The Women of Purpose lead by Shirley Anderson.

Our doorkeepers, who are vital part of any church perform their duties under the guidance of Sis. Sarah Chinn (President). Sis. Inez Brown served as Mother of the Usher Board. Elizabeth Cummings served as president and the current president is Beverly Prince.

Our Sunday School is the background of our spiritual and personal growth and meets each Sunday morning with the following members served:
Supt. Bro- John H. Gilchrist
Asst. Supt.- Kelsey Gilchrist
Secretary- Jennifer Jones

Current Superintendent of Education is Deacon John Settles. Adult teachers are Deacon James Moton, Gwen Harrison, John Gilchrist and Deacon Willie Ouzts. Youth teachers are Pearlie Jones and Harold Whitted.

Pastor Aide President is Emmie White

Prison Ministry is lead by Deacon Nelson Jones and Pearlie Jones