THE CHURCH HISTORY
1863 – Present
1863 – Present
Mill Branch AME Church, located seven miles from the town of Pamplico on the Old River Road, was organized in the year of our Lord 1863 under the leadership of Brothers Joseph Guiles, a local elder, Harry Guiles, Sr., William Guiles, Sampson Judge, Tom Grant, Benjamin Baker, W. M. Longs, Archie Davis, George Hyman, Frank Fleming and others. These men would get together along with other followers and meet from house to house for the purpose of worshipping God. As a result there developed a great need to establish a permanent place of worship. The first crude structure was located near an old mill and a stream which gave rise to the name of Mill Branch Church.
The first Mill Branch was a bush harbor which was a crude structure made of posts cut from trees, with bushes on top for a shelter. The second church was a pole building with a shingled top and the floor was made from slabs. The property belonged to a white citizen in the community, Mr. Jim Rester Hinds. He deeded one acre of land for the church building. The next two buildings were of board construction. A stone church was built in the year 1946 under the pastoral leadership of Rev. J. B. Lewis. It was later dedicated in the year 1951 under the pastoral leadership of Rev. T. H. Davis. The brick building we now have, was renovated and dedicated under the pastoral leadership of Rev. M. W.
Singleton.
Under Rev. McFadden’s pastorate a piano, pulpit set, gas heating system, modern rest rooms, an equipped pastor’s study, and carpeting was
installed.
Under Rev. Singleton’s pastorate the church was renovated adding bricks around the stone structure, modernizing rest rooms, adding an
educational building, dinning room and kitchen. Upon the completion of the renovation the corner stone was laid and the building was dedicated.
Under Rev. Gibbs’ pastorate an organ was installed, new lights were installed in the sanctuary, new pews were purchased, new carpet was
installed, a first aid room was established and central heat and air were installed.
Under Rev. Hillard, a P.A. System was installed, the pastor’s office was modernized, carpet was laid in the vestibule and porch and the exterior of the church was painted. We hosted Turner Memorial Church for 3 consecutive years from Washington, DC. We traveled to New York by bus
to render service for Rev. Leroy R. Judge at St. John AME Church. Also under Rev. Hillard’s leadership, $21,000 was raised and left in the
Building Fund during his last year’s tenure.
Under Rev. Williams’ administration the following additions were accomplished. A new alter was completely installed, the choir stand was elevated, the church painted inside and out, panel board was installed around the walls of the sanctuary, plaster was restored on the walls and ceiling, new carpeting was installed in the sanctuary, speakers were installed, candelabras were purchased for the main sanctuary and a church bus was purchased.
During Rev. Alford’s tenure, rest rooms and kitchen were renovated. Office space was provided for Stewards and finance committees.
During Rev. Peterson’s administration, the following additions were provided. Addition of Sunday School rooms, new office space for pastor and stewards, ceramic tile rest rooms, larger dining area and complete renovation of kitchen, centralized heat and air in the new addition, refurbishing and purchasing furniture and the purchase of property.
During Rev. Graves’s administration numerous improvements have taken place under his leadership. Office and administrative areas were
renovated and the pastor’s study was expanded and furnished. A nursery was created with donations from members as well as outside agencies. In the sanctuary, interior lights installed, a new piano was purchased and the area was repainted. Paintings were also donated and placed in the sanctuary, fellowship hall and pastor’s study. During this administration, the kitchen area was renovated, a new stove, refrigerator, and icemaker was purchased. The parking lot has also been resurfaced. Three new ministers from Mill Branch were admitted to the Northeast Annual Conference. The Evangelical Ministry, the Seniors Ministry and Youth Ministry were instituted during the current administration. The Tape Ministry was added and provides taped messages of services and programs. The Sons of Allen became a viable program at Mill Branch and spread throughout the Conference.
Church growth has been evident over the past year. This has been particularly true for the young people. Church school attendance has risen steadily for the teenage group. There was significant grow in the YPD participation and the youth choir.
This growth sparked the renovation of the sanctuary that was completed in the spring of 2003. The renovation allowed for additional
congregational and choir seating. The renovation also included a new sound system/room and Tape Ministry room. Ramps were expanded or added to accommodate the handicap. Additional restrooms were added at the front of the church and new carpeting placed in the sanctuary.
We know that such growth would not have been possible without the hand of God and we pray that we will forever walk in His way. To God be the Glory.
Mill Branch Church has made a great contribution in that she has sent out a number of her sons into the ministerial field. These are her sons:
Rev. James Davis, Sr. - Deceased
Rev. James Davis, Jr. - Father of Rev. Chappelle Davis, former pastor of William’s Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg SC - Deceased
Rev. Harry Guiles - Deceased
Rev. W. S. Guiles - Father of Rev. S. E. Guiles - Deceased
Rev. P. H. Hyman - Deceased
Rev. D. M. Brown - Deceased
Rev. John Wesley Judge - Deceased
Rev. L. J. Hyman - Presiding Elder Sumter District Northeast Conference SC - Deceased
Rev. Samuel E. Guiles - Deceased
Rev. Leroy Judge - New York Conference - Retired - Deceased
Rev. J. R. Brown - Northeast Conference SC - Retired - Deceased
Rev. Robert Williams - Northeast Conference SC - Retired - Deceased
Rev. S. A. Davis - Deceased
Rev. James Davis - Northeast Conference SC - Deceased
Rev. Eddie Williams - Deceased
Rev. Frankie D. Thomas - Baptist Minister - Retired
Rev. David Long - Columbia Conference SC
Rev. James Brown - Northeast Conference SC - Retired
Rev. Robert Hunter - Northeast Conference SC
Rev. Dr. Calvin Robinson Jr. - Baptist Minister
Rev. Eric Robinson - Northeast Conference
Rev. April C. Jackson - Northeast Conference
Rev. Larry Michael Jackson - Northeast Conference
Listed below are the names of the pastors and time frame they have served.
Rev. Stevenson--------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Gaddy-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Wright-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. White--------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Alston--------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Murphy-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. D.H. Bowens---------------------------------------1894 - 1896
Rev. M.S. Felix-------------------------------------------1896 - 1901
Rev. J.H. Hunt-------------------------------------------1901 - 1901
Rev. D.J. Turpin-----------------------------------------1901 - 1904
Rev. J.F. Player------------------------------------------1904 - 1909
Rev. D.D. Doughty--------------------------------------1909 - 1909
Rev. F.W. Jordan----------------------------------------1909 - 1914
Rev. S.A. Robinson--------------------------------------1914 - 1919
Rev. W.A. Witherspoon---------------------------------1919 - 1923
Rev. G.W. Spivey----------------------------------------1923 – 1926
Rev. I.S. Green-------------------------------------------1926 - 1929
Rev. L.L. Jackson-----------------------------------------1929 - 1931
Rev. S. Chism---------------------------------------------1931 - 1933
Rev. I.H. Dozier-------------------------------------------1933 - 1937
Rev. M.A. Allison------------------------------------------1937 - 1937
Rev. D.D. Doughty----------------------------------------1937 - 1941
Rev. J.B. Lewis--------------------------------------------1941 - 1947
Rev. B.J. Hodge-------------------------------------------1947 - 1949
Rev. T.H. Davis--------------------------------------------1949 - 1952
Rev. R.L. McBride, Sr.-------------------------------------1952 - 1952
Dr. I. McFadden--------------------------------------------1952 - 1961
Rev. James Alford------------------------------1961 - 1961 (1 week)
Rev. B.J. Billups--------------------------------------------1961 - 1963
Rev. Edward Frazier----------------------------------------1963 - 1965
Rev. M.W. Singleton---------------------------------------1965 - 1968
Rev. Dr. E.V. Gibbs-----------------------------------------1968 - 1974
Rev. Richard Hillard----------------------------------------1974 - 1979
Rev. Tecumseh Williams-----------------------------------1979 - 1983
Rev. Leroy Fred-----------------------------------1983 - 1983 (supply)
Rev. James Alford-------------------------------------------1983 - 1984
Rev. W.T. Peterson-----------------------------------------1984 - 1994
Rev. Merritt B. Graves--------------------------------------1994 - 2008
Rev. Dr. Larry L. Harris------------------------------------2008 - 2022
Rev. Archie Temoney---------------------------------------2022-Present
The first Mill Branch was a bush harbor which was a crude structure made of posts cut from trees, with bushes on top for a shelter. The second church was a pole building with a shingled top and the floor was made from slabs. The property belonged to a white citizen in the community, Mr. Jim Rester Hinds. He deeded one acre of land for the church building. The next two buildings were of board construction. A stone church was built in the year 1946 under the pastoral leadership of Rev. J. B. Lewis. It was later dedicated in the year 1951 under the pastoral leadership of Rev. T. H. Davis. The brick building we now have, was renovated and dedicated under the pastoral leadership of Rev. M. W.
Singleton.
Under Rev. McFadden’s pastorate a piano, pulpit set, gas heating system, modern rest rooms, an equipped pastor’s study, and carpeting was
installed.
Under Rev. Singleton’s pastorate the church was renovated adding bricks around the stone structure, modernizing rest rooms, adding an
educational building, dinning room and kitchen. Upon the completion of the renovation the corner stone was laid and the building was dedicated.
Under Rev. Gibbs’ pastorate an organ was installed, new lights were installed in the sanctuary, new pews were purchased, new carpet was
installed, a first aid room was established and central heat and air were installed.
Under Rev. Hillard, a P.A. System was installed, the pastor’s office was modernized, carpet was laid in the vestibule and porch and the exterior of the church was painted. We hosted Turner Memorial Church for 3 consecutive years from Washington, DC. We traveled to New York by bus
to render service for Rev. Leroy R. Judge at St. John AME Church. Also under Rev. Hillard’s leadership, $21,000 was raised and left in the
Building Fund during his last year’s tenure.
Under Rev. Williams’ administration the following additions were accomplished. A new alter was completely installed, the choir stand was elevated, the church painted inside and out, panel board was installed around the walls of the sanctuary, plaster was restored on the walls and ceiling, new carpeting was installed in the sanctuary, speakers were installed, candelabras were purchased for the main sanctuary and a church bus was purchased.
During Rev. Alford’s tenure, rest rooms and kitchen were renovated. Office space was provided for Stewards and finance committees.
During Rev. Peterson’s administration, the following additions were provided. Addition of Sunday School rooms, new office space for pastor and stewards, ceramic tile rest rooms, larger dining area and complete renovation of kitchen, centralized heat and air in the new addition, refurbishing and purchasing furniture and the purchase of property.
During Rev. Graves’s administration numerous improvements have taken place under his leadership. Office and administrative areas were
renovated and the pastor’s study was expanded and furnished. A nursery was created with donations from members as well as outside agencies. In the sanctuary, interior lights installed, a new piano was purchased and the area was repainted. Paintings were also donated and placed in the sanctuary, fellowship hall and pastor’s study. During this administration, the kitchen area was renovated, a new stove, refrigerator, and icemaker was purchased. The parking lot has also been resurfaced. Three new ministers from Mill Branch were admitted to the Northeast Annual Conference. The Evangelical Ministry, the Seniors Ministry and Youth Ministry were instituted during the current administration. The Tape Ministry was added and provides taped messages of services and programs. The Sons of Allen became a viable program at Mill Branch and spread throughout the Conference.
Church growth has been evident over the past year. This has been particularly true for the young people. Church school attendance has risen steadily for the teenage group. There was significant grow in the YPD participation and the youth choir.
This growth sparked the renovation of the sanctuary that was completed in the spring of 2003. The renovation allowed for additional
congregational and choir seating. The renovation also included a new sound system/room and Tape Ministry room. Ramps were expanded or added to accommodate the handicap. Additional restrooms were added at the front of the church and new carpeting placed in the sanctuary.
We know that such growth would not have been possible without the hand of God and we pray that we will forever walk in His way. To God be the Glory.
Mill Branch Church has made a great contribution in that she has sent out a number of her sons into the ministerial field. These are her sons:
Rev. James Davis, Sr. - Deceased
Rev. James Davis, Jr. - Father of Rev. Chappelle Davis, former pastor of William’s Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg SC - Deceased
Rev. Harry Guiles - Deceased
Rev. W. S. Guiles - Father of Rev. S. E. Guiles - Deceased
Rev. P. H. Hyman - Deceased
Rev. D. M. Brown - Deceased
Rev. John Wesley Judge - Deceased
Rev. L. J. Hyman - Presiding Elder Sumter District Northeast Conference SC - Deceased
Rev. Samuel E. Guiles - Deceased
Rev. Leroy Judge - New York Conference - Retired - Deceased
Rev. J. R. Brown - Northeast Conference SC - Retired - Deceased
Rev. Robert Williams - Northeast Conference SC - Retired - Deceased
Rev. S. A. Davis - Deceased
Rev. James Davis - Northeast Conference SC - Deceased
Rev. Eddie Williams - Deceased
Rev. Frankie D. Thomas - Baptist Minister - Retired
Rev. David Long - Columbia Conference SC
Rev. James Brown - Northeast Conference SC - Retired
Rev. Robert Hunter - Northeast Conference SC
Rev. Dr. Calvin Robinson Jr. - Baptist Minister
Rev. Eric Robinson - Northeast Conference
Rev. April C. Jackson - Northeast Conference
Rev. Larry Michael Jackson - Northeast Conference
Listed below are the names of the pastors and time frame they have served.
Rev. Stevenson--------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Gaddy-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Wright-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. White--------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Alston--------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. Murphy-------------------------------------------------Unknown
Rev. D.H. Bowens---------------------------------------1894 - 1896
Rev. M.S. Felix-------------------------------------------1896 - 1901
Rev. J.H. Hunt-------------------------------------------1901 - 1901
Rev. D.J. Turpin-----------------------------------------1901 - 1904
Rev. J.F. Player------------------------------------------1904 - 1909
Rev. D.D. Doughty--------------------------------------1909 - 1909
Rev. F.W. Jordan----------------------------------------1909 - 1914
Rev. S.A. Robinson--------------------------------------1914 - 1919
Rev. W.A. Witherspoon---------------------------------1919 - 1923
Rev. G.W. Spivey----------------------------------------1923 – 1926
Rev. I.S. Green-------------------------------------------1926 - 1929
Rev. L.L. Jackson-----------------------------------------1929 - 1931
Rev. S. Chism---------------------------------------------1931 - 1933
Rev. I.H. Dozier-------------------------------------------1933 - 1937
Rev. M.A. Allison------------------------------------------1937 - 1937
Rev. D.D. Doughty----------------------------------------1937 - 1941
Rev. J.B. Lewis--------------------------------------------1941 - 1947
Rev. B.J. Hodge-------------------------------------------1947 - 1949
Rev. T.H. Davis--------------------------------------------1949 - 1952
Rev. R.L. McBride, Sr.-------------------------------------1952 - 1952
Dr. I. McFadden--------------------------------------------1952 - 1961
Rev. James Alford------------------------------1961 - 1961 (1 week)
Rev. B.J. Billups--------------------------------------------1961 - 1963
Rev. Edward Frazier----------------------------------------1963 - 1965
Rev. M.W. Singleton---------------------------------------1965 - 1968
Rev. Dr. E.V. Gibbs-----------------------------------------1968 - 1974
Rev. Richard Hillard----------------------------------------1974 - 1979
Rev. Tecumseh Williams-----------------------------------1979 - 1983
Rev. Leroy Fred-----------------------------------1983 - 1983 (supply)
Rev. James Alford-------------------------------------------1983 - 1984
Rev. W.T. Peterson-----------------------------------------1984 - 1994
Rev. Merritt B. Graves--------------------------------------1994 - 2008
Rev. Dr. Larry L. Harris------------------------------------2008 - 2022
Rev. Archie Temoney---------------------------------------2022-Present