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History
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The Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus
Christ of Denmark had its humble beginning in
1952 at the home of Elder Freddie Collins of
Blackville, South Carolina. In 1955 the church
moved to a storefront in Blackville, South
Carolina with only six members.
Christ of Denmark had its humble beginning in
1952 at the home of Elder Freddie Collins of
Blackville, South Carolina. In 1955 the church
moved to a storefront in Blackville, South
Carolina with only six members.
| Elder Freddie Collins First Pastor in Blackville, SC |
One night in 1957 Elder Edward Smith was
asked to accompany the late Bishop Joseph
Williams on a trip to Blackville, South Carolina
not knowing that he would be appointed pastor.
After preaching that night, Bishop Williams
affirmed the resignation of Elder Collins and
appointed Elder Smith as pastor. Elder Smith
accepted the challenge by saying, “The Lord
saved me for service and if this is where I am to
serve, here am I lord, use me.” He told his
pastor, Bishop Williams, of his desire to sell his
home in Columbia and build a house in
Denmark. Bishop Williams told him to sell his
house, go to Denmark, and build the Lord a
house first. He did not understand, but he
believed. In October of 1959, the church was
moved from Blackville to a storefront on South
Church Street in Denmark with a congregation of
about fifteen persons.
asked to accompany the late Bishop Joseph
Williams on a trip to Blackville, South Carolina
not knowing that he would be appointed pastor.
After preaching that night, Bishop Williams
affirmed the resignation of Elder Collins and
appointed Elder Smith as pastor. Elder Smith
accepted the challenge by saying, “The Lord
saved me for service and if this is where I am to
serve, here am I lord, use me.” He told his
pastor, Bishop Williams, of his desire to sell his
home in Columbia and build a house in
Denmark. Bishop Williams told him to sell his
house, go to Denmark, and build the Lord a
house first. He did not understand, but he
believed. In October of 1959, the church was
moved from Blackville to a storefront on South
Church Street in Denmark with a congregation of
about fifteen persons.
| Progressive Church Blackville, South Carolina - 1955 |
| Progressive Church Church Street, Denmark, SC 1959 |
After moving to Denmark, Elder Smith encountered much opposition but that did not shake
his faith in God. In 1962 he stepped out on faith and began to erect an $86,000 building
with $400 in the church’s treasury. Many doors were closed in his face, but because of
his steadfast faith in God, the work continued. The Lord began to open many doors and in
seven months, in February of 1963, the building on East Haynes Street was dedicated.
his faith in God. In 1962 he stepped out on faith and began to erect an $86,000 building
with $400 in the church’s treasury. Many doors were closed in his face, but because of
his steadfast faith in God, the work continued. The Lord began to open many doors and in
seven months, in February of 1963, the building on East Haynes Street was dedicated.
| Bishop Edward Smith As a young pastor |
| Progressive Church East Haynes Street, Denmark, SC 1963 |
| Bishop J.D. Williams Preaching Dedication Service East Haynes Street, Denmark, SC 1963 |
| Directing Choir - Dedication Service East Haynes Street, Denmark, SC 1963 |
