CHAPTER VI: RECENT YEARS

Enon Baptist Church called Reverend Grady Tollison in November 1966. A great man dedicated to the call of the gospel of Christ our Lord. He served with love and untiring efforts for the good of the church and its people and those who felt lost. The people of Enon loved their pastor and were greatly blessed the fifteen years he was with us.

Grady Henry Tollison was born May 11, 1919, in Anderson County. His father was John T. Tollison and his mother, Emmie Irene Bryant Tollison of Liberty. At the age of sixteen, he accepted Christ in a revival at Flat Rock Baptist Church. On August 13, 1939, Grady was called by the Lord to preach and surrendered on May 9, 1948. He was licensed to preach June 20, 1948, and ordained on September 4, 1948, at East Side Baptist Church, Liberty, South Carolina. He was called to his first church, Cedar Rock Baptist Church, in July 1948. He served as pastor of these churches: South Union Baptist, Westminster; Mr. Airy Baptist Church; and Enon Baptist Church.

Reverend Tollison attended Special High School at North Greenville College, North Greenville College, and completed seminary extension courses and daily study and prayer. He has held many denominational positions including {he following: President of the Ministerial Bank, North Greenville College; one term on the General Board of South Carolina Baptist Convention; one term on the Church Training Committee of South Carolina Baptist; two terms as Trustee of South Carolina Baptist Hospitals; two terms as Youth Leader of the Piedmont Association; two terms as President of Pastors' Conference; three terms as Chairman of the Missions Committee of the Piedmont Association; five years as adult leader in the Sunday School; five terms on the Nominating Committee of the Piedmont Association; and a committee member of Piedmont Association to look for land for the White Oak Conference Center. On Easter Sunday, April 6, 1980, he helped establish the Slabtown Mission, which has had many accomplishments.

Reverend Grady Tollison married the former Evelyn Pauline Griffin of Liberty and they parented three sons, Dr. Boyce Tollison of Easley, Mr. Truett G. Tollison of Greenville, and Dr. Ronald M. Tollison of Greenville.

There were many accomplishments in the church while Reverend Tollison was pastor. In July 1967, the church installed a new heating and air conditioning system. More parking area was provided. The entire educational facility was painted in July 1968. A budget was set for the church in 1967 and continued each year that followed. In 1968, the church gave the pastor the privilege of taking a visiting revival pastor out for a meal, if no invitation came from a home. Also, a water cooler was purchased and placed in the church hallway.

Several changes came during the year 1969. The church purchased an adding machine, and air conditioning was installed in the parsonage. In February, the church took $1,000.00 from the treasury and paid on the church debt; later, $2,000.00 was paid on the debt. In November, the church insurance coverage was $82,000.00 and the parsonage coverage was $25,000.00. In December, the church voted to give $324.00 to aid in the purchase of property on Fleetwood Drive to construct an associational building.

There was the need for a new organ in 1970. The music committee recommended that an organ be placed in the church on a trial basis and a final decision would be made later. Also, in February of the same year, the church purchased seventy-five folding chairs to be used in the fellowship building. The cost per chair was $3.95, a total cost of $308.00. On August 5, 1970, a motion and second was made that the parsonage debt be paid. This was approved.

Progress continued to be made at Enon during the year 1971. The pastor inquired if the church would like to participate in a mission project for a church in Delaware. A motion and second was made that $100.00 be sent monthly for six months. The church members approved this project. In October, the church called Tommy Bates as Minister of Music and paid him $30.00 per week. The church voted in November to complete the fellowship building behind the church; also approved was the installation of a refrigerator, stove, sink, and cabinets, and a sealer to be put on the floor. There was also a recommendation from the deacons to purchase 150 new Baptist Hymnals for the auditorium. Old hymnals were to be used in the classrooms. In December, the deacons requested that the church give $200.00 toward the intensive care unit at the Easley Baptist Hospital.

The church purchased a new mimeograph machine for $582.40 in March 1972, and was allowed $60.00 for the used one. In June, Jimmy Watson accepted a call to be music director. During the same month, there was a recommendation that the church have the choir loft enlarged, the organ and piano raised and that carpet be installed in the auditorium, halls, Sunday School rooms, and upstairs, except in the nursery. Indoor and outdoor carpet would be installed in the basement and on stairways. In October 1972, the church voted to purchase a church bus. This bus was dedicated to the Lord and to be used in bringing people to church and to Him. On December 24, the deacons recommended that the people, as a church, give Reverend Grady Tollison and Mrs. Tollison a paid vacation to the Holy Land. An amount of $1,000.00 was approved.

The year, 1973, brought continued progress at Enon. In January, the church voted to have tinted glass installed in the windows of the auditorium at a cost of $850.00. A motion and second were made in May to have air conditioning installed in the Sunday School rooms; this cost $2,800.00. Also in May, the church granted an application to James Rowland to enter North Greenville Junior College on ministerial aid. In August 1973, the church purchased twenty-five choir seats, at the cost of $375.00, from First Baptist Church. Insurance was raised on the church, parsonage and fellowship building to the total of $177,000.00. The deacons recommended in December that the church pave the parking area and that additional Baptist Hymnals be purchased.

Improvements in 1975 included the approval in May to purchase a weed eater to be used around the church and cemetery. In August, the church voted to paint the exterior of the church and parsonage for a cost of $300.00. It was recommended in October that James Rowland attend the Southeastern Theological Seminary.

Also in October, 1975, the deacons recommended that the following constitute a committee to develop a constitution and by-laws for Enon Baptist Church: Ray Porter, Thomas Powell, Ethel Bracken, Perry Pinion, Glenda Wilson, Elaine Gilstrap, and David Phillips. Reverend Tollison served as an advisor. Many hours were spent in composing the material in the constitution. Then in May 1976, the constitution and by-laws were presented to the church. After a period of discussion, a vote was called. The majority of the church accepted the constitution and by-laws.

In May 1976, the deacons recommended that the church license James Rowland for the gospel ministry. He was ordained on October 17, 1976, at three o' clock.

A motion and second were made in June 1976, for the church bus to be sold to the highest bidder.

As years went by, there were expenses to be met in addition to the upkeep of the church and the required salaries. To meet these needs, a proposed budget is planned each year. For example, the proposed budget for 1970-1971 was $21,761.05; ten years later the budget was $63,823.16. From the indication of these figures we must remember that the Lord's work is great, and to meet these needs, it is very important to contribute to the church.

Again there came the need for additional classrooms in several departments of the church. On July 13, 1977, "to build or not to build" was presented to the church. When the vote was taken, the majority voted in favor of construction. In June 1976, the church granted permission to spend $300.00 to draw plans for an addition to the educational facility and a fellowship hall. The committee for this project consisted of Ray Porter, Allen Riddle, and Harrison Williams. On September 7, 1977, the Building and Grounds Committee recommended, after much prayer and consultation with five building contractors, that Mr. Harold Cartee with W & N Construction construct the addition. They agreed to sign for $150,000.00. The building would consist of eight classrooms, a music room, and fellowship hall with a kitchen.

On March 2, 1978, the groundbreaking ceremony took place outside for the new educational facility and was held following the morning worship services. Those taking part in the program included the following members: Ray Porter; Reverend Grady Tollison; Ethel Bracken; Angela Duncan, the youngest church member present; Janet Farr, Dewitt Kilby, Ola Edens, the oldest church member present; Milton Gilstrap; Guy Gilstrap; Harrison Williams; Allen Riddle; and, G. B. Freeman, associational missionary. A large number of church members were in attendance.

The dedication of the education and fellowship building was on October 22, 1978, at 11 :00 AM. Reverend G. B. Freeman, Missions, Director of Piedmont Association, was the speaker, and Phillip Hare of Southern Seminary brought special music. All members and friends were invited to attend the services. Open house followed the morning services.

In April of 1977, Jimmy Watson, the Music Director, resigned. In May, the church agreed to pay Perry Pinion $10.00 per service for leading the singing. On October 9,1977, the Music Committee recommended Philip Hare, a senior at Furman University, as Music Director. In September of the following year, the church granted him an application to be accepted to the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In December of 1978, C. W. Lyle was called as Music Director.

The deacons recommended in February 1978, that the Church give $1.00 per resident member to pay the debt on the Associational Mission Building. The amount totaled $330.00.

In April 1978, the church voted to pay for Reverend Tollison's trip to Cleveland, Ohio, for a mission revival.

After the deacons recommended that George Tate be licensed for the ministry in August 1978, approval was given. In September 1978, the church signed an application for ministerial student aid for George.

At a special conference called March 11, 1979, the deacons recommended that the church contribute the Fourth Sunday offering to the Building Fund.

In June 1979, Mark Duncan requested the church sign an application for him to enter North Greenville Junior College on ministerial aid. In September 1979, the church licensed Mark to the ministry.

Also in June 1979, the church agreed to pay $3,000.00 on the church debt. In August, the deacons recommended that an additional $2,000.00 be paid on church indebtedness. In November 1979, there was a recommendation from the deacons that the church make a payment of $5,000.00 plus an interest of $646.72 toward church indebtedness. Later, in November 1980, the deacons recommended payment of $4,000.00 on the church debt.

In April, 1980, the deacons recommended that the church reserve a parking space for the handicapped and construct a ramp to allow the handicapped 8;ccess to the church. Also at this time, there was a need of additional space in the choir, so the church voted to enlarge the choir loft,

Reverend Tollison made a motion in July 1980, that the money set aside for his convention trip to be used for a Backyard Bible Study at Whispering Pines. The church approved this.

In September 1980, the deacons recommended that the Building and Grounds Committee be given permission to have work done on the side porch and to waterproof a wall in line with the porch.

Ray Porter, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, in June, 1981, recommended to grade, asphalt, and build a retainer wall at the west side of the church at the cost of $9,000.00. This area was to be used for additional parking and a recreational area for the youth. An anonymous party agreed to loan the church the amount needed for construction. This repay would be $200.00 weekly.

On the Sunday morning of October 18, 1981, at the close of service, the pastor requested everyone to remain seated. He read a letter, part of which said, “After much prayer asking God to lead, I am offering my resignation as pastor of Enon Baptist Church to enter into retirement on January 3, 1982, effective January 3, 1982.”

The following numbers were recorded after Reverend Tollison's fifteen years for the Lord at Enon Church:

Since his retirement from Enon Baptist Church, Rev. Tollison has served as interim in numerous area churches. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday. He and Evelyn reside on Frank Street in Easley.

After the Pastor's resignation, it was time, under the leadership of God, to search for a pastor. The church selected the following search committee: Allen Riddle, Ray Porter, Roger Bracken, Jerry Rogers, and Jimmy Porter.

Numerous things have been added to the church to make it beautiful and attractive. Several people have given items in memory of loved ones. The men have worked inside and. outdoors because of their concern for the upkeep of the church. Also the women and children have contributed in many ways. May the people of Enon always be willing to share in service for the Lord within the church and community.

In 1978, the Women's Missionary Union was changed. It now has a director over all the organizations. There are five groups: Baptist Women, ages 30 and up; Baptist Young Women, ages 18 through 29; Acteens, ages 12 through 17; Girls in Action, ages 6 through 11; and, Mission Friends, birth through 5. Evelyn Tollison directed the groups from 1976 through 1981. She was a dedicated and faithful leader, showing love and care for others in her work. Through her efforts many WMU accomplishments were made.

The Brotherhood has been active in Enon Church since 1959. They have different speakers to give valuable information about their work or about the places they serve. The Brotherhood works along with the WMU presenting mission programs and donates to the Foreign, Home and State Missions. They also do mission activities in the community, sponsor two Royal Ambassador groups, and participate in many sports' activities. These boys learn many things about missions and the value in serving the Lord and helping others.

BYPU was organized several years ago and as time passed, it was renamed Training Union. Today Training Union is an important part of the church work. Through Training Union members gain experience in public speaking, receive encouragement to be more dedicated Christians and learn about denominational work. There are classes for all ages.

Music has always been important in the services at Enon. Through the years, there was always someone to play the organ or piano and to lead the singing. In 1956, the church choir was officially formed because the new sanctuary contained a choir loft. Today there is a music director, one of the best adult choirs, and a lovely children's choir. The best, well-trained musicians, along with a dedicated music director, are blessings to the choir who sing of the Glory of God and contribute to the church worship services.

Reverend and Mrs. Fred Tumlin came to "Enon Church in January 1982, where Reverend Tumlin served as interim pastor for a period of six months. The people of Enon admired and loved them both, and Reverend and Mrs. Tumlin returned these favors to the church in many ways. Being a great man of God, he encouraged members and shared the gospel, so that when the new pastor began serving, the members would accept him with the love of God, and be ready to go forward under his leadership.

On Saturday, July 17, 1982, Reverend Carl King and family came to Enon Church. Reverend King preached that evening and after, the service a meal was served in the fellowship hall. Afterwards, members had the opportunity to meet and talk with Reverend and Mrs. King. The following Sunday morning, Reverend King brought another inspirational sermon. After the service, the church was called into conference to vote on Reverend King as pastor. The church voted by ballots; 181 members supported him as pastor_ He accepted this call to serve Enon Church. Reverend Carl King and his family began a new period in the history of Enon Baptist Church on August 8, 1982. May God's love and blessing be greater in Enon Church services from this day forward.

Rev. King's family consisted of his wife, Wanda Fulbright King, daughter, Lori Elizabeth King, and son, Daniel Edward King. Another son, Andrew, was born, into their family their first year in Brazil. Rev. King was a graduate of Baptist College at Charleston and Southwestern Seminary. During his pastorate he received his Master of Divinity degree from Erskine Seminar. During the years that Rev. King served as pastor of Enon Baptist Church, the church experienced growth in membership, discipleship, and a close Christian fellowship.

In March of 1983 the first church secretary was elected. Mrs. Nancy Hunter was chosen to serve in this position. One of the small Sunday School classrooms was renovated for her office. The church purchased a new copy machine; however a new typewriter, a desk, a chair, and a file cabinet were all donated. Also, during this time the pastor's study was enlarged so Rev. King could have an appropriate area to provide counseling.

During March the Enon Church History book was completed by Mrs. Ethel Bracken, published by the Piedmont Associational office, and distributed to the membership.

In May of 1983 the members of the church were delighted to receive the first pictorial church directory.

On May 28, 1983 the senior citizens group was organized. The group adopted the name "Sunshine Group" and decided to have two meetings monthly. Mrs. Margaret Riddle was elected president and served in this capacity many years.

In the summer of 1983, Ricky and Dee Baldwin were called to serve as Youth Minister.

In July and August 1983, a brush arbor meeting was held in a tent that was erected in the church parking lot. Former ministers spoke nightly, and Homecoming was held on Sunday with dinner on the grounds followed by an afternoon of singing that was led by the Finley Family Quartet.

In the fall of 1983 one of the downstairs classrooms was renovated into a beautiful Prayer Room. This room is still used by the church membership today.

The educational wing was paid off on August 5, 1983, making the church debt free. After this, carpet was replaced in the halls of the original building and the downstairs Sunday School rooms. These rooms were paneled. The floor of the fellowship hall was covered with tile.

A tent revival was held in September 1983 at the Whispering Pines Sub-division. The two-week revival was sponsored by ten cooperating churches and hosted and coordinated by Rev. King. Local pastors spoke, along with Dr. Greg Allison from Tennessee and Rev. Percy Ray: from Myrtle, Mississippi. In the end it proved to be as great a revival for the members of our church as it was for those it was intended to reach.

Miss Joy Rish came to Enon Baptist Church in the summer of 1984 to be our Summer Children/Youth Worker. One of her responsibilities was to conduct a Mother's Day Out Program.

Rev. King, C. W. Lyle, Roger Bracken, and Fred Paxton went in August of 1984 to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to aid in the construction of a new wing of the Calvary Baptist Church. Upon returning from this mission project, Rev King went with a mission team from South Carolina to Ecuador. The church family provided him with love gifts to distribute to the missionaries there.

The Sunshine Group Cookbook was completed in March 1985, and the monies made from sale of the book were used to pay for the church van.

Mrs. King initiated one of the most meaningful ministries of Enon Baptist church. It is our annual Christmas store and celebrations that is held early in December. This event was established to give opportunity to any child served by DSS to choose Christmas gifts for family and friends. Church members contribute the items for the store. Members also contribute refreshment, treat bags, and wrap the gifts the children choose. It is a heart-warming experience for all involved.

In April 1985, Rev. Carl King announced to the church membership that he and Wanda had committed and surrendered themselves to mission work After much preliminary paper work and interviews, they went to Richmond, Virginia in October of 1985 to be interviewed and evaluated by the Foreign Mission Board. On November 19, they received their answer by phone from the Mission Board. Carl, Wanda, and the children had been accepted as missionaries to South Brazil.

On November 24, 1985 Rev. King announced his resignation as pastor of Enon Baptist Church to begin final preparations for appointment as a Southern Baptist Missionary to Brazil.

Because of a trip planned by Rev. Tom Jones, Director of the Piedmont Baptist Association, many church members were present at the Second Baptist Church in Richmond, VA on December 10, 1985 when the Kings received their official appointment certificates.

Rev. King and family's last service at Enon was December 29, 1985. In January of 1986, they moved to Richmond to attend language school. In April they moved to Campo Grande, South Brazil where Carl assumed the duties of general evangelist/educational consultant, and Wanda worked with the local churches in the areas of education, music, WMU, missions, etc.

During the King's pastorate, Carl and Wanda inspired the membership through their musical talents. They both filled places in the choir and sang many beautiful duets. Wanda blessed everyone when she sang acappella. We could feel God's spirit descend upon us.

As this history is being revised the Kings are on furlough and will participate in Enon's 150th celebration. When they return to the field in late 2001, they will be stationed in the city of Corurnba that sits on the Bolivian border and is the gateway to the world's largest everglades. Carl will be piloting a plane out to the area ranches, seeking to start cell churches on the some 400 ranches. He has become a Physicians Assistant and will use his medical skills in remote areas and will assist volunteer medical teams meet to the physical as well as spiritual needs of the Pantaneiros.

Dr. David Anderson served as interim after the King's departure and served faithfully until the selection of our next minister.

Rev. Billy Glenn Freeman became pastor of Enon Baptist Church on Sunday, July 6, 1986. He came to us from the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. A native of Pickens, Pastor Bill is a graduate of Anderson College, Southern Wesleyan University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to the former Carolyn Ruth Ellenburg of Pickens. She is a billing clerk at Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority in Easley.

A short time after Preacher Bill became our pastor, the church voted to redecorate the auditorium by repainting the walls and installing mauve carpet and pew cushions. Pastor Bill and Carolyn's donation to this project was the beautiful drapes that still cover the baptistery today.

A new piano was purchased in 1989.

In July of 1990 a Wednesday morning Bible study was established. Rev. Freeman conducted this service for many years. Later, several retired ministers including Rev. Edwin Norris and Rev. Bobby Caldwell led it. This service has experienced steady growth since then. It is presently being lead by Rev. Cephas Weatherford.

The church library was established in 1991 under the leadership of Mrs. Toni Mantooth.

Enon, along with many of the, churches in the Piedmont Baptist Association, participated in the England Partnership in May of 1991. Two ladies and three gentlemen from Christ Church in Christ, England spend 10 days ministering to the church family by conducting our worship services and teaching the adult Sunday School classes. Several church families served as host for members of the team. The church experienced a spiritual rebirth through their witness. They presented the church with the beautiful wall hanging that is displayed on the wall above the inside front doors to the sanctuary.

Rev. Freeman taught the Continual Witnessing Class to all of the membership that wished to participate.

The church was re-roofed and the exterior woodwork was covered with white vinyl siding. The pastor's study was paneled and bookshelves were constructed to provide space for a pastoral library.

Two hundred cream-colored Baptist Hymnals were purchased. The church's name was engraved in gold on the front. The church family was given the opportunity to purchase hymnals in honor or memory of someone. A small label was placed inside the front cover telling who purchased the hymnal and whom it honored.

In May of 1993 the church voted to allow the Fellowship Hall to be used as a voting precinct.

It was during the time of the Freeman pastorate that the prayer room was vandalized when a young man broke into it and attempted to set it afire. He was later apprehended and paid some restitution for the damage.

Rev. Freeman was privileged to visit the Holy Land twice while he was Enon's pastor. The knowledge and experience he gained from theses trips were willingly shared with our people through his slides and sermons.

Rev. Freeman resigned as pastor on January 9, 1994. He has since retired from the pastorate and is presently serving as a full-time evangelist. He and Carolyn live on Tabor Woods Road in Pickens.

During the spring and summer of 1994 Enon Baptist Church was blessed with two dedicated interims: Dr. Loyd Batson and the Rev. and Mrs. Wilton Maxwell. The church family appreciated the dedication to God and our church that was exemplified by these two great leaders. In fact, they are held in such high esteem by the membership that they are still included in many of Enon's special occasions.

Rev. Greg Leo Russ's first Sunday as pastor of Enon Baptist Church was September 4, 1994. The Russ family consists of his wife, Miriam Gilreath Russ, and daughter, Lindsey Elizabeth Russ. Another daughter, Emilie Gracen Russ, was born during the Russ's second year at Enon.

Rev. Russ received his B. A. degree from the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg and his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. During his second year as our pastor we chose to show out appreciation for Preacher Greg by paying off the remainder of the debt he incurred while receiving this degree. He is planning to receive his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Seminary in May of 2002. If this is God's will, and Rev. Russ continues as our pastor, he will be only the second person who has pastored Enon that has attained this degree. The first was Dr. R. W. Sanders in 1909.

One of the first programs initiated by the Russ’s at Enon was Children's Church as an alternative worship service to meet the needs of children ages 2-6. Miriam served as its first director, and Mrs. Rita Rahn presently leads it.

Upon corning to our church Mrs. Russ began to take responsibility in all areas where she saw a need. She led the youth activities until Matthew Littleton was hired for this position. Under her leadership and encouragement Enon's Acteens experienced a first. They were privileged to attend the National Acteeen Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in 1998. With her sweet spirit and beautiful voice, she has been a true example of how we as Christians should respond to God's command to use our talents for Him.

Under the leadership of Rev. Russ, church members have been provided with opportunities to strengthen their spiritual, mental, and physical growth through the following seminars:

As a result of personal experience and educational training, Rev. Russ has become a highly qualified and respected counselor. He has conducted seminars in local churches and has made a series of videos on the subject of depression. These have been made available world wide on the Internet.

In addition to the above, yearly Rev. Russ provides opportunity for spiritual growth for church members by inviting Dr. Harold Bryson, Dr. Wayne VanHorn, or Dr. Argile Smith to lead a series of services. These great men of God were Greg's Professors at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: By sharing their knowledge of the scripture with our people, Enon Church members have gained in-depth knowledge of the Bible and spiritual uplifting.

In the spring of 1995, Mrs. Karen Fletcher resigned as Music Director of the church. Roger Bracken was called to fill this position and has held it for the past six years.

The sound system and tape ministry have been updated, and a new cabinet was built at the cost of $1,000 to hold this equipment. The old system was installed in the fellowship hall.

In August of 1996 the membership voted to increase the amount of insulation and ventilation in the church and parsonage at the cost of $4,864.

A new, more visible church sign was erected at the entrance to the church near the cemetery. The original sign was reconstructed on the east lawn of the church.

In October of 1996, the Deacons recommended Dan Sutherland as Youth director for a trial period of three months. This was approved by the membership. At the end of the trial period he was approved as Director of Enon's youth. He was paid $100 weekly and held this position until his resignation in the summer of 2000. Presently Brad Dover is leading our youth group.

In December of 1996 the church voted to give the pastor and all church staff an extra weeks salary each year as a Christmas gift.

The decision was made in February of 1997 to replace the organ with a keyboard to enhance the music program.

In April of 1997 D. C. Electrical Company updated the church electrical system for $2,451.

In 1997 a new 15- passenger Ford van was purchased for approximately $24,000. The old van was donated to "Home With a Heart".

The entrance to the church near the cemetery was widened to twelve feet to better accommodate in-coming and out-going traffic. Later a security gate and speed bumps were installed to limit access to the parking lot by the general public.

In 1997 the church year was changed to end on August 31st. This was done to coincide with the literature published by the Southern Baptist Convention.

The lights in the sanctuary were replaced with beautiful gold candlelight chandeliers. Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Trotter donated these. Church members contributed the money needed to purchase matching fixtures that adorn the walls between the windows.

In August of 1998 the entire heating and air conditioning system for the church was replaced.

The first church finance committee was established in 1998. The initial members were Nancy Hunter, Beverly Whitman, Jack Gastley, Cecil Trotter; and Kathy Abercrombie.

In the spring of 1999 extensive work was done around the inside and outside of the church in attempt to waterproof the basement and fellowship hall. This work included replacing drain lines that carry water away from the church, and raising the grade elevation of the parking lot area.. A drainage system was installed in the floor of the fellowship hall and a new covering was placed on one wall in the kitchen area.

A TeamKIDs Program was established to minister to unchurched children and youth in the community. This service is held on Sunday nights, and the leaders are Bobbie Abercrombie and Frances Shaw.

One of the long time ministries of Enon has been the custom of providing meals to needy or bereaved families with in the church and community. Usually the ladies of the church provided the food for meals. It was concluded that since so many ladies worked the meals would be purchased through money allotted in the church budget.

The grounds around the pastorium were re-landscaped in 1996 by Roger Bracken and Jack Gastley. Old greenery shrubs were replaced with flowering shrubs. In addition, five maple trees were added to the front lawn.

On September 8, 1999 the parking lot of Enon Baptist Church was the scene of a terrible tragedy. A young man was murdered and a young woman was seriously injured. Through the leadership of Rev. Russ, the church family responded by ministering to the families of all the young people involved in the incident.

A security system was installed in the church and pastorium in July of 2000. In October of 2000 the side entrances to the church educational facility were renovated. New awnings were installed and one was made handicapped accessible.

In the spring of 2001 the windows in the sanctuary were replaced through donations from church members. Most of the windows were purchased in honor of former members. A plaque was placed in the windowsill to indicate who purchased the window and whom it honors.

In March of 2001, the membership voted to change the time of the evening worship service from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When Rev. Russ became minister of Enon Baptist Church in 1994, the nucleus of the church consisted of approximately fifty-five faithful members. God sent him to us to help us grow spiritually and in numbers so we could be better servants. We have experienced steady growth. Therefore, he has faithfully responded to his call. Under God's leadership, Rev. Russ foresees Enon Church becoming a grace station that welcomes and ministers to all people following the example set by our Lord and Savior.

CONCLUSION

To the people who read this book, I would like to express my gratitude. I have tried to give account of the history of Enon the best I could. I hope this will help all of us to better appreciate our religious heritage at Enon, and challenge us to follow on the same trail as our forefathers. We cannot stop, but we must go forward to the high calling in Christ Jesus. May we have a greater determination to follow the will of our Lord throughout time. This must be our prayer continually.

Ethel R. Bracken

REVISION

As this history of Enon Baptist Church is being revised, the church is preparing to celebrate its 150 anniversary on June 20 -24, 2001. These services, will include special music by present and former members and messages brought by former pastors or pastors that the present membership hold in high esteem. The Sunday services will culminate the celebration with the dedication of a picnic shelter that is being built as this generation's contribution to Enon Church's future. There will be dinner on the grounds, a time of reflections, and conclude with a gospel singing. May God's blessing be on this celebration as we seek to honor Him and our heritage!

Elaine G. Allen