Church History

The Fountain Inn Wesleyan Church was organized in 1916 by Rev. J. M. Hames following a tent meeting. The first pastor was Rev. D. O. Powers. In 1931 the old church building was torn down, and the members worshiped in a community building which served during the week as a canning factory, mattress factory, sewing hall, and a site for community suppers.

Fountain Inn Wesleyan Church in the 1940s

In 1936 the church, which had been owned by Woodside Mill Company, was deeded to the Wesleyan Methodist trustees during the pastorate of Rev. C. T. Bryant. Two great revivals were also experienced during his administration. Some of the revival results included some individual calls to the ministry and the organization of the Knighton Chapel Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Fountain Inn Wesleyan Church in the 1950s

During the 1940s and 1950s several improvements were made at the church. Several Sunday School rooms were constructed, the church was brick-veneered, and a pastor's study was added. Under the leadership of Rev. Roy L. Newton, new pews and pulpit furniture were acquired, an awning was attached to the front, and the interior of the church was redecorated. The membership grew during the 1960s and 1970s, and during Rev. Glen Wade's pastorate, a new parsonage and fellowship building were erected.

Present Day

During the 1980s the fellowship building was dedicated, the church sanctuary was remodeled, and a bus ministry began following the purchase of a church van. Dan River Mills gave the church a gymnasium, and a large part of the parsonage debt was eliminated. A new steeple was also erected in memory of Brother Ray Julian, a leading lay member.

From its beginning with approximately eight members, the church has grown under the leadership of 21 pastors. To God be the glory; great things He hath done!

Pastors

1916 - 1926        D. O. Powers

1926 - 1928        D. G. Matheny

1928 - 1930        J. W. Miller

1930 - 1934        G. E. Crenshaw

1934 - 1936        W. R. Padgett

1936 - 1939        C. T. Bryant

1939 - 1941        F. H. Pressley

1941 - 1945        R. G. Cudd

1945 - 1947        W. R. Padgett

1947 - 1948        E. M. Turner

1948                     George James

1948 - 1955        F. H. Pressley

1956 - 1958        Charles G. Shirley

1958 - 1968        Roy L. Newton

1968 - 1974         J. W. Gaines

1974 - 1981         Glen Wade

1981 - 1990         Wilbur A. Key

1990 - 1992         Paul E. Gladden

1992 - 1995         James C. Jennings
                                     Roy L. Newton, Asst.

1995 - 1996         Harry Smith

1996 - Present     Robert A. Broome

All information from "The Wesleyan Church A Century of History in South Carolina 1893-1993"