A History of Beck’s Baptist Church
Rev. Pickney Oliver, Beck's first Pastor 1880-1886
For several years Beck’s Meeting House was used by all denominations for Sunday School and preaching services. One Sunday a month was allotted to each faction: a Missionary Baptist group, a Primitive Baptist group, a Campbellite group, and a Afro-American group.
Beck’s Meeting House was a log building approximately thirty feet square. It was nestled in pine woods a few feet from where the first brick church now stands. The door faced the road. It was heated by a fireplace and later by a wood stove. Crude plank benches were the only seats. Backs to the benches were added later.
On May 29, 1880 – a Saturday afternoon – the group of missionary Baptists gathered to organize a church. The following thirteen persons presented their letters for membership in the new church: William Beck, Yancy Lawrence, Nancy Lawrence, C.B. Hutchins, J.Q. Hutchins, Mary S. Hutchins, E.B. Hutchins, W.J. Peace, E.C. Peace, H.R. Barrow, Aurelius I. Shouse, Sarah A. McGee, and Lucy Lock. The church was to be known as Beck’s Baptist Church in honor of William Beck who had given the site for the meeting house. Brother Pinkney Oliver was called as Pastor Preaching services were held once a month but Sunday School was held every Sunday. This new church was a member of the Beulah Association. Mr. A.I. Shouse was the first Sunday School superintendent.
Five years later when the Pilot Mountain Association was organized, Beck’s was one of the twenty churches to be represented there.
Rev. Pinkney Oliver resigned after six years of service and Rev. R.W. Crews was called as Pastor in January of 1886. His salary was $50.00 a year.
[View more Beck's Baptist Church Pastors in previous years]
