Church History

Our History

Scotts Creek Baptist Church has served the Sylva and Scotts Creek communities since March 26, 1830. For nearly two centuries, the church has sought to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and minister to the people of Jackson County.

Early Beginnings (1830)

The church was organized under the leadership of three men known for establishing churches in Western North Carolina: Humphrey Posey, Stephen White, and Adam Corn.

Twelve charter members were released from Cullowhee Baptist Church for the purpose of forming the new congregation:

Daniel Bryson, Artie Bryson, Thomas Woodfin, Thomas Styles, Lucy Styles, Lakey Elliott, Benjamin Hatfield, Susannah Hatfield, Martha Hatfield, Mary Underwood, Mary Mull, and Catherine Davis.

Later that same year, on August 14, 1830, the church was received into membership in the Tuckaseigee Baptist Association.

The first meeting house was a small log building located near a wagon road on land owned by G. Hatfield in the Addie community. The church’s first pastor was Benjamin Hatfield, who had been ordained earlier that year by Cullowhee Baptist Church. Daniel Bryson served as the first church clerk, and Thomas Woodfin was chosen as the first deacon.

Church meetings were originally held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month, a common practice among early Baptist congregations in the region.

Growth and Relocation

As the congregation grew, the church moved about a mile east of Beta. Around 1848, a new log church building was constructed on a hill at what is now known as Old Field Cemetery. In 1870, that structure was replaced with a wood-siding building that still stands today.

Each Easter morning, the congregation continues the tradition of gathering there for a sunrise service, remembering the church’s early days.

A New Century of Ministry

In 1901, under the leadership of Rev. Wiley Conner, a new church building was constructed near the present site of the church. According to the 1902 report of the Tuckaseigee Baptist Association, Scotts Creek Baptist Church had completed “the best house of worship in our bounds.” At that time the church reported a membership of 250.

Sunday School rooms were added to the building in 1918 while Rev. W. N. Cook served as pastor.

In 1921, Rev. Thad Deitz and his family moved into the first pastorium located beside the church building.

By 1955, church membership had grown to approximately 700, and the facilities could no longer accommodate the congregation. Under the leadership of Rev. B. S. Hensley, an educational building was constructed at a cost of $44,000 and was completed debt-free.

To help fund construction of a new sanctuary, the church adopted a project known as “The Lord’s Acre.” Members contributed by raising and selling produce or livestock, and many donated labor to the building effort.

The Fire of 1962

On the night of January 31, 1962, tragedy struck when the church building was destroyed by fire. Many records, including minutes and membership information, were lost.

However, church clerk Mrs. Ethel Snyder had preserved some records in her nearby home, helping recover parts of the church’s earlier history. Among the few items found in the debris was a Bible donated to the church in the 1800s and a Broadman Hymnal opened to the hymn “To the Work.”

Though the building had been destroyed, the church remained united. Members declared:

“With God’s help, we will rebuild.”

During reconstruction, the congregation met at Scotts Creek Elementary School, and Vacation Bible School was held jointly with First Baptist Church of Sylva.

Just seven months after the fire, the rebuilt sanctuary was ready for worship on Homecoming Day 1962. Reconstruction of the educational building continued and was completed in December 1963.

Ministry to the Community

In the mid-to-late 1960s, the church began operating a Christian day care center directed by Gwen Rotan, wife of Pastor Judson Rotan. The center served many families in the church and surrounding community.

During that same period, the church also housed the office of the associational missionary for the Tuckaseigee Baptist Association.

Throughout its history, many members of the congregation have answered God’s call to ministry and missions. Some have served as pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders across the country and around the world.

Continuing the Work

On Homecoming Sunday, September 7, 1975, the church celebrated the retirement of debt from the rebuilding effort following the 1962 fire. The service included a traditional note-burning ceremony during the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Greene.

In 1990, the church celebrated 160 years of ministry. During that celebration, a time capsule was buried on the church grounds to be opened on Homecoming Day in 2030, the church’s 200th anniversary.

In more recent years, improvements to the church campus have included the addition of a covered picnic pavilion and the Jordan Monteith Memorial Park and Playground.

Recent Years

In May 2010, Rev. Johnny M. Lee became the church’s 30th pastor. During his ministry, several important improvements were made to the church facilities, including:

• Replacement of ceilings in the education building

• Installation of a new sound system

• Replacement of 97 windows with energy-efficient models

• A new roof on the church building

• Installation of a digital organ

• New heating units for the facilities

• Sanctuary painting and carpet replacement

• Construction of a handicapped-access ramp

Pastor Lee faithfully served the congregation until October 2015.

Looking Toward the Future

For nearly two centuries, Scotts Creek Baptist Church has sought to remain faithful to its calling: to worship God, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and serve the community.

As the church approaches its 200th anniversary in 2030, the congregation continues to look forward with gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the past and hope for the ministry that lies ahead.

“With God’s help, we will continue the work.”