FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – The oldest Baptist church in Florence is celebrating quite a birthday.
First Baptist of Florence has stood on South Irby Street downtown for 150 years. Thursday night many churchgoers and others from around the Pee Dee gathered in the sanctuary to take in a concert.
“The Singing Churchmen,” a group made up of Baptist ministers of music from around the south, entertained the crowd on hand. They put their own spin on hymns and worship songs, some of which the men who founded First Baptist of Florence back in 1866 would have recognized.
Associate Pastor Robby Ott said that serving in a church with such a history can be humbling.
“For many families it’s been generations that they’ve been in this church,” Ott said. “It’s a really exciting thing to be a part of.”
The celebration continues all weekend, culminating Sunday morning at 11 a.m. when past church leaders return to lead Sunday services. If you can’t make it to the service, you can watch it live on Sunday on WBTW News 13 at 11 a.m.
