Greenville Baptist Church

Greenville Baptist Church was organized with 10 charter members in July, 1884, by a group of Christian people who felt a need for a Baptist church in the Greenville area. At various times Greenville shared a field with Vesuvius, Stuarts Draft, Neriah, Mt. Paran, and Marlbrook. The church was forced to close its doors in 1945-46 but was re-opened and put on a new field in 1948

by the Associational Missionary, Scott C. Hutton, Sr. From years of being a struggling little church, Greenville's membership stands strong today at 239.

Several names emerge from the history of the Greenville Baptist Church. Mrs. William H. Peyton, known as the mother of the church and referred to as "Mother Linda," left in her will an endowment of $1,000 to the church. Another

lady, Miss Kelsie C. Hundley, was the treasurer and leader of women's work in the church. Also Secretary of Augusta WMU, she was the first woman to read a report before a meeting of the Association.

Special note, I think, needs to be taken of Greenville's present pastor, Rev. Francis Funk. A son of the Augusta Association, Francis Funk has been a Part of our history since the early '50's, when his name was listed in the

Association Annuals under "students for the Ministry," then "Ministers Licensed," and then "Ministers ordained." He began his ministry

and pastorate at Greenville Baptist Church, where he has served for 40 years. people come and go in an association, but this pastor continues to inspire us with his steadfast faithfulness and dedication. I think it appropriate that we honor our Elder Statesman and Dean of Augusta Baptists.