Church History

Philadelphia Baptist Chapel held its first organized service on Easter Sunday, March 30th, 1975, in the basement of Van and Shirley Harrelson's home, one mile from the existing church. There were 32 people in attendance. Worship services were held in the basement for two years, with Sunday School classes meeting upstairs. 

Under the direction of Rev. Larry Chandler, who had accepted the call as pastor, the church was blessed to buy 6.3 acres of land at the corner of Church Street and Spencer-Dixon Road. In April 1976, a $70,000 bond program was started and in July 1976, by faith, Northway Contractors of Greenville, SC were called to begin construction. However, the bonds were not selling as quickly as the building was going up and when the building was roughed-in, the contractor was paid and dismissed. For the next eight months, under the leadership of Rev. Larry Chandler, the men in the church worked on the building until 11 and 12 o'clock every night, except church nights. Nine months later on May 1, 1977, the new church building opened its doors for the first service. A building and grounds valued at $150,000 had been built for less than $60,000. Rev. Larry Chandler, his wife Irene, and their children served in the church for 15 years until Rev. Larry's resignation in April of 1990.

1990-1995

Pastor Joe Chandler answered the call of the church and came to be the pastor on June 24, 1990.  With him came his wife, Naomi and their son, Jeremy.  Under the leadership of Bro. Joe (as he is affectionately called) and God's blessings, it became evident that extra space would be needed.  In August of 1991, an educational wing was added with six additional Sunday School Classes and two offices.  On May 1, 1994, Dedication Day and Homecoming Day were celebrated as the church family moved into a new auditorium with a seating capacity of 500.  The auditorium could not seat the people at the first service.

1995-2000

The old auditorium has since been converted into a Fellowship Hall with full kitchen facilities.  A double-wide mobile unit was donated to the church and renovated to house five ore Sunday School Classes.  A new Recreational Unit has been built to replace the old picnic shelter.  the building was completed and occupied for the first time on Homecoming day, May 4, 1997.  It is a multi-purpose structure used for Sunday School Classes, fellowship events, and recreation.

2001-2020

Adjoining land was purchased and the sanctuary seating was increased  to accommodate the growth.  A new foyer with restrooms, a nursery and toddler room was built.  An additional Sunday School wing was built off of the left side of the sanctuary as well.  Bro Joe retired towards the end of 2019 as the search began for a new pastor.  Though many men were looked at and considered, Bro Ryan Crowder and Bro Austin Hardy would intern in 2020.  As the world knows, the year 2020 was quite the year.  Through much prayer, and an intense season of waiting; a new chapter for PBC would begin with our new pastor in 2021.

2021-

On May 2nd, 2022, our new pastor, Bro Ryan Crowder, officially started his tenure here with us.  God has been so merciful and good to us here.  We are excited to see how God will direct and guide our new pastor and use us all for His glory in this place.  PBC is truly an exciting place to be.  Whosoever will, let him come and see what God is doing in this place.

What will you find at PBC?

When you walk through the doors you will experience the joy of "His Sweet Spirit" and feel the love as people are conversing and sharing with each other. You will find activities for worship, study, music, and fellowship for all who would like to be a part of a church that shows forth the love of Jesus. You will be blessed with a spirit-filled message that has been prepared, prayed over, and presented from God's Holy Word. You will see many coming to the altar seeking God's will and praying for others. A dedicated staff of teachers and workers take part in all ministries of the church; Sunday School classes for all ages, and a fully equipped nursery. 

There are many ways to get plugged in while you are here. Please come and see us!  We would love to meet you!