Est. 1950
Our History
From a humble prayer meeting to a house of God — the story of Blue Branch Baptist Church.
Rev. Sam J. Erwin & Mrs. Erwin — Founders of Blue Branch Baptist Church
The Beginning
Founded on Faith & Prayer
Sam Erwin re-dedicated his life at a cottage prayer meeting at his home. Initially, cottage prayer meetings were held in the Blue Branch Community, led by the late Rev. Sam Erwin. It was from this humble beginning in 1950 that the Blue Branch Baptist Church was founded and built.
It was through hard and persistent work by Mr. Erwin and others who had joined in the effort to establish this church for God in their community.
In 1955, the Blue Branch Baptist Church entered into the Broad River Association. This came after the Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church in Gaffney, S.C. voted to ordain Mr. Erwin into the gospel ministry. The church stood on Highway 150, between Gaffney and Pacolet, S.C., from 1950 until 1973.
1973
A Miracle From God
The Challenge
The old building was cracked down both walls. The congregation had only ½ acre of land and did not have enough money to build or even make the needed repairs. Their offering barely covered monthly expenses.
God's Provision
In 1973, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line, Inc. contacted the church about running lines through their property. They offered to purchase the land and build a new church in the same community — a miracle the congregation had not anticipated.
A Dream Fulfilled
The founder's dream was to see a beautiful church on a hill. Though he did not live to see it, God supplied the funds through the gas company, who paid for a new brick "House of God" and 8 acres of land — a place for His people to worship.
"We feel this was a miracle from God… But God saw our need and supplied the funds thru the Transcontinental Gas Company."
— Blue Branch Baptist Church History
Leadership
Our Pastors
Eight faithful shepherds have led this congregation over more than seven decades.
Rev. Sam J. Erwin
Founder1950 – 1962
Rev. James E. Deaton
1962 – 1969
Rev. C.W. Upton
1969 – 1973
Rev. Charles A. Harrison
1973 – 1995
Rev. W. Thomas Bryant Jr.
November 1995 – January 2000
Rev. Will Vergara
March 2001 – September 2001
Rev. Eddie Smith
November 2003 – March 2025
Rev. Russell Jones
Current PastorJanuary 2026 – Present
Be Part of Our Story
From a cottage prayer meeting to a brick church on a hill — God has been faithful every step of the way. We'd love for you to join us.
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