About Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church
History of Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church
Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church had its beginnings with the organization of Northside Baptist Church in January 1939. The founding Pastor was Reverend Dallas Mathis. The 55 charter members began meeting in a tent and construction was begun on what would be the first of five different church buildings built during the church's history. Rev. Mathis pastored until July of that same year.
The Reverend John N. Wrenn, a minister of 29 years, accepted the pastorate in August 1939. Eventually, the church was expanded by the addition of a second floor. Later in the 1940s, a two-story addition was built on the rear of the church. After the Sunday evening service in January 1958, a fire destroyed all of the church buildings. Immediately after the fire, steps were taken to build a modern new church complete with air-conditioning. Meeting in temporary facilities the congregation voted to change the name of the church from Northside to Wrenn Memorial, in honor of the Pastor.
Pastor Wrenn faithfully served the church during the following years. Other improvements such as the addition of a Fellowship Building and paving of the parking lots were accomplished. In June 1964, at the age of 84, Pastor Wrenn suffered a heart attack and six days later went home to be with the Lord. A newspaper article from the early 1960s quotes Pastor Wrenn, "I have conducted 3,166 funerals," he said "I have baptized 3,104. I have held 286 revival meetings in South Carolina Baptist Churches and I have preached over 19,000 times." Pastor Wrenn had preached in Greenville for 53 years and was still preaching regularly till his home going.
Reverend John Everhart was appointed Interim Pastor and in September 1964 was ordained into the ministry and became the third Pastor of Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church. Under Pastor Everhart, the church continued to grow and adjoining properties were purchased to accommodate additional parking needs and church expansion. In late 1970 the church voted to build a new 400-seat facility and renovate the existing building. The old building would be used for additional classrooms. Many items from the old building were moved to the new, including 26 pews, pulpit furniture, piano, organ, the top portion of the steeple, and the four porch columns. The first service in the present church was in August 1971.
From the beginning, Wrenn Memorial was known as a church that enjoyed singing the Gospel message. A youth choir was organized in 1975 and recorded a record in 1976. In 1978 a second adult choir was formed called the Jubilee Choir. This choir recorded two records.
In January 1985 an organizational meeting was held to form an AWANA Chapter. The first AWANA service was held in March of that year with 126 present. The AWANA Program continues from September to April each year. Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church celebrated 30 years of the AWANA Ministry in 2015.
Pastor Everhart retired after 35 years of service and the church called Brother Robbie Robertson as the fourth Pastor. Pastor Robertson served the church from 1999 to 2006. Under his ministry, the church purchased additional property and built a Recreational Building which is a blessing to the AWANA Program as well as other activities. Much-needed repairs to the church and Mission House were performed as well as other projects which enhanced our ministry. Pastor Robertson accepted the pastorate of Trinity Baptist in Pelzer, South Carolina in 2006.
Pastor Emeritus John Everhart came out of retirement to serve as Interim Pastor for two years. In 2008 Wrenn Memorial Baptist called the Reverend Jim Duncan as Pastor. Under Pastor Duncan’s leadership, the church has paid off all its debts, remodeled the kitchen to enhance fellowship and special events, and greatly increased the mission's budget. At this time our church is moving forward under his leadership and looking forward to seeing what God will do as we await the soon coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.