Exciting Changes Ahead as Two Long-Standing Churches in Laurens County Prepare to Merge
Laurens County, a charming area rich in history and community spirit, is in for some big news as two well-established churches, Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in Laurens and Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton, prepare to officially merge on January 5, 2025. With a legacy that spans decades, the joining of these two congregations is seen as a hopeful new chapter for both churches and the surrounding community.
From Decline to Renewal
The journey to this significant decision wasn’t without its challenges. As noted by Chestnut Ridge Senior Pastor Alex Henderson, Calvary Baptist Church once thrived with over 300 to 400 attendees. However, after the local mill closed, membership dwindled dramatically, leaving only about 22 active members, most of whom are now in their 70s and 80s. “They reached out to us through their interim pastor, and we sat down and discussed things and decided to merge,” Henderson shared. This collaboration is seen as a necessary step to rejuvenate Calvary while preserving its long-lasting legacy.
The New Campus Plan
You might be wondering what this means for each congregation. Chestnut Ridge has established an east campus between Laurens and Clinton just five years ago, where they currently conduct both an English service and a Spanish service. For the upcoming merger, the east campus will now become a dedicated Hispanic campus, while the English-speaking congregation will move into the Calvary Baptist Church building in Clinton. “The cool thing for us is, it’s in the middle of the mill village. It’s a mission field, and our phrase has been, ‘Just because the mill died, doesn’t mean the church has to,'” Henderson said, clearly passionate about serving the community.
What to Expect at Calvary
If you’re part of the Calvary congregation, you might be happy to know that the church service will largely remain the same, featuring a campus pastor, Joel Cannon, a live worship team, and a virtual message from Henderson each week. However, outside of the service itself, many exciting changes are on the horizon for Calvary. With the Chestnut Ridge families joining the congregation, plans are underway to kickstart youth programs that Calvary has not had the need for in recent years.
Building a Brighter Future
As part of the merger, the Chestnut Ridge congregation is actively working to set up new programs at Calvary, including children’s and student ministries. They are also remodeling the downstairs area of the church to create a youth center known as Refuge at Calvary. “We have more folks from our central campus going out to Calvary to help set up things like children’s and student ministries. We’re remodeling over there,” Henderson said, expressing his enthusiasm for the changes to come.
Launching a New Era
With about 700 members at Chestnut Ridge and over 100 expected to join at the new campus in Clinton, the official launch day for the new Calvary Campus is set to be a momentous event. “It’s special because it’s exactly five years from the day we launched our east campus,” Henderson noted. The collaboration between the two churches has been smooth, and congregations across both locations are buzzing with excitement about the future.
The Location
The Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church – Calvary Campus will be located at 702 N. Sloan St., Clinton. This is more than just a physical relocation; it embodies a spirit of hope and renewal for both congregations. As these two well-loved churches come together, they are poised to make a greater impact in the Laurens County community.
Stay tuned, Laurens County! Big things are happening, and it’s just the beginning!
