Bishop purchased a large tent
in which services were held.
Many people crowded the tent each night and
the services were very inspiring.
One day a severe storm came through the
community and tore the tent to threads. This unfortunate
incident neither hindered the services nor dampened the spirit of
the saints.
They began to work together to mend the
tent and the following night it was ready for use, once again.
Services were held in this tent until land
was purchased for a church. With an abundance of prayer, sacrifice,
and hard work, the building of a new church began construction in
1947.
Bishop
asked the saints to go on a 40-day fast along with him.
He seemed to gain new courage, as a result,
of this fast.
The church was completed and paid for in
1948. The movement grew fast, and soon a larger sanctuary was
needed, which could accommodate the entire assembly.
Work began on this building in 1961.
Everyone worked faithfully until a new sanctuary was completed and
dedicated in November of 1963.Worship services continued in the
edifice for many years.
However, an unfortunate disaster took place
in 1970 and the church was destroyed by fire.
As Bishop witness the church going up in flames
he was inspired to build it back, but
“bigger and better,” than before.
There was much opposition to build the
church back. The insurance company would not pay the policy and the church bank
would not provide the necessary financing until the church construction was
completed.
Yet, these proved to be only temporary
obstacles. They did not hinder Bishop’s faith nor his determination to
reconstruct the church “bigger and better.” The saints worked intensively
together with a great degree of prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and hard work to
build a new church. The church was completed and dedicated in 1962.
Today, a modern and spacious sanctuary
stands at 2449 Calvary Road, Hartsville, South Carolina.
