The History of Lanes Creek Missionary baptist Association

During the year of 1896, a group of Christian gentlemen from Mecklenburg and Union Counties traveled to South Carolina to worship with other Christians and to discuss ideas that would enhance the growth of their churches and praise the Lord.

After the return from one of these joyous trips, they discussed organizing an Association in Union County. The Association was started in the vicinity of what is now Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Marshville, North Carolina. Two names were discussed for the Association, which were “Mt. Zion” offered by Deacon J.S. McVay, and “Lanes Creek” offered by Rev. E.C. Crowder. Lanes Creek was accepted.

The following ministers served as Moderators:  Rev. S.W. Waddell, Rev. E.C. Crowder, Rev. D.F. Moore, Rev. A.J. Brewer, Dr. L.D. Parker, Rev. David Cook, Jr., Rev. Dr. H.L. Nicholson, Rev. William T. Richardson, Rev. Dr. E.R. Kirkpatrick, Rev. Dr. J.W. Threatt, Rev. J.N. Coble and Rev. J.M. Sanders.

It was under the leadership of Moderator Brewer that a Youth department was organized. Before 1970, the officers of the Association were the Moderator and Vice Moderator, therefore, if anything happened to the Moderator, the Vice Moderator was automatically in charge. In 1970, Rev. A.J. Brewer expired, and the Rev. L.D. Parker, then the Vice Moderator, became the Moderator. Pastor Parker then suggested that the Association have others participate, and the body agreed to have a 1st Vice Moderator, 2nd Vice Moderator, 3rd Vice Moderator, and a 4th Moderator.

In 1970, the Youth Department of the Association met on Sunday afternoons after the close of the Association on Friday evening, and most churches did not participate, because they had been in attendance during the week. Later, Moderator Parker recommended changing the Youth’s Sundays to Tuesday nights. Now the churches can barely hold the congregation on the night. This change increased participation.

Since the Association was supposed to be “the church”, Moderator Parker recommended getting more of the churches involved. The Ushers and Laymen League were added. Bro. Willie Burris of the St. Luke Baptist Church became the President and remained until his death and  Bro. Felton Pendergrass, at that time, was Vice President, and he became the President. Sis. Savannah Crowder was Vice President, Sis. Mattie Garmon was Secretary and Sis. Thelma Medlin was the Assistant Secretary. Bro. Henderson Morrison served as President of the Laymen League.