Humble Beginnings...
In the early 19th century, before a Baptist presence existed in the upper Spartanburg District, Joseph and Delphia Wilkes moved from Virginia to the rugged settlement between Fingerville and McMillan’s. Driven by a desire for a church of her faith, Delphia arranged for a Baptist preacher from the Union District to hold services whenever he traveled through the area.
As these gatherings grew and several believers were baptized, the group initially formed a branch of Boiling Springs Baptist Church known as Mount Vernon. On June 3, 1820, twenty-six charter members officially organized a new congregation at the fork of the Pacolet River, naming it New Prospect Baptist Church of Christ.
The church called Thomas Howard as its first pastor, with Robert Bullington and Joseph Wilkes serving as deacons and William Wilkins as clerk. Records from 1820–1855 preserve the names of these founding members. Because ordained pastors were scarce in those early days, the church shared its leadership with other local congregations to ensure the Gospel continued to be preached.
200th Anniversary Video
As these gatherings grew and several believers were baptized, the group initially formed a branch of Boiling Springs Baptist Church known as Mount Vernon. On June 3, 1820, twenty-six charter members officially organized a new congregation at the fork of the Pacolet River, naming it New Prospect Baptist Church of Christ.
The church called Thomas Howard as its first pastor, with Robert Bullington and Joseph Wilkes serving as deacons and William Wilkins as clerk. Records from 1820–1855 preserve the names of these founding members. Because ordained pastors were scarce in those early days, the church shared its leadership with other local congregations to ensure the Gospel continued to be preached.
200th Anniversary Video
The Church Buildings...
- For the first twelve years the church met in a small log house located on or near the site of the present building.
- With a membership of 49 in 1837 a new house of worship was erected. The old log building was sold and later used as a barn.
- In 1856 another building was erected on the site where the log building had stood. Also of frame construction, it was 50 x 70 ft. in size.
- In 1913 this building was remodeled and became an elegant house of worship. The building erected in 1837 was given to be used as a schoolhouse known as the New Prospect Academy. This building burned in 1900.
- In 1922 the church building built in 1856 burned. Soon thereafter another building was erected on the same site.
Pastors
In its over 200-year history, New Prospect Baptist Church has been led by a total of 26 pastors. The legacy of New Prospect is deeply shaped by John G. Landrum, who served for five decades (1832–1882) and led the congregation through a period of incredible growth and change. When he first arrived, the church had dwindled to just seventeen members; by the end of his tenure, the membership had surged to 427, with over 1,400 converts baptized. Beyond his local impact, Pastor Landrum was a prolific church planter, founding First Baptist Church of Spartanburg as well as the Bethlehem, Mount Zion, and Wolf Creek (now Landrum First Baptist) churches.
