The Old School House on the grounds of the Historic Bull Swamp Baptist Church, Orangeburg SC
History of the
Bull Swamp Baptist Church
of Orangeburg, Incorporated
Updated by Minister Esther C. Huggins, Interim Church Clerk and
Dr. Hallie Caldwell Loiacono, former Church Clerk
Foreword
This updated account of the history of the Bull Swamp Baptist Church, Inc. was completed for the celebration of the 215th plus Church Anniversary. It was generated from the previous account submitted on October 19, 1958 by the late Marie Buskey-Williams, the late Chairman Deacon Frank Pimble, an audio-taped interview with the late Deacon John Benjamin, dated April 6, 1988, and the late Deacon Hilliard Buskey. Oral statements were also taken from the late Deacon Edward Fersner and several current members. Factual information has also been provided by Deacon Wilfred Pace from researched legal documents.
The original members of the Bull Swamp Baptist Church were slaves. Worship services often took place in a clearing in the swamp known as Bush or Brush Arbor. A group known as the Singing Arbor was organized in 1831. Sister Carrie Dantzler, Brother Dave Smith, Brother Dave Dantzler and others were among the early members.
In the early 1840s, the “congregation” was officially called the Bull Swamp Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Tom Hampton. His tenure lasted approximately twenty (20) years. Reverend Hampton’s official staff included (Chairman) Deacon Walsh Lockard, (Clerk) Deacon Ed Aiken, Deacon Charles Allen and Deacon Sam Keitt.
Reverend Young became the new pastor in 1861. The same officers assisted him with the addition of Deacon Paul Aiken now serving as the Clerk.
According to the information found in the deed book number 14, page 145, the trustees of a Colored Baptist Church purchased one acre of land situated in the Orangeburg District on the southwest side of little Bull Swamp for the expressed purpose to build a church for the Baptist denomination of the colored population. The deed was formally executed and witnessed on the third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight-hundred, sixty-seven (1867) in the ninety-first year of the Independence of the United States of America. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of T. A. Rickenbacker, S. E. Rickenbacker, V. Rickenbacker and Rachel Rickenbacker. A house on the property was to be used to have the children taught in the System of Education.
The Andrew Chapel Baptist Church was organized in 1889. It is believed that this congregation was at one time an integral part of the Bull Swamp Baptist Church.
In 1908, the Reverend Frank B. Johnson was elected pastor. During his brief stay, Deacon Norman C. Corley was ordained after the demise of Deacon Nelson Whaley and Deacon Walsh Lockard. The church bell was installed and often served as an audible tool to spread the news of “a death in the church family.”
The next known pastor was the Reverend Wallace who led the congregation for fifteen (15) years. During his leadership, the congregation suffered a division. In the year 1910, Bull Swamp’s church enrollment was significantly decreased when the Olive Grove Baptist Church was established.
Reverend Corbitt was the next pastor. Newly elected church officers were: Deacon Jeff Elliott, (Clerk) Deacon H. C. Robinson, Deacon A. J. Whaley, Deacon William C. Corley and Deacon Willie Jones.
Bull Swamp was under the leadership of the Reverend Sharperson (1912), the Reverend Quick, the Reverend A. W. Wright (1915 – 1919), and the Reverend E. A. Moss (1920). Deacon Ellison “Tom” Zimmerman, Sr. was ordained during Reverend Wright’s leadership.
The next pastor was the Reverend Griffin. The church acquired additional land for the cemetery and installed Delco lights in the sanctuary. In 1926, during the administration of Reverend Rivers, the church experienced an increase in its membership and the edifice was enlarged.
The Reverend Morris Wright was accepted as the new Shepherd in 1933. He resigned after a brief stay. The Reverend Leaphart, surely a man of God, was then called to lead the people from 1934 through 1943. The Reverend Fair Benjamin came to serve in 1944. Many new souls were added to the church and the physical structure was enlarged again. Deacon Henry Fersner, Sr. was ordained under his leadership. While he was still serving as our pastor, God called Reverend Benjamin from this earthly tabernacle as a “Servant of God, Well Done.”
In 1951, the Reverend Malachi J. Odom became our new pastor. During his administration, the following officers were installed; (Chairman) Deacon Frank Pimble, (Clerk) Deacon John Benjamin, (Treasurer) Deacon Hilliard Buskey and Deacon Henry Robinson. The sanctuary was made more comfortable with the installation of new pews and a heating system. Several auxiliaries were organized. Reverend Odom resigned in 1963.
The Reverend J. J. Glover began his pastoral duties in 1963. Deacon Edward Fersner was ordained in 1963. Five (5) additional deacons were ordained in 1977. They were Deacons John Abraham, David Brigman, Walter Buskey, Henry Fersner, Jr., and Hercules Miller. The membership roster consisted of approximately 350 – 400 members. In 1999, Deacon Hercules Miller was appointed chair of the board of deacons following the death of Deacon Corley.
The church made substantial progress and growth as emphasis was placed on ministries that focused on our children and youth and several ministries were organized. Extensive repairs were made to the sanctuary to include the installation of stained-glass windows. Additional deacons ordained during Reverend Glover’s tenure were Deacons Alvin Fersner, Willie Green, Clyde Hanton, Jesse Hanton, Isaiah Jones, Herbert Mack and Marion Thomas.
The following ministers were ordained and licensed by the authority of The Orangeburg and Calhoun Baptist Association during Reverend Glover’s leadership; the Reverend Julius Price, the Reverend Freddie Jones, the Reverend Willie Bodrick, the late Reverend Blond Ceal Dantzler, the Reverend Isaiah Jones, the Reverend Frank Parker, the Reverend Joyce Colter, and the Reverend Kim Robinson. With the exception of Reverend Joyce Colter, all of these ministers became church pastors. Reverend Colter serves as a community activist and youth minister.
Reverend J. J. Glover passed away in August, 2007 after forty-four (44) years of service.
The Reverend Leroy Cain, Jr., served as the associate pastor from February, 2002 until his appointment as Pastor in October, 2007. Our First Lady was Clarissa Hampton Cain. Church members embraced Reverend Cain’s vision for an improved worship experience for everyone. He implemented counseling sessions for new members, candidates for Baptism, parents, engaged couples/pre-marital, marital, and general counseling for the entire membership as needed. The Fellowship Center was named in Honor of the late Reverend J. J. Glover.
Several new ministries were added; The Events Committee, The Women’s Fellowship Ministry, Inspirational Wednesday Bible Study, The Boys’ G.R.O.W.I.N.G. Club and the Building Fund Committee. The Youth Ministry was restructured with a team of Youth Advisers and the establishment of Children’s Church. Increased efforts were made to improve and beautify the physical church. The Building Fund Committee embarked upon an ambitious project in 2011 to give the Bull Swamp Baptist Church “a fresh look.” The Phase I Building Project, The J. J. Glover Fellowship Center and all of its facilities (classrooms, women’s restroom, and kitchen) were refurbished. A re-dedication service was held on September 4, 2011. On the Fifth Sunday in September, 2012, three (3) new deacons were ordained. They were: Deacons Joerod Breeland, Wilfred Pace and John Wolfe. Dr. Hallie Caldwell Loiacono and Mrs. Konist Davis-Johnson were elected Clerk and Assistant Clerk, in March, 2013. Deacon Henry Huggins was ordained in 1995 at the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, Washington, DC. He served eighteen years prior to his return to Orangeburg in 2013. He was ordained at Bull Swamp on February 9, 2014. Deacon Huggins’ spouse, Minister Esther Huggins, was included as a member of the Ministerial Staff. On April 13, 2014, Evangelist Dorothy Waymer was ordained by the authority of The Orangeburg and Calhoun Baptist Association. Minister Etu Douglas Evans preached his Initial Sermon on May 18, 2014 and was licensed to preach on May 25, 2014.
Mr. Wilfred Pace made contact with James McLean concerning the property line issues. On February 1, 2011, members of the McLean Family Lands, LLC: Norman M. McLean, Shirley B. McLean, James N. “Jim” McLean, Marie McLean Choi, William N. “Bill” McLean and Robert L. “Bob” McLean, together, granted to the Bull Swamp Baptist Church an “Encroachment Agreement” allowing for approximately twenty (20) feet from the common property line at no charge.
Their generosity and land gift via the encroachment agreement was accepted and signed by the Board of Deacons, Reverend Leroy Cain, Jr. and Wilfred Pace, Chairman of the Building Fund Committee. The encroachment document was officially sealed by Notary John H. Wolfe. An official survey was completed. The McLean Family blessed the Bull Swamp Baptist Church with an additional one-half (1/2) acre commercial “Land Gift” thereby, allowing the plans for annexation of the baptistery to move forward. The “Land Gift” was donated in loving memory of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herman (Janie) Franklin and Mrs. Rose Franklin. Mr. Franklin was a loyal employee and friend of the McLean Family. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin’s daughter is Mrs. Norma Franklin Stroman.
The Phase II Building Project consisted of the construction of a baptistery, men’s bathroom and dressing room, office complex, Monument of Faith, Hope and Honor, an additional access ramp and rails for the handicapped, landscaping and exterior painting. Mr. Audrey Hampton volunteered to plant and cultivate the grass on the McLean Land Gift. The baptistery was used for the first time on Easter Sunday, 2012. The office complex and the men’s restroom and dressing room were also completed in 2012.
The Monument of Faith, Hope and Honor was designed by Mr. James Abraham, Jr. We were blessed to have in our membership, a Master Mason in the person 
of Mr. James Abraham, Sr., who volunteered to build the monument at no cost to the church. The Monument of Faith, Hope and Honor was completed during the last two weeks of July, 2013.
Bull Swamp was blessed to be the recipient of extensive acts of kindness from community benefactors. Brother Audrey Hampton was instrumental in securing the generous donation of finances, equipment and material from Mr. J. C. Till, his employer and owner of Orangeburg Redi-Mix Concrete Inc. Mr. Till’s acts of generosity included sand and rock used in the building of the Monument of Faith, Hope and Honor. Additional rock was donated to fill “low spots” in the parking area. Mr. Till donated the hydraulic mobile forklift operated by Mr. Hampton that was used to install the baptism pool. The new septic tank was also donated by Mr. J.C. Till. Mr. Wayne Till furnished chemicals and equipment to be used for landscaping in the cemetery. “Orangeburg Redi-Mix Concrete appreciates the members of Bull Swamp Baptist Church and all that they do for the church and the community. It has been our pleasure to contribute to the growth of the church. We look forward to continuing to watch this church grow.” We are forever indebted to Mr. J. C. Till and Mr. Wayne Till for their gifts of love and friendship to Mr. Audrey Hampton and the entire Bull Swamp Family.
Reverend Leroy Cain, Jr. submitted his letter of resignation on August 6, 2015.
Our Board of Deacons and dedicated members maintained the faith and trusted in God to keep the church family together as we continued our mission to win souls for Christ. Minister Esther Huggins consented to be our Presiding Minister and served until our new Pastor arrived in June 2017. During the absence of a pastor, many ministers and pastors were given an opportunity to bring the Sunday message to our congregation.
A very special wish was fulfilled on July 16, 2016 as the Reverend Dr. Charles E. Odom and congregation of the First Fellowship Baptist Church of Norcross, Georgia led our morning worship service. Reverend Dr. Odom is the son and grandson of former pastors, Reverend Malachi J. Odom and Reverend Fair Benjamin, respectively. Reverend Odom expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be the third-generation preacher to deliver a sermon from our pulpit.
Appointed in August 2016, the Pastor Search Committee worked tirelessly to fill the position of pastor. Twenty-one (21) applications were received and carefully reviewed by the Committee. As a result of the grace of God, the Committee, Board of Deacons, and input from the congregation, Reverend Ephriam D. Stephens was called on March 31, 2017, as our new and youngest ever Pastor. http://(https://bullswampbaptist.com/255-2/) Our Pastor – Bull Swamp Baptist Church
Since Pastor Stephens came to Bull Swamp, the congregation has experienced spiritual renewal during all worship services and the membership has increased; he established the Media Ministry along with the installation of a new sound system and monitors throughout the church; began new members’ classes; Christ Centered Girls Ministry; Wednesday Word at Noon Bible Teaching/Study; the very first Good Friday Service was held in 2019; and licensed two new ministers of the Gospel. In addition, plans are underway for a remodel of the church sanctuary to include restrooms at the entrance to the church, and the restoration and renovation of the Historic Old School.
The Bull Swamp Baptist Church is thought of as the Mother Church of at least three (3) and possibly many other area churches. In addition to the two churches mentioned earlier, the St. John Baptist Church in Cameron, South Carolina is also included.
As we pause to celebrate our 217th plus Church Anniversary, we are thankful for our brave, spiritual and dedicated ancestors. Ours is a rich history of the faith and perseverance of true sons and daughters of God. From her meager and humble beginning, the Historic Bull Swamp Baptist Church continues to serve as “A Beacon of Light, Faith and Hope” to Orangeburg, South Carolina and the surrounding areas.
Another special moment in our history occurred when Deacon Wilfred Lewis Pace was appointed the new U. S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. Pace was nominated by Congressman James E. Clyburn and confirmed by President Barack Obama for the position. A March 31, 2016, Times and Democrat article details more about the Farm Service Agency and Deacon Pace’s appointment. http://thetandd.com/news/local/local-man-to-lead-state-farm-service-agency/article_4e93630e-f330-5906-a649-86c161d11978.html
Sister Jessie Mae Hampton, our oldest member in 2022, at 98 years, transitioned on March 27, 2022. Sister Lillie Reed, who was our oldest female member at the time, transitioned in 2019, a day after her 104th birthday. Our oldest male member, Deacon Edward “Sonny” Fersner, transitioned on January 21, 2019, at the age of 94. We thank God for their many years of faithful and dedicated service.
During the past two and one-half years (March 2020 to August 2022) of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Stephens – supported by a very capable Deacon Board, staff, and dedicated members – continued preaching the Gospel through our Media Ministry. Since the first service was broadcast, on March 29, 2020, Bull Swamp has not missed one Sunday of services or Wednesday Word at Noon Bible Study; and we have been back worshipping in the sanctuary since August 2021.
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Bull Swamp Baptist Church
112 Purity Street, P. O. Box 752, Orangeburg, SC 29116
Reverend Dr. Ephriam D. Stephens, Pastor