Bellview Church celebrates its centennial July 26.
Bellview Baptist Church, 233 N. Bellview Road, Rockmart, will observe its 100th anniversary during a special service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 26.
The service will begin with an overview of the history of the church and recognition of former pastors and their families attending. The musical group Scarlet Wool will join the congregation in the worship and praise service.
Following a noon meal, comments will be given by Trey Kelley, state representative, and guests from the Georgia Baptist Convention.
“Old Fashion Day” is also planned. Members and visitors are invited to dress in attire that would have been fashionable in bygone years. This can include informal wear worn by country ladies and gents who could be seen at Brush Arbor revivials.
Pastor Justin Carter said people are not only welcome to dress in “old timey” attire but to view the old cars and wagons if those attending choose this mode of transportation.
Robert McWhorter, event planner, said many people have no memory of the difficulty in traveling only a short distance along Polk’s unpaved roads during the early years of the church.
This was when horse drawn wagons and bug- gies were common and automobiles were owned by a lucky few.
“The local church provided a place not only for worship but fellowship with friends and neighbors,” said Carter.
Early history, provided by McWhorter, notes:
Bellview (a 20 x 24 foot building) was erected in early 1901 and was a worship site for all denominations in the community. Monthly church services were held on the third Saturday and Sunday. Often, a Baptist preacher conducted morning meetings and a Methodist minister served in the evening. This small structure was known as the “Little Mission” where school was also held.
Today, members observe the “actual date” the church was constituted – 1915. Present were Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sorrells, Joe Robinson, Bessie Casey Oaks, Lewis Casey, Mr. and Mrs. John Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Waits and Evy Vaughn. Pastor at the time was Rev John Goss, who served until 1920.An improved wooden structure was dedicated in 1919. Pastors during this era were J. C. Baker, M. B. Moon, and Fint Wallace.
In 1931, a larger sanctuary was build under the leadership of B. F. Stone. M. B. Moon returned as pastor followed by Jake Cash and Clifford Chandler.
The present church was constructed and dedicated in 1950 under the guidance of Clifford Chandler. Raymond Cook was the next pastor and Clyde Purser was ordained to preach the gospel.
In 1962, new pews and furniture were installed and a new pastorium was dedicated in 1964. The fellowship hall was completed in 1974 and a gym in the early 1980s.
“We are on the threshold of the next 100 years,” said Pastor Carter. “We want to honor the past during this year while planning for the future to keep spreading the good news as our membership continues to increase.”
Bellview history, written by the late Mrs. Nettie Sorrells Campbell, gives a personal viewpoint on the early years of the church:
“I know little about the early settlers of the (Bellview) community.
“My parents, J. T. and Harriett Moon Sorrells were instrumental in the early church and its growth. They purchased the Adams farm and moved into this area in December 1894 when I was a month old.
“At that time, it was thinly settled. Most everyone was a Methodist. The John and Troup Thompsons, Cheatwoods, Elek and son Wiley, and Carmichaels were among the residents.
“Elek or Elexander was a Methodist preacher. His wife Elize was a gracious lady that everyone loved.