History of Mt. Seal

       

 The first meeting place of Mt. Seal was a brush arbor, a shelter in the woods made from trees. The arbor shade established in 1856 during the dark days of slavery was by a pond which was located approximately 200 yards west of our present day structure. The spot was selected because this was the place slaves, who were then members of the present-day Indiantown Presbyterian Church were baptized. Black slaves were not baptized in the same water as whites. These worshipers were responsible for visions, so that generations yet unborn will reap the fruits of their labor and the blessings of their prayers. This meeting place for the worshipers was called Mount Cedar. They would go to this place to pray, and to tell God, and each other about the trials and tribulations encountered. In the beginning, there was no appointed preacher, the local preachers and communities shared in the worship hour at Mount Cedar.

          It was in the year 1891 that the members of this group decided it was time to build a church to protect them from the cold and rainy weather.
The church was named Turkey Creek Methodist Episcopal Church. Oral historian, Mr. Wash Wilson gave this information. 

         On January 8, 1891, four and one-fourth (4 1/4) acres of land was purchased from J. E. Kennedy for the sum of $21.00 to build a church. This was a wood frame structure. The men cut down the trees on the property and from this timber, they hewed the sills, boards, and shingles to put the building together. Inflation 2 acres $25.00.
        On March 9, 1897, an additional 2 acres of land was purchased from W. H. Kennedy for the sum of $25.00. This land was purchased for a parsonage.

        It is not clear at what time the church was named Mount Seal. In the early 70s the church was officially recorded as Mount Seal United Methodist Church. It is the oldest United Methodist Church in Williamsburg County as told by our older, oral historians. Their recollections are that Bethesda, Friendship, and Jeremiah churches grew out of Mount Seal. Mount Seal in the past was known for service every Sunday.

        From 1891 at the time the church was built until the present, 43 ministers served Mount Seal United Methodist Church. In the early 40s Rev. M. C. Cooper was sent to serve Mount Seal and he along with other members felt that there was a need for work to be done on the church. A choir section was built which remained throughout the life of the building.

        In the early 1960s, Reverend C. R. Brown, Jr. came to Mount Seal and began to lead the congregation in the awareness of the need for structural change. The members accepted the challenge and under his administration monies were raised, and the structure was started. Due to illness, Reverend Brown was unable to remain to see the structure completed. The structure was completed in 1971 under the leadership of Reverend O. J. Nelson.

        During this time, Mount Seal was a part of the Cades Charge, which consisted of Mount Seal United Methodist Church, Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, and Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church. Hickory Grove, and Wilson Chapel Churches merged which brought about the present Faith United Methodist Church.

        In 1982 the Reverend W. S. James was appointed to serve Mount Seal. Under his leadership the educational building was completed in 1989 and the cornerstone was laid. Bishop Roy C. Clarke was the resident Bishop of the South Carolina Conference, and Rev. Harry Floyd was the Florence District Superintendent.

        At this time Jeremiah United Methodist Church and Mount Seal United Methodist Church were joined as a charge. Rev James was able to devote more time to effective ministries and missions. The members saw the need for our church to have its doors opened every Sunday and as often as possible during the week. With this idea as a focus, services were planned each first and third Sunday at 11 A.M. and each second and fourth Sunday at 9 A.M. The young adult choir was very active in providing music for worship. The choir was renamed the W. S. James Choir during the tenure of Rev. James.

        Members of Mount Seal have been actively involved in other ministries and opportunities beyond the local church. The summer youth program, Salkehatchie, was utilized to improve and repair homes in the community. Members from Mt. Seal and from other churches in the community devoted their time for training to establish a Shalom Ministry. The old church picnic was reinstated during this time and the brass band from Morrisville performed.

        Rev. James served nineteen (19) years as Pastor of Mount Seal. In 2001 Rev. J. P. Thomas was appointed to serve the Jeremiah - Mount Seal Charge. Two members from Mount Seal participated in the John Wesley 300-year celebration at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Florence.

        For the first time in the history of South Carolina, a female was named resident Bishop of the South Carolina Annual Conference. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor was named Bishop and her tenure became effective September 1, 2004. A female was already serving as district superintendent of the Florence District, Rev. Janice Fredrick Watts.   

        The year 2004 was also the first time a female clergy was appointed to serve at Mount Seal United Methodist Church. Rev. Geneva Stafford was appointed to lead the congregation. She introduced new ideas and services with the main focus on worship services and ministries. The Summer Investment Program (S.I.P.) was presented. Four youths/young adults participated in the program. A male choir was organized. A special service was introduced to give acknowledgment and recognition to all members above 60 years of age. The Birthday Rally, the giving of one dollar for every birthday was reinstated as well as the appointment of class leaders. When members indicated the desire to become re-affiliated as a member and were unable to attend, she took the church to them.

        Rev. Stafford was very instrumental in leading the effort to remodel our present beautiful sanctuary. Her service continued through the sacred service of the installation of the cornerstone. Enclosed in the cornerstone are:
1. A wooden container box
2. New International Bible
3. White handkerchief with a cross
4. One card with "God Loves You" on it
5. Mount Seal membership roster
6. One bottle of anointing oil
7. Two dollars in cash
8. Newspaper

        During Rev. Stafford's tenure, Norma Bartell began serving as a Lay Servant. She later received her call to the ministry, answered the call, entered the process to become a minister, and began her course of study. She continued her process during the tenure of Rev. Joseph Wilson. She was appointed a local pastor during the 2015 South Carolina Annual Conference.

        In 2013, Rev. Joseph A. Wilson, Jr. was appointed to serve as our Pastor. He did not enter the ministry as early as some others members did but he heeded the call of his Master. He believed and demonstrated that services on Sunday were just as important, if not more, than being to our other obligations during the week. Therefore, services began on time with whomever was there at 11:00 A.M. He was serving as a local pastor during his time with us. What a time of celebration at Annual Conference in 2015 when Rev. Wilson received his Elders Orders and retired on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at the same Annual Conference. Our recognition and congratulations were given to him.

        In 2015 during the South Carolina Annual Conference, Rev. Ernest Frierson was appointed to serve as the pastor of this charge. He responded without reservation. During the short period of time that he was with us, he demonstrated his concerns to move this membership to higher heights, spiritually, as well as socially. We were open to his challenge.

        In 2016 we celebrated 160 years of ministry and we were blessed to have an African-American, Reverend Jonathan Holston, serving a resident Bishop of the South Carolina Conference. His leadership has been dynamic and exemplary and he has encouraged and challenged us to have God size dreams.
        Our District Superintendent at that time was Reverend John Hipp, who was very supportive of Mount Seal and delivered our homecoming message.

        Rev. Ernest Frierson continued his objective which was to take the congregation to a higher height.
This was exemplified as he daily fulfilled the many ministries and duties that are present in the church. Rev. Frierson collaborated with another church and its minister, Rev. Tinney Rupnick of Ebeneezer United Methodist Church and began drive through prayer stations.

        Rev. Frierson undertook another ministry and made a tremendous contribution as he joined a team of ministers in July 2016 to visit and give support to the people of Haiti. We could not all go to Haiti, but with an interpreter and social media, Rev. Frierson brought Haiti to us and told us about his many experiences. Most impressive, the people are poor financially, they work hard all week, but on Sunday, they put on their best clothing and go to church. They still have hope in God and believe that God is in charge. A Freewill offering was given to aid the people in Haiti.

        At the South Carolina Annual Conference in 2019 a change of pastor was made for the Mount Seal-Jeremiah United Methodist Charge. Reverend Dr. Christopher Thompson was appointed to this charge and a parsonage was provided for the parish family. Reverend Thompson entered the charge with much enthusiasm to fulfill his obligation that was bestowed upon him to serve as pastor of the charge.

        During his tenure we experienced his vim, vigor, and vitality as he proclaimed the word of God. Four Lay Servants were active and served during that time. They were Moses Cooper, Jr. Edd Cunningham, Coretha Grate, and Flossie Bartell Jackson.

        In January 2020, Reverend Dr. Thompson presented to each member of the Administrative Council who chaired a ministry, a copy of their responsibilities for that ministry. They were accepted with interest. February was an exciting month as we celebrated Black History Month. To culminate the month a skit was presented. The emphasis was a parent taking her child to visit a black museum. February is also Hearth Health Month. The chairperson of Health and Welfare sponsored a health walk at Battery Park School walking trail. It was so impressive and was suggested that this activity become an annual walk.

        As the cliché goes, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but March of 2020 did not end like a lamb. For the first time in our history the person serving as our Lay Leader was laid to rest on March 3, 2020. Women's History Month was recognized. Then the coronavirus pandemic struck. On March 15, 2020 Bishop L. Jonathan Holston announced that only morning service and no additional programs should be held at the church. The virus got so vicious that all services held inside the church were canceled. Social media became our vehicle for communicating and for holding services during this time. Our pastor provided Bible Study as well as Sunday morning worship services online. We were asked to wear a mask and remain socially distanced. For a while service were held outside.

        The Administrative Council held a virtual meeting with officers to approve a request that Mount Seal separate from Jeremiah United Methodist Church as a charge and become a local church. This request was too late for the annual conference which was held virtually in 2020, to act on the request.

        This request was based on our financial responsibilities. Our request came to fruition at Annual Conference which was held virtually in June 2021. Prior to the Annual Conference, our SPPRC announced that our pastor would be Reverend Cheryl Giles Johnson. That announcement was later changed and stated that Rev. Patsy S. McCrea would be our Pastor. Rev. McCrea began with us the First Sunday in July 2021. During this time, we were having services as the condition allowed, outside and inside. Rev. McCrea stated that she was here to help Mount Seal United Methodist Church in all the ways she could. We accepted her with gratitude as we celebrated our 165 years in ministry with the theme: "Our church, a new beginning".

         Rev. McCrea's tenure was short-lived. She only served July 2021 through November 2021.

         This brought about our new renowned, Rev. Cynthia Williams. She moved in with such a calm and concerned spirit making it a smooth transition. Her background and experience working in the United Methodist Church provided her skills to move our church forward, spiritually, socially and financially. She came to us from the position of Florence District Lay Servant Director and now our Pastor, Rev. Cynthia Williams. As a spiritual leader, she has exemplified:
A. Love and respect for all members
B. Provides an atmosphere for a meaningful and Christian Church Council meetings
C. Encourages all persons to become acquainted with their ministry, strive to fulfill their duties, and summit a written report
D. Presents meaningful spiritual and encouraging words every Sunday
E. Conducts Bible Study each Tuesday evening
F. Distributes suggestive chapters of the Bible to read independently with spaces to write our reflections
G. Provides training and leadership in all areas which is really needed
H. Brings about a different feeling tone of togetherness, love, and respect among members

1. Encourages person(s) to join us as a member
   J. Baptized one infant
   K. Inspires young adults to support and attend when possible although they have moved away
   L. Contacts members who are not in attendance to see how they are doing

          Rev. Williams was instrumental in securing the 501 (3C)  status for Mount Seal as well as applying for a $10,000 grant. She is truly a shepherd caring for the sheep. Lay Servants are active to help serve. They are Coretha Grate, Flossie Bartell Jackson, and Doretha Cooper, as well as distinctive, retired pastor, Rev. Joshua Gaskins.

          Where there is no vision, the people perish. Since the inception of this great church, it has not ceased to grow. Many souls have been brought to Christ. Many have brought their children for baptism in the name of our Lord. Many prayers have been said for those who are sick.
Vows have been spoken in holy matrimony, and souls have been laid to rest here at Mount Seal United Methodist Church.

          Today among the persons that came through the doors of Mount Seal, she claims the following as her sons and daughter in Christ. The Reverends Edward Cunningham, Ned White, W. J. Barr, Joseph V. Barr, Jr., Robert McCutchen, Joshua Gaskins, Norma Bartell, Dr. Jimmy Montgomery, and Minister William J. Barr.

          The history of this church is short of its many glories, because of the lack of records and many persons who have passed on. It is the best one that could be written at this time. Let's help to take copious notes, oral and written, as the history of this church continues, so that we can pass the legacy from one generation to the next generation.

           May the God of this church, so surround the members, that they may seek the ancestry, so that this history may be continually enriched as Mount Seal continues to develop and grow.

 

"For the structure that we raise time is with material filed. Our todays and yesterdays are the blocks with which we build."
Submitted by Julia B. McFadden
Provided information by the late Joseph V. Barr