History

In 1775, the Congaree Baptist Church was established and remains today in the same location where our forefathers attended until 1868. At that time in our history, the slaves attended the same church as their slave owners. In 1868, five hundred Black members left the Congaree Baptist Church and organized the Red Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Jonas Anchrom. Accommodations for members were not adequate, however, Reverend Jonas Anchrom served the people faithfully in a vacant house about three miles from the present location on a little red clay knoll; thereby, the church was named Red Hill Baptist Church.

In 1871, Red Hill joined the Gethsemane Association Upper Division.  After five years, they joined the Pee Dee Association in 1877. Reverend Anchrom died on Sunday, February 25, 1877 while delivering his message from the pulpit. Some of the first known deacons were James Scott, Joseph Lowe, John J. Hoff, Simon Haynes, Benjamin Hamilton, William Shiver, Steven S. Cochran, and Lewis W. James. Deacon L. James was also the church clerk.  Deacon Cochran later became a Minister. 

After the death of Reverend Anchrom, Rev. Steven S. Cochran became the second pastor of Red Hill Baptist Church that same year.  Several members received letters for dismissal to organize Mount Zion in Eastover, which was first pastored by Rev. Frank Gunter.  Under the leadership of Reverend Cochran, the Sunday School Department was organized in 1878.  Deacon John J. Hoff, a schoolteacher, served as the first superintendent. E. Green was the secretary.  The Sunday school consisted of approximately one hundred-forty (140) students and nine (9) teachers. The Pee Dee Association ordained Deacon James Scott on August 17, 1879.  Ministers who witnessed this occasion were Rev. Clem Davis, Rev. William Lowman, and Rev. Peter Shiver.