Our Pastor

Reverend Christopher Franklin Scott serves as Pastor of the Flat Rock Baptist Church of Piedmont, SC to which he was called in July 2010 as the youngest ever called to serve as Senior Pastor of this congregation, founded in 1862. The vision for Flat Rock, as implemented by Reverend Scott, has been to “Build Relationships and Communities on a Rock Foundation”. This vision serves as an anchor to the Mission Statement of Flat Rock, which is to “Faithfully Build Ambassadors through a Loving Relationship in Christ, The Solid Rock.” Flat Rock Baptist Church, through the sound biblical teaching and preaching of Reverend Scott, is committed to the work of evangelizing, equipping, and empowering the saints for Jesus Christ.

With Christian Education being the ministry that undergirds the mission and ministries of Flat Rock, Reverend Scott is dedicated in advancing the people beyond where they are with ministries that transform mind, body, and soul. Since his arrival, Reverend Scott has revitalize the Youth Ministry with the implementation of a Summer Enrichment Program, Youth Choir, Praise Dance Ministry, and the future addition of an After School Enrichment Program.

In 2011, he created Rock University which became the first in the state to be an Accredited Division of Christian Education of the Sunday School Publishing Board through the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Pastor Scott is an instructor at Martin’s Webb NJ Brockman School of Religion in Greenville, SC. and a certified teacher through the Sunday School Publishing Board. He was recognized as the Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year in 2013.

Prior to his ministry at Flat Rock Baptist Church, Reverend Scott was formerly the Senior Pastor of Goodman Creek Baptist Church in Cheraw, SC. He is a 2009 Graduate of The Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned a Master of Divinity, served as President of Morehouse School of Religion Baptist Student Fellowship, and was appointed to the Student Christian League Executive Board. He completed his undergraduate studies at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating on Elementary Education and English.

Reverend Scott was licensed to preach in October 2000 at Mount Clair Baptist Church by Rev. W. L. Thompson and ordained in 2004 by Rev. Gilbert E. Wilson, Pastor of Sandy Grove Baptist Church in Bennettsville; SC. Reverend Scott continues to participate and serve with Will Do Lodge #322 and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Finally, and most importantly, Reverend Scott is married to Dr. Tiffany Scott and they are the proud parents of three, Nicolas, Zuri, and Asa.

History

1862 - Present

The Flat Rock Baptist Church was organized in 1862 on the north side of Bessie Road, Route 2, in Piedmont, South Carolina. Its first congregation worshipped on a large flat rock in a brush arbor behind the site of Mrs. Minnie Harrison’s home. This is where the church got its name, from the rock on which they first worshipped.

Reverend Emanuel Rodgers of Landrum, South Carolina, was the first pastor of the Flat Rock congregation, and remained with the congregation for 20 years. Mr. D. A. Jackson was the first secretary for the Flat Rock congregation and served for 20 years.

In 1881, Reverend John Washington of Woodville, South Carolina, was elected pastor of Flat Rock and Mr. B. F. Mims was elected secretary. They both served for six years.

Rev. J. F. Dunbar of Williamston, South Carolina was elected pastor and Mr. William Seaborn was elected secretary.

Reverend Dunbar stayed three years, until 1890. Mr. Seaborn remained secretary until 1893 at which time Mr. Charles Courtney Brown was elected and served that post for the next 40 years. While Mr. Brown was serving in that office, he was also made a Deacon and served in that post for 46 years. He was also Superintendent of the Sunday School for 10 years and Treasurer of the Sunday School for 30 years. Mr. Brown founded the Reedy River Baptist Sunday School Congress on July 20, 1890. He served as secretary of the Reedy River Baptist Union for 50 years. Mr. Brown was born January 4, 1870, and died January 9, 1960, at the age of 90.

Reverend P. L. Morris of Greenwood, South Carolina was called to pastor Flat Rock in 1890. It was during his pastorate that Mr. W. B. Charles and his wife, Alma Charles, sold the Flat Rock congregation three acres of land on the south side of Bessie Road, off Highway 25 South for $60.00. The land was sold to Deacons Robert B. Cureton and D. B. F Cureton on February 1, 1890; signed by Mr. Juo M. Cureton, Notary Public, and Mr. W. M. Ellison. The deed was recorded on the third day of February, 1890.

Reverend Morris and the Flat Rock congregation built their first church on that land the same year, and that building stood until it was rebuilt in 1931. Reverend Morris’ pastorate ended in 1892 and Reverend Mattison Moore of Sterling Grove, South Carolina, was called to Flat Rock that same year. Reverend Moore stayed only one year as did the next two pastors, Reverend A. W. H. Williams of Landrum, South Carolina, in 1892, and Reverend F. Brown of Greenville, South Carolina, in 1894.

Reverend L. B. Jones of Greenville, South Carolina succeeded Reverend Brown in 1895, and stayed two years. He was succeeded by Reverend G. W. Gilbert who pastored five years. Reverend F. J. Washington of Williamston, South Carolina, came to Flat Rock in 1900 and pastored two years. He was succeeded by Reverend H. Donald of Laurens, South Carolina, in 1902 and served four years. He was succeeded by Reverend A. Hunter of Easley, South Carolina, in 1906. Reverend Hunter pastored Flat Rock for two years and was succeeded by Reverend E. F. Wise of Greenwood, South Carolina, in 1908. He stayed five years and was succeeded by Reverend D. B. Earl of Greenville, South Carolina, in 1913. He pastored until 1923.

During Reverend Earl’s pastorate he ordained several deacons. Those serving as deacons at that time were: Mr. Jeff Mayfield, Mr. C. C. Brown, Mr. C. M. Brown, Mr. W. T. Carter, Mr. J. H Seaborn, and Mr. M. D. Dogan. Mr. C. M. Brown was elected Chairman and Mr. C. C. Brown was elected Secretary. During this time, Mr. L. W. Young, Mr. B. B. Young, and Mr. J. H Shumate were serving as trustees and deacons.

Reverend W. R. Martin was called to pastor Flat Rock in 1923 and stayed until 1965. Many changes took place under Reverend Martin’s pastorate. Deacon/Trustees Lindsey Young, Bodie B. Young, and J. H. Shumate bought one-half acre of land from Mr. T.M. Martin and Mrs. Grace Martin. This land bordered the Flat Rock property that had been purchased from Mr. W. B. Charles in 1890. Mr. Martin sold the trustees the land for $250.00. The sale was witnessed by Mr. J. H. Shumate and Mr. T. M. Charles on June 17, 1924.

The Flat Rock church was rebuilt in 1931, remodeled in 1956, and made an addition in 1962. A new church was constructed in 1972. As the congregation grew, more deacons were added to the Deacon Board. Mr. George Young Sr., Mr. A. W. Young, Mr. J. H. Dogan, Mr. Charles Dogan Sr., Mr. Allen P. Cook, Mr. Joe Henderson Sr., and Mr. Sam Cook. Mr. Bodie B. Young was Treasurer, Mr. Coleman Brown remained Chairman, and Mr. Charlie Brown was Secretary until 1960. At that time Mr. Lindsey Young became Chairman and Mr. Charles A. Williams became Church Secretary.

Mr. Charles A. Williams came to Flat Rock Baptist Church in 1938 from the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Pelzer, South Carolina. He was ordained a deacon in 1943, at the same time as Mr. J. E. Harrison. Deacon Williams served as Church Secretary for 12 years. His tenure in office ran from 1960 to 1972, at which time Mr. Bennie F. Hood became the Secretary.

The following deacons were added to the board during the fifties: Mr. Robert L. Chandler Sr, Mr. Amos Gilliam, Mr. Frank Winestock, Mr. George Young Jr., Mr. Emanuel Canty, and Mr. Charles Dogan Jr. As these were being ordained, others were being called home to God. Mr. Bodie B. Young died June 3, 1954; Mr. C. C. Brown in 1960; and Mr. L. W. Young on May 2, 1970. Mr. Frank Winestock was then elected to serve as Chairman and served until 1974 at which time Mr. Amos Gilliam was elected Chairman and served until 1984. Mr. George Young Sr. was elected Chairman in October 1984 and served for ten years. Deacon John M. Dogan is currently the Chairman of the Deacon Board.

Reverend J. W. Johnson served as an assistant to Reverend Martin for a brief time. He succeeded Reverend Martin in 1965. Reverend Johnson’s home is in the Piedmont area, just a few miles from the church. He resigned from Flat Rock in January 1974.

Many changes took place during Reverend Johnson’s pastorate. A Trustee Board was organized with 11 Trustees being ordained in the late sixties. Those elected were as follows: Billy Young, Edward Young, Willie S. Moon, Joe Henderson Jr., Bennie Hood, Rodger Burts, John M. Dogan, James Simmons, Thomas Canty, Nathaniel Walker, and Lindsey Young Jr. Mr. Willie Moon served as Chairman.

Flat Rock had grown to around 400 members by 1970 and the pastor and the members decided they needed a larger church. Brother Willie S. Moon was elected to head the building project. Mr. M. L. Garrett was the contractor for the new church and the loan was received from First Federal Savings and Loan in July 1971. The groundbreaking service was held in August 1971, and the new structure was completed in April 1972.

June 10, 1972 was dedicated to Mr. Willie S. Moon because he worked so hard to get the new church. The dedication service was held for the new Flat Rock Baptist Church on June 11, 1972. Reverend S. C. Cureton was the speaker, Reverend W. A. Harrison prayed the dedicatory prayer, and Reverend D. C. Francis read the litany.

Reverend Dr. Willie B. McMahand was called to pastor Flat Rock in June 1974. Dr. McMahand made history his first year at Flat Rock. Upon his arrival he was informed by Sister Flora Winestock that the Lord had called her to preach. He gave her the privilege to preach her trial sermon that August and she became the first woman to be licensed by Flat Rock and the first to be ordained in the Reedy River Association. Since that time he also licensed and ordained Brother Rodger Burts and Rev. C. D. McKinney, a former member of Anthens Baptist Church who had been licensed, but was ordained by Dr. McMahand. Deacon Charles Dogan was licensed and ordained by Dr. McMahand. Deacon Thomas Canty and Brother Brian McMahand were licensed by Dr. McMahand and Brother Tony Humbert was licensed and ordained by Dr. McMahand. Sister Aretha Sayles was licensed by Dr. McMahand.

Dr. McMahand led the congregation in making many improvements during his tenure at Flat Rock. Upon his arrival in 1974, the congregation decided to go full time. A $54,000 mortgage was paid off by the congregation in the fifth year of his pastorate. The Flat Rock Trustees received the deed to the church on January 21, 1979. Trustees whose names appear on that deed are as follows: Willie S. Moon, Chairman; John M. Dogan, James Simmons, Joe Henderson Jr., Billy Young, Edward Young, Jimmy Young, Rodger Burts, Bennie F. Hood, James Goodwin and Thomas Canty.

Other improvements on the church and property made under the pastorate of Dr. McMahand are as follows: paving of the yard, cushioning the pews, paneling the educational facilities and the fellowship hall, remodeling the kitchen and pastor’s study and refurnishing both, adding a church office, a wheelchair ramp, and a canopy over the church entrance. Under his pastorate many members were added to the Flat Rock family. Many state meetings were entertained by the Flat Rock congregation including the State One-Day Session, The State Ushers Convention, and the O. R. Reuben Day. Dr. McMahand led the Flat Rock congregation to great commitments in its support of foreign missions, home missions, education, the State Baptist E & M Convention, The National Baptist Convention USA Inc and the Baptist World Alliance.

Trustees added during Dr. McMahand’s pastorate were Judy Atkins, Mamie Black, Willie Boyd, Eunice Carter, Raymond Carter Jr., Mattie Catlett, Winston Chandler, Henry Cheeks, Robert Croft, Albert Dogan, Alvin Dogan, Michael Duncan, Grace Earl, Betty Fletcher, Alice Gibson, James Goodwin Sr., Fred Henderson, George Henderson Sr., Stanley Henderson, Willie Henderson, Addison Hicks, Lillie Mae Hood, Annie McClinton, Robert McKinney, Samuel McMahand, Beverly Moorehead, Terec Nedwards, Willie Nedwards, Frank Norris, Phillip Poole, John Rainey, Margaret Rankin, Erion Rosemond, Ray Rosemond, Connie Sayles, Louis Sayles Jr., Randolph Scott, Josh Singleton, Aretha Starks, George Talley, Jerry Tatum, Marvin Taylor, Willie Tutt, Willa Williams, Bobbie Wright, Jimmy Young and Mitchell Young.

Under Dr. McMahand’s pastorate, the following were ordained as deacons in the 1980’s: Brothers Thomas Canty, John M. Dogan, Joe Henderson Jr., Bennie F. Hood, Willie S. Moon, Billy Young and Edward Young. In 1993, the following were ordained as deacons: Brothers Jesse High, Robert McKinney, Robert Simmons, Josh Singleton and Jimmy Young. In 1998, the following were ordained as deacons: Brothers Harold Chandler, Willie Chandler, James Goodwin, Fred Henderson, Stanley Henderson, Addison Hicks and George Mangum. In 2003, Willie Henderson was ordained as a deacon. In 2006, Reginald Eley and George Talley were ordained as deacons. In 2007, Albert Dogan and Alvin Dogan were ordained as deacons. The following deacons joined Flat Rock from other churches: Brothers Robert Beasley, Raymond Carter Sr., Fletcher Evans, Napoleon LeGrande, Monroe Mitchell and Harry Nash.

The Flat Rock Family Life Center was, at one time, just an idea in someone’s mind. That idea became a burning desire to construct a building that would serve the church family and community with educational programs, organized sports activities and other activities focused on spiritual growth and personal welfare. Under the leadership of Dr. W.B. McMahand, a motion was made by the Trustee Board and seconded by the church family in 1980 to build a Family Life Center. The following people were placed on the Life Center Building Committee on January 10, 1987: James Goodwin (Chairman), Willie Moon (Co-Chairman), Jimmy Young, James Simmons, Jean Young, Queen Hood, John Dogan, Willa Williams and Margaret Rankin. The committee was created to research possibilities and to obtain bids to begin construction. During the research, the fact was discovered that the church needed more property before constructing any building. In 1987, a cash purchase was made for 20 acres adjacent to the church.

Plans for the building were discussed and finalized and a builder, Yeargin Enterprises, Inc., was retained as general contractor. Several establishments were scrutinized for the possibilities to obtain a loan to start the construction. Wachovia Bank gave the best rate. Dr. McMahand, John Dogan, James Goodwin, Willie Moon and Jimmy Young were responsible for signing the mortgage papers. At the end of 1992, everything was in place and ready for the final points and concerns. In January 1993, groundbreaking ceremonies were held to celebrate the beginning of a new era. After the groundbreaking, the dedication services consisted of a weeklong celebration.

The building consists of a library, banquet room with two storage rooms, large kitchen with pantry, gym with hardwood flooring, director’s office, utility room, lounge with two restrooms, women’s locker room, men’s locker room, secretary’s office and Pastor’s office. During the years many events and programs have been held at the Life Center. The Flat Rock Basketball League was established in 1996 and has grown each year. An aerobics class was started to physically enhance the body and create healthier minds. The Tutorial program utilized the library to provide a safe, secure and spiritually enriching environment for students who chose to further develop their learning skills. The Women’s Auxiliary State Convention was held at Flat Rock in May of 1996 and the Life Center was used for many aspects of the Convention. Many workshops, weddings, receptions, retirement celebrations, baby showers, family dinners, birthday parties and other events have been held in the Life Center over the years.

The church family voted to have a Fifty State Rally to pay off the Life Center. Fifty captains were chosen to raise funds. The rally was a success thus making it possible for the mortgage to be paid in full in 2003.

On October 9, 2004, the church voted to start a building fund. This was to enhance the church and ensure the structure and future structures were taken care of. On January 13, 2007, the church voted to have a Family Rally where each family would donate $1,000.00 to build restrooms on the front of the church with the rally ending in October of 2007. The addition was completed and is very useful to the entire congregation. Deacon Bennie F. Hood retired as Church Clerk after 35 years of service on October 18, 2007. Sister Laura J. Young was elected by the congregation to become the next Church Clerk.

A very nice building was donated to Deacon Amos Gilliam in the fall of 2008 by local dentist, Dr. Joseph Moon. Deacon Gilliam in turn donated the building to the church. The building was moved to Flat Rock’s property in January 2009. The building was refurbished to meet all inspection codes and safety codes according to Greenville County and the state codes. A dedication ceremony was given on May 16, 2010 and the building as dedicated and named The Amos Gilliam Sr. Center.

In 2009, Dr. Willie B. McMahand retired after 35 years of dedication and service and a job well done. On June 6, 2009 a meeting was called to select the Pastor Search Committee. Deacon Harry Nash was chosen as chairman, Deacon Billy Young and Deacon Harold Chandler were the committee members. Alternates were Deacons Albert Dogan, Alvin Dogan and Jimmy Young. Deacon Nash resigned after several months and Deacon Billy Young became chairman. On July 11, 2009, it was voted that Deacon Jimmy Young become the Moderator for the church. Deacon Fletcher Evans was elected as Vice Moderator.

The Pastor Search Committee recommended the three top candidates to vote on as new pastor of the church. An election was held where all the active members of the church voted by secret ballot.

Reverend Christopher F. Scott was elected to become the next pastor of Flat Rock Baptist Church in June of 2010. Reverend Scott, a native of Lake City, South Carolina, came to Flat Rock with an innovative approach to ministry to rebuild souls, advance communities and to continue the historic legacy established over the years. At his side – his wife, Dr. Tiffany Scott, and their three children, Nicolas, Zuri and Asa. Since his arrival to the Piedmont community, Reverend Scott has established himself as a strong leader with a commitment to empower individuals to serve in their God-given roles with a fervent passion. Under his helm, he has worked diligently to structure the church to be in a better position for the 21st century by helping the church to gain its non-profit status to aid in economic development for the church and the Piedmont community.

Yet, realizing that in order for the church to continue its historic path, the church must continue to build all generations, starting with the youth. In January 2011, Reverend Scott appointed Reverend Lamont Sullivan, with the church’s approval, to become the first Youth Pastor of Flat Rock. The Children’s Ministry was formed under the name, Igneous Youth Ministry. The activities and the commitment level with the youth brought about a significant change in the transformation process of Flat Rock. His wife, Sister Shonette Sullivan, led the Youth Choir to higher heights. Through their hard work, many activities were accomplished including the following: Easter Eggstravaganza, Summer Music Extravaganza, Trunk or Treat, Father’s Day breakfast at Applebee’s, an overnight lock-in and a trip to Orlando that was organized in less than six months. Additionally, in an effort to reach the youth in the community, a Summer Enrichment Program was created in the Amos Giliam Center to provide a spiritually and educationally enriched environment for the children of our community. Reverend Sullivan resigned in August of 2012.

Under Reverend Scott’s guidance, Brother David McMahand and Deacon Robert Simmons became licensed ministers of the gospel. He has also initiated the process of training new deacons and new trustees to begin serving in the upcoming years. The following people were placed on trial in January 2012 to become Deacons: Henry Cheeks, Allan Greene, Louis Sayles and Jerry Tatum. The following people were placed on trial in January 2012 to become Trustees: Lorraine Anderson, Tavito Brown, Patrick Dogan, Lisa Gilliard, Norma Hicks, Faith McMahand, Willie Paden, Lanetta Singleton and Phillip Tutt.

We are confident that as God continues to bless us with increase, new and exciting ministries will transpire that will continue in the spirit of success in which this congregation has been blessed. Under Reverend Scott’s skilled, professional leadership, Flat Rock enthusiastically looks forward to a most bright and prosperous future as “the best is yet to come!”