A Sketch of our
History
Joel G. Layton,
farmer and businessman, for whom our church was named, was a generous
contributor in the establishment of the church. His unselfish spirit was
manifested in his vision to build and make the church possible. Mr.
Layton's desire for people to worship was shown by providing
transportation for them to attend services.
Layton Chapel
Baptist Church had its first service on October 12, 1935. Professor
Charles E. Brewer of Meredith College was one of the speakers that
day. Reverend William Poole, the first Pastor, was called in 1936.
He was instrumental in the early development and organization of the
church before accepting the Pastorate.
The first revival
began October 16, 1935, and lasted ten days. Reverend C. H. Norris
of Wake Forest, N.C. was the speaker. The second revival was
preached by Reverend Fred N. Daly of Winston-Salem, N.C., and was held
April 24 - May 4, 1936.
The first Deacon
Ordination Service took place on May 3, 1936, with Reverend L. E. Dailey
presiding. The following Deacons were ordained: C. C. Butts, J. L. Holder,
L. L. Wilbourne, Charles T. Moore and Frank West.
Some of the
Pastors who have served at Layton Chapel Baptist Church include: Reverend
William Poole - June 1936; Reverend Walter E. Bond - February 1937;
Reverend W. C. Down - October 1940; Reverend J. I. Memory - March 1943;
Reverend O. W. Pulley, February 1944; Reverend Aaron Phelps, June 1945;
Reverend Julius Holloway - October 1946; Reverend Auburn Hayes (supply)
December 1948; Reverend Raymond Moore (supply) June 1950; Reverend Earl
Howard - April 1951; Reverend Herman Moore, Jr. - September 1952; Reverend
C. T. Gray - October 1955; , Reverend George McKeithan - March 1959;
Reverend Howard Lawson - February 1966; Reverend
Stacy Carter - April 1967; Reverend George Denton - August
1969; Reverend Bynum Mauney - January 1975; and Reverend Ertle
Lawson - January 1984.
Our current
Pastor, Reverend Steve Swagger, was called in April of 1991. As the
church grew under Pastor Swagger's leadership, the church began to see the
need for a larger worship facility. After several years of praying,
planning, and seeking the Lord's direction, the church's vision for a much
needed, larger auditorium was realized, and on November 18, 2001, the
current worship center was dedicated. The special speaker for the
dedication service was Reverend Grady Parker of Lincolnton,
N. C.
Other ministers participating in the service that day were Reverend Tony
Wilson of Fayetteville, N.C. and Reverend Tom Wagoner of Dunn, N.C.
The Lord has been
good to us at Layton Chapel Baptist Church and we gratefully acknowledge
His hand of grace and goodness. Throughout the years, Layton Chapel
Baptist Church has kept its mission and message clear. We are thankful for
those who have gone before us to bring us where we are today. We are
thankful for those who are standing beside us in faithfulness and
commitment to fulfill our present responsibility, and we are encouraged by
those who will one day pick up the banner of the cross and serve behind
us.
