Third Creek Baptist Church has a long history. According to the Alexander County Treasures Book, Third Creek Baptist Church appears to be the oldest black church in the eastern part of Alexander County.  Built on granted land in the 1860s, it was known as Gum Springs Baptist. The original location was not far from the present site.

   According to written records from the early 1900s, Third Creek was served by the following pastors:  Reverend Borders,

Reverend George Thomas, Reverend R.B. Watts and Reverend George Parker.  After 1911, the board voted to pay the pastor $100 a year. The new church was erected on the present site in 1914 and renamed Third Creek Baptist Church.

 Reverend W.S. Sherrill was pastor from 1917-1921. Under his leadership, wine was served for communion.  Communion bread was made by Sister Harriet Parker and wine was made by Sister Betty Parker.  Some of Reverend Sherrill’s sermons were recorded in the church records.

   During the early 1920s, church services were held once a month on the 1st Sunday.  Later services were changed to 3rd Sunday. Revival was held on the 3rd Sunday in August.  Additionally, a paint rally was held in 1921 to purchase paint for the church.

    Reverend V. Porter was called to replace Reverend W. S. Sherrill.  He served from April 1922 until September 1922.  Reverend E. D. Dubose served as pastor from 1922-1930. During his pastorate, members voted to buy locks to lock the church on May 18, 1924.  They also voted to pay the sexton (person charged with the care of the church and cemetery) $8 a year.  In 1927, the pastor and members began visiting the homes of non-attending members.

 Reverend G.W. Campbell served as pastor from 1931-1941.  The usher board was organized under his leadership. The first ushers were Brother Albert Parker, Brother David L. Williams, Sister Lorene Redmon and Sister Ophelia Wellman Bennett.

   Reverend D. W. Rutherford served as pastor from 1941 - (September) 1969. Under his leadership, the senior vocal choir was organized in 1942.  Brother T. L. Nixon, Sr. served as the first chorister in 1942 and served until his death in the 1960s.  Under his leadership, the music ministry flourished with the establishment of two additional choirs:  The Golden Stars (1960) and the youth choir (1968).

    In 1960, the parsonage was purchased and transported from Marion, NC to the present day site.  Reconstruction was completed in 1964. Reverend Rutherford resided in the parsonage until his passing in 1969.

Reverend D. U. Cooper served as interim pastor during Reverend Rutherford’s illness.  During his interim, the present sanctuary was completed.  Reverend Cooper was called as the pastor in 1976.  He served from 1969 to 1976.  Under Reverend Cooper morning worship services were held every Sunday.

    Reverend J. H. Thomas served from 1976 to 1989. Under his pastorate, the education building and the James A. Parker Memorial Chapel were completed in 1978.  The Voices of Faith Choir was established in 1979.

   Following Reverend Thomas’s pastorate, Reverend Sterling Howard filled in from 1989 to 1990 during the pastoral search.  In 1990, Reverend Howard was called as the pastor and served until December 2011.  Under his leadership, a new men’s choir was established in 1997.  The new vestibule was completed in 2002.  Minister Steven Parker served as an assistant pastor from 2007- 2012.  In October 2007, a praise team was organized.  Voices of Faith and Golden Stars were disbanded in 2009 and the Mass Choir was organized.

   Reverend Dwayne Harris was called as pastor November 2012 and served unto March 2014. Under his leadership a number of ministries were established: the Marriage Ministry, the Singles Ministry and the Seniors Ministry.  Reverend Harris also reinstated the prison ministry and the deacons serving communion to the sick and shut-in.  Under Reverend Harris, various church committees were established including:  the Joint Head Committee, the Finance Committee, the Church Management Committee and the Events Planning Committee.

   Our current pastor is Reverend Tommy Carpenter. Reverend Carpenter previously served as an interim pastor.  He was officially installed on May 3, 2015.

- Respectfully submitted by Sister Carrie Pulley and

Sister Betty Banks of the TCBC Historical Committee