A Brief History of
Hickory Rock Baptist Church

On August 1, 1915 a meeting was held at Hickory Rock Academy for the purpose of organizing a Missionary Baptist Church.  The Reverend George Duke presided over the meeting.  Mr. G. B. West acted as clerk and the Reverend J.H. Harper served as reading clerk.  The sixteen charter members of the church are as follows: Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Joyner, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Inscoe, Mr. and Mrs. R.H.Bobbitt, Mr. J.R. Joyner, Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Gupton, Mr. Asbury Dennis, Mr. Frank Dennis, Miss Mary Dennis, Mr. Jake Dennis, and Mrs. O.B. Ball.  The church is located approximately six miles east of Louisburg.  The distinctive practices of Baptists include the practice of “believers’ baptism” which means that only candidates who respond to the claims of the faith for themselves are baptized (baptism is a ritual of initiation into Christian churches).  Another distinctive is that the Hickory Rock meal commonly called the Lord’s Supper is viewed not as a means of salvation, but rather as a symbol of salvation.  Baptists are also distinctive from other denominations in the way they organize the church.  Each member of the church is given an equal vote in all matters.  Deacons are members of the church selected to help with the various practical needs of the church body.  Pastors tend to be from outside the church and are given the responsibility of leading the worship services, providing pastoral care, leading weddings and funerals.  Hickory Rock has had thirty two pastors since its founding many of whom served at the church while completing their seminary education. 

Home   The Family   Services   Resources   Directions   Contact Us

Hickory Rock Baptist Church
1580 Fire Tower Road Louisburg, NC 27549
Telephone: 919-497-0604

Comments about this site may be sent to webmaster@hickoryrock.org
Last Updated Monday, April 06, 2009