The Times and Democrat from Orangeburg, South Carolina • 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2007 SECTION FAITH INSIDE Columns: C4 Comics: C5 Entertainment C6-C7 www.TheTandD.com Hebrew classes allowed 1 to resume at school II Mill wm I ByMATTSEDENSKY Associated Press Writer Bull Swamp Baptist Church continues serving the Lord after 205 years By CANDACE NEWS0N Features Writer From humble beginnings, Orangeburg's Bull Swamp Baptist Church continues to fulfill its mission of leading people to Christ. The church will commemorate its 205-plus-year anniversary during its 11 a.m. service Sunday, Sept. 16. The Rev.

Dr. C.E. Graham ot Greater Faith Baptist Church in Columbia will be the guest speaker, Graham will be accompanied by the Greater Faith Mass Choir and Male Chorus. Associate Pastor Leroy Cain Jr. will preside over the service, which will also include a joint Family and Friends Day celebration.

The service will feature the Sunday School Choir singing shaped 11 "1 fi The late Rev. J. Glover notes, the system adapted by certain black congregations in the South dur SPECIAL TO THE FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. A taxpayer-funded charter school centered on Hebrew instruction can resume classes in the language, county school board members voted Tuesday, saying concerns on the Jewish faith seeping into public classrooms had largely been resolved. The Ben Gamla Charter School in Hollywood said it would begin teaching Hebrew again Monday, more than three weeks after Broward County schools Superintendent James Notter ordered the classes halted to allow further review of the curriculum.

School board members said close monitoring of the country's first Hebrew-language charter school is still necessary, but that its administrators had cleared up major concerns. It was the fourth time Ben Gamla had its curriculum go before the board. Notter said the school district would work with Ben Gamla to create training programs for both teachers at the charter and board members to ensure the separation of church and state. Lesson plans are to be submitted monthly for district review. The school can teach about the Jewish faith, but cannot advocate it.

Some aspects of the curriculum had previously been challenged as doing the latter. Ben Gamla founder Peter Deutsch, a former Democratic congressman, said he was gratified board members had become more comfortable with his school's concept, because advocating religion had never been part of its plans. There appeared to still be suspicions among board members, though. Robert Parks said he did not believe school officials have been forthright and that he has been uncomfortable with plans from the start. Eleanor Sobel said she was concerned about diversity at Ben Gamla.

Phyllis Hope questioned why kosher food was being served at the school. Ben Gamla has generated controversy since it was proposed. Its roughly 400 students in kindergarten through eighth grades follow state curriculum, but also are to take a Hebrew language course. One of their core subjects math or physical education, for example is to be taught bilingually as well. The school only taught Hebrew for three days before classes were halted.

Since, they have used the time allotted for language instruction to teach Israeli geography and Jewish history and culture. Deutsch plans to add additional Ben Gamla locations in South Florida and in New York and Los Angeles. The school takes its name from a Jewish high priest. ing the 1880s, said Youth Minister Joyce Colter. Bull Swamp is the only church in the area that still sings shaped notes, she said.

According to written history, the congregation officially became Bull Swamp Baptist Church in the early 1840s. Prior to that, however, original members were slaves that congregated in the rear balcony sections of white churches. They later held worship services in a clearing in a swamp known as Bush or Brush Arbor. In 1831, members Carrie Dantzler, Dave Smith and Dave Dantzler formed a singing group. The church has been under the leadership of 18 pastors, the first being the Rev.

Tom Hampton, whose administration lasted approximately 20 years. As the church progressed, the Rev. Young succeeded the Rev. Hampton in 1861. The next known pastor was the Rev.

Wallace, who led the congregation for 15 years, the history said. During his leadership, the church divided, forming Olive Grove Baptist Church. Bull Swamp is thought to be the mother of at least two other area churches Andrew Chapel Baptist Church and St. John Baptist Church. Years after Wallace, the Rev.

Corbitt led the congregation, followed by the Rev. Frank B. Johnson in 1908 and the Rev. Sharperson in 1912. The Rev.

Quick was the next pastor, whose administration is responsible for the baptismal pool. He was Bull Swamp Baptist Church of Orangeburg. followed by the Rev. A.W. Wright from 1915-1919, who laid the church's cornerstone; the Rev.

E.A. Moss in 1920, and the Rev. Griffin, who purchased the cemetery plot. In 1926, as membership grew under the leadership of the Rev. Rivers, the church edifice was enlarged.

Following Rivers, the Rev. Wright pastored the church briefly in 1933. He was succeeded by the Rev. Leaphart in 1934, the Rev. Fair Benjamin in 1944, and the Rev.

MalachiJ.Odominl951. The 18th pastor was the late Rev. J.J. Glover. Glover was the longest-serving pastor, having served for almost 45 years until he fell ill a little more than a year ago.

"He was one of the most outstanding ministers that I know," said Deacon Edward Fersner, who also serves as the church clerk. Fersner and the rest of the current deacons at Bull Swamp were organized under Glover's leadership. When the late pastor came to Bull Swamp in March 1963, he organized the Senior Usher Board, the Young Adult Choir and the J.J. Glover Choir, all of which are still serving today. "He was an anointed man, and he could get along with anybody," Fersner said.

Glover's main objective was for the congregation to be satisfied, Fersner said, and he worked with numerous committees throughout the church with no controversy. Under Glover's administration, the congregation grew to between 350 and 400 members. Under his leadership, the sanctuary was remodeled, the exterior of the church was bricked, the baptismal pool was moved to the schoolhouse, and a paved road leading to the church was added. "He put those in need before himself," Fersner said. "There aren't many ministers that will do that these days." Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewsontimesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540.

Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com. Tilyotif 'MAfcs Host' special ssk each year. Money collected during the sale is used to enhance the CDC's Bible-based curriculum. Kiddie Kloset will accept consignments from 7:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 18-20. The sale is open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20; 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

22. For more information, call the CDC at 803-533-1311. of items and parents who need items," she said. Kiddie Kloset has been held twice a year once in the spring and again in the fall since 2004. Dr.

Perry Peele, former minister of First Baptist Church, brought the idea to First Baptist from a church in Aiken. Kiddie Kloset was organized by Melissa Summers, who continues to give guidance to the CDC as needed. Forty to 50 volunteers and consignors devote their time to Kiddie Kloset sold. The consignment sale will continue Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21-22.

Shoes, children's and maternity clothing, toys, books, cribs, highchairs and swings are just a sample of the items visitors can find at Kiddie Kloset, organizers said. Prices depend on the quality of the items. Kay Kington, who has been with the CDC four years, said Kiddie Kloset is beneficial on many levels. "It helps parents who want to get rid By CANDACE NEWSON Features Writer If you're expecting a child, but your wallet's in a pinch, then the perfect event for you is just around the corner. First Baptist Church Child Development Center will hold its annual Kiddie Kloset beginning Thursday, Sept.

20, at the Prince of Orange Mall. Gently used clothing and items for infants and children up to fifth grade will be CHURCH NEWS THE WAY 'HOME' A St Mark Baptist Church in Lone Star revival, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16. Speaker: The Rev.

Dr. Alex Jefferson. Live Oak AME Church in Vance pastor's anniversary for Pastor E.T. Jones 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

16. Speaker: The Rev. SJ. Snider. 803-492-3843.

Mount Pisgah Baptist Church revival, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16; 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Sept 17-20. Speakers: The Rev.

Herman Bing, the Rev. FI FF TRIP TR I xm mm PARADISE 1 DETAILS INSIDE host The Six Voices of Zion in concert, 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16. Rlvelon Baptist Church remembrance program for 911, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 16. 803-535-0972. Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC in Columbia to present Paul Saik in concert 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.

803-772-0794. Edlsto Charge of the UMC revival services, 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, Sept 16-19. Sunday and Wednesday at Union UMC in Cope; Monday at St John's UMC; Tuesday at Wesley Grove UMC in Cordova. Speakers: The Rev.

Curtis Felkel. Shiloh Methodist Church in Bowman will not have homecoming services on Sunday, Sept 16. Thankful Baptist Church in Bamberg revival, 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Sept 17-22; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept 23.

Speakers: The Rev. Dr. LP. Graham and the Rev. WJ.

Simmon-Dinner following Sunday service. Emancipation Missionary Baptist Church in St Matthews 141st anniversary, pre-celebra-tion 6 p.m. Friday, Sept 21; celebration 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept 23. Speaker.

The Rev. Donald E. Chaney. St Stephens UMC to host a gospel dedication program in memory of the late Jarell Hampton, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept 15.

Featuring: Big Bubba and The Harmoniz-ers, The Harmonizing Six, Deacon Pelham Myers and The Five Singing Stars, The Cavilers, St. Stephens Male Chorus, Brother Herman Shaw and The Faith Gospel Singers, Celestial Singers and others. Samaria Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield 126th anniversary, 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker: The Rev.

Eugene Davis. Butler Chapel AME Church Homecoming 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker. Pastor Helen G.

Zeigler. 803-536-3647. Mount Calvary Baptist Church eight annual Women's Day celebration, 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker The Rev.

Singleton. 803-534-9667. St Peter AME Church in North Family and Friends Day, 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Prodigal AME Church in Swansea Homecoming, 11 a.m.

Sunday, Sept 16. Picnic Saturday, Sept 15. Speaker The Rev. Dr. Harry Seawright St Paul's UMC Ministry Fair, noon Sunday, Sept 16.

Trip to Frankie's Fun Park in Columbia for Deadline for church news Is noon Tuesdays. Items received past the deadline may not appear In The North Orangeburg UMC revival, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept 14. Gospel Light Holiness Church revival, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 14.

Faith Tabernacle Deliverance Temple Spiritual Explosion 2007, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept 14-15, and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept 16. 803-536-3171.

First Baptist Church in Denmark revival, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept 14; 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept 15; 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Breakfast and lunch Saturday, lunch following Sunday service.

Speaker Dr. Gordon Robinson. Beulah Refuge Tabernacle 2007 Pastor and First Lady Appreciation dinner and service for District Elder David A. Smith and Mother Betty J. Smith, dinner 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept 15, at Kirk-land Green Center, SCSI) campus; service 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker. Bishop James C. Smith.

Gospel Light Holiness Church pastor banquet 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept 15, at New Vision Center. Speaker. Pastor Elain Wray. Michael Buckson, Bishop Michael Butler, the Rev.

Albert Murdaugh and the Rev. Dr. Blakely N. Scott 803-536-1547. Forest Chapel UMC Friends and Family Day, 3 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker. The Rev. Kenneth Smith. Faith Temple House of Prayer 2 special anointing missionary service, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 16. Speaker Evangelist E. Amaker. Gospel Light Holiness Church pastor's 10th appreciation, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept 16.

Speaker. Pastor Allen Simmons. Greater Macedonia Baptist Church Combined Choir fifth anniversary, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept 16. Central UMC in Rowesville to SPECIAL TO THE Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Old Highway Six, Santee.

Photo taken by Darius Davis of Santee. The Times and Democrat is featuring photos of church signs with interesting, meaningful messages, and we'd like your help. If you see a church sign that speaks to you, snap a picture and send it to Wendy Jeffcoat Crlder, features editor, The Times and Democrat, P.O. Box 1766, Orangeburg, SC 29116, e-mail It to wjeffcoattimesanddemocratcom, or drop It by our office at 1010 Broughton St In Orangeburg. Please Include your name, hometown and phone number with your submission.

Trinity UMC in North noon Sunday, Sept 16. children and families, Saturday, Sept22.803-534-107L Bethel AME Church in.