Two Churches Share Space and Enjoy Amazing Fellowship and Worship Together... Their Skin Color is Not A Barrier

Teresa Neumann : May 30, 2014
Andrew Dys – Herald of Rock Hill

"I was proud to come to a church that shows that Jesus Christ is the Savior of us all. Jesus looks at the heart of a man, not at his color. This church shows that to be the only way." –Rev. Mark Bradley

(Rock Hill, SC)—Second Baptist Church south of Rock Hill houses two different congregations: Second Baptist and Bethel Baptist. The difference between the two? One is predominately white, while the latter is predominately black. (Photo: Jeff Sochko/Herald Of Rock Hill/Associated Press/via Gadsdentimes.com)

How this marriage between congregations came about has nothing to do with disparity and everything to do with love and grace.

According to a report in the Herald of Rock Hill, a few years ago one of Bethel's deacons approached Second Baptist pastor Bob Porterfield to ask whether their church would be willing to share their space with Bethel's congregation because Bethel's sanctuary had been deemed unsafe to meet in any longer.

"It was unanimous to bring Bethel here," said Porterfield. "All were for it. And it has turned out to be an experience that has enriched us all."

Rev. Robert Crawford of Bethel agreed, noting that color has never been a barrier since the merge. "Our experience here [at Second Baptist] has been amazing and wonderful." (Photo: Jeff Sochko/Herald Of Rock Hill/Associated Press/via Gadsdentimes.com)

The report notes that the two churches "have continued to operate distinctly, with separate service times, and Bethel continues to make plans to raise money to have its own sanctuary again in the coming years. But they often share worship experiences and there is crossover between the congregations. There is no 'us and them'—only 'we.'"

When the day comes to move into their new house of worship, Rev. Crawford believes their spirit of unity with one another will remain.

"The relationships we have created here will last forever," he said.