Vancleave RLDS

Brother Donald McMillan, newly ordained Elder, took over the position of Pastor after Bro. Miller’s death.

In 1953, after the death of Bro. Howard Jennings, Bro. John Tillman took over the supervision in the construction of the church.

On August 14, 1954, the basement floor was near enough complete that the Women’s Department sponsored a gumbo supper in it, and the following week the Adult Class met for class study.

Continuing work (both physical and spiritual) saw many changes during the years of 1955 and 1956. Our records show that the membership went from 150 down to 145. We had several baptisms and only one death, but the transfer of membership to other areas was only a part of God’s progress.

March 16, 1958, a double anniversary service was held. The 79th anniversary oif the organization of the branch and the golden Wedding Anniversary of Elder and Sister N.L. Booker -- Sister Booker, being the daughter of Elder Simeon Cochran, former Pastor of our branch. All those who participated in the service were descendents of the first charter members.

In the early 60’s the branch once more began to grow. Some of the families who had moved away came back home and were devoting their time and talents to the spiritual growth of the church.

A library was started in 1962. Quite a few tracts and books were placed on the shelves. When the library was started, Elder Clyde Parrish was Pastor of our branch.

During the building of the present branch the "Little Brown Church" was still used for classrooms and also a fellowship hall until it was sold in 1964 to the highest bidder. The funds received were used for improving the new building.

Sunday December 13, 1964, the branch held a dedication service for our present church building. The dedication address was given by Apostle D. O. Chesworth. The presiding Pastor was Elder Dan Miller. In 1949, no one could forsee how long it would take to be paid in full. Original, it was a ‘pay as you go plan’, but one loan was secured to finish the sanctuary before a district conference was held. The Women’s Department, under the leadership of Sisters Jessie Tillman, Ann Goff and Colleen McMillan, worked diligently to pay off the loan by making money through sales of quilts, needlework, food sales, greeting cards, candy, fruit cakes, flavoring extracts, rummage sales, even