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Saluda Baptist Church was founded in 1842 under the name Clark’s Neck Baptist Church, having existed as a “Meeting House” in association with Hermitage Baptist since the 1820’s. The church has come a long way from the original ”weather boarded structure, without paint and with no facilities for heating—with windows high and narrow benches as seats without backs.” On November 26, 1842, our records show that “Elder Eli Ball baptized 9 persons in Four Mile Creek, after breaking through 2 inches of ice.” On May 21, 1878 a new sanctuary was completed.
Throughout those early years Church discipline was rigid. Astounding tales have circulated in the minutes of the meetings about prohibitions on “dancing in public and known drunkenness” being causes for dismissal.”
In 1921 Sunday School rooms were added to the sanctuary and a lively controversy began on which end of the building should house the pulpit. Over the years the pulpit was moved several times, causing Mrs. Mildred Easton to remark, “They better put the thing on rollers!” In 1938 the name was changed to Saluda Baptist Church and in 1968 the congregation began worship in the present sanctuary. An addition of a fellowship hall, classrooms and offices was completed in 2001.
Many memorial gifts have been given over the years to the church. One deserves special mention, a small portable organ that was purchased 120 years ago and bought with the pennies saved by the children of the church.
Many godly men and women have provided the leadership and inspiration for the church over the years and have met the challenges of their day. Still today, Saluda Baptist Church extends its ministry and mission to the community, nurturing spiritual growth and serving the kingdom of God.