Sunday, November 4, marked the homecoming of Hamer Church of God.
At 10:00 a.m. in the morning, everyone entered into God’s House for the purpose of offering praises unto Him.
Pastor Stan Rankin welcomed everyone who had come to celebrate God’s faithfulness today.
After the tithes and offerings, a special solo was by Ronnean Collins, a former member who had returned to join in the homecoming celebration.
Pastor Stan Rankin introduced special musical guests, the Ronnie Deal Singers who blessed those in attendance with song praises unto the Lord.
The special guest speaker for today’s service was former pastor Rev. James Stevens.
At the conclusion of the service, everyone was invited to a delicious meal in the Family Life Center.
While at the church service, I had the privilege of meeting the oldest member who was present, Mrs. Ruth Watts.
A brief history…
During the late 1930s a tent revival was conducted by Rev. Jim Byrd and Rev. Charlie Hatcher. During that revival nearly 100 souls were converted. After the revival, home prayer meetings were held and from these began the Hamer Church of God. January 10, 1943, the Hamer Church of God was organized.
By August 31, 1943, the first service was conducted in a newly constructed building.
Rev. Jim Byrd served as the first officially appointed pastor and the first parsonage was constructed. Much ministry was carried out during that period by several dedicated pastors. In the year 1976, the present parsonage was purchased in the Linkside community under the pastorate of Rev. Harry Kemp.
In May of 1979, the present church property at 2410 Highway 301 North was purchased.
On April 19, 1981, the first sanctuary (which is now the education wing) was completed under the ministry of Rev. Bill Johnson. In 1983 the Fellowship Hall (which is now the children’s church) was completed. Under the leadership of Rev. James Stevens, the present sanctuary was constructed in 1988 and the Family Life Center was completed.
From the tent revival until the present, the flame of the Holy Spirit ahs kept the full gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ alive.
Thousands of people over Dillon County have been impacted by the love of God from this congregation. The influence of this church has impacted the world by a number of ministries who trace their spiritual roots here.
Since 1943, the following pastors have labored among us: Jim Byrd; Earl Stone; Coley I. Edwards; W. J. Hodges; N. M. Murphy; John Merritt; C. L. Hall; C. M. Hughes; James H. Shealey; Jesse Boyd; William B. Moore, Jr.; Harry R. Kemp; Bill Johnson; James Stevens; and Joey Nelms, Sr. Rev. Stan Rankin recently was appointed and presently serves as pastor. We honor each of these whose messages and words will not be forgotten.
With such a rich heritage, we have deep roots. We also stand ready to develop wings for the future. We want to build on the blessings of the past and look forward in faith and vision for a glorious future. We still believe and stand on the same Lord and Faith in “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever”.
The Hamer Church of God is located at 2410 Highway 301 North.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
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