A historical marker was unveiled at Antioch Church in Sellers on Sunday, June 25th at the 113th Annual Reunion of the Isham and Mary Watson Descendants Association. Here are photos from the reunion and the unveiling.

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PHOTOS BY BETSY FINKLEA/THE DILLON HERALD
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By Betsy Finklea
SELLERS—A historical marker was unveiled at Antioch Baptist Church on Sunday, June 25, at the 113th annual Isham and Mary Watson Descendants Association reunion.
Carl Sloan, president of the association, unveiled the marker.
On the front side the marker states: “Antioch Baptist Church was organized in 1829. The original membership was composed of 36 members dismissed from Catfish Baptist Church. In the first year, 31 baptisms were recorded and membership rose to 83. Antioch was a member of the Charleston Baptist Association until 1832. In that year, 17 churches, including Antioch, organized the Welsh Neck Baptist Association.”
The back side of the marker states: “In 1876, Antioch helped form the Pee Dee Baptist Association. The current building is the third church n the site and was built in 1882. The original baptistry was added the next year. It burned in 1991 and was rebuilt in 1998. A Sunday School was in operation by at least 11891. The church remained in active use until 1935, when Antioch’s last members left for other congregations.”
The unveiling of the marker came after the service led by President Carl Sloan. Tim Ammons gave the invocation which was followed by the singing of “Faith Of Our Fathers.” The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were given. A memorial service for those who passed away since the last reunion was conducted by Ginny McGill Kirk and Leslie McGill McKenzie. The hymn, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds,” was sung. The President’s report was given by Carl Sloan who also gave special recognitions. The oldest person in attendance was age 98. The youngest person in attendance was age two. The person traveling the fartherest was from Washington State. The newlyweds were married in May.
Don Hamburger gave a report on the historical marker. This was followed by a roll call by family branch. The William Watson line has the most in attendance.
The hymn, “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again,” was sung.
The benediction was given by Buzzy Finklea.
After the service and unveiling of the marker, many of those in attendance enjoyed lunch on the grounds.
The fall work day and trustee meeting for the association is on October 14, 2017.
If you are a member of this family, please update your contact information by emailing ishammary.watson@gmail.com.