Edisto Baptist Drive Thru…

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

For the past five years, Edisto Baptist Church, located near Branchville, has attracted many visitors to its “Drive Thru Bethlehem,” a living story about the life of Jesus Christ.

It takes you back in time to 2000 years ago, featuring real life characters moving around and talking and going about their daily activities with real animals and Roman soldiers on horses guarding the gate.

The Enrollment Table scene was the first area you came upon. This is where a census is being taken in reference to the biblical story of Mary and Joseph returning to Bethlehem to register and then there is Isaiah reading from a scroll.

Twenty-three more scenes, featured 75 church members depicting the different stages of the life of Jesus, along the way were breathtaking. Scenes such as the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the woman at the well, the market place, the three kings, the Nativity and the Last Supper were surreal.

The members were very serious and dedicated about their roles and even with the temperatures dropping down into the 30’s Thursday, a lot of them had on sandals with no socks. The attire was very close to what was worn back in those times and one member was hastily taking off his glasses just before it started.

“I almost forgot they did not have eyeglasses 2000 years ago.”

Connie Smith, one of the church members who played the part of a basket weaver, said, “This is a lot of hard work and does not happen over night. Just about everyone in the church helps out. We start the first of November and we are still working on it up until it actually starts.”

As you exited the drive thru… it was hard to believe that a small church like Edisto Baptist with only 104 active members in a small country community could present something so grand…it is a miracle…a true miracle.

Govan Honors

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

The Town of Govan held its 12th annual Christmas party, but this year was special as Govan’s fire chief Mike Epperson was honored for 20 years of dedicated service, not only to the community, but to fire service, as well.

Epperson, who joined the Denmark Fire Department as a volunteer in 1989, was appointed chief of the Govan Fire Department in 1994.

Sandifer and Sweatman

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

For over half a century (54 years) Buddy Sandifer and Jimmy Sweatman served the City of Bamberg. Citizens of the City of Bamberg stopped by the Bamberg Civic Center to recognize both men for their service.

Bamberg Mayor Alton McCollum thanked Sandifer and Sweatman for their years of dedication to the community. Former Bamberg City Council member Betty Mack said she had the privilege of working side by side with Sandifer for six years and indirectly with Sweatman and she said “I learned a lot. “Thank God I’m able to apply what I learned,” Mack said in wishing both men happiness in their retirements.

Miss DTC

The Student Government Association of Denmark Technical College crowned Ebon’e Taquilla Morris as Miss Denmark Technical College at a star-studded Coronation event on October 30, 2009.

She believes that the most common reason we stumble into the delusion of powerlessness is that we are afraid of what others would say if we were to act as if we wanted. What she finds powerful is a person with the confidence to be her own self.

USC Salkehatchie

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Campus announces that 1025 students are enrolled in classes at the campus for the fall 2009 semester, Jane Brewer, Associate Dean for Student Services reported. The total number of students enrolled on the campus for fall breaks the 1000 mark, setting a record enrollment for the campus.

“With the current state of our economy more students are seeking affordable options for continuing their education after high school,” says Dr. Ann Carmichael, Dean of USC Salkehatchie. Our growth is evidence that USC Salkehatchie provides an optimal solution, offering a university-quality education at a fraction of the cost.