History of the Midtown SDA Church, Columbia, SC

01-02-2002	The first meeting of the Town Area Small Group met for Bible study and to set goals, and to invite new friends to join us. 13 attended the meeting at Epworth Children’s Home.
07-01-2003	Letters were sent to those interested in starting a new church, and a group met for the first time in a Blossom Street apartment to discuss plans.
08-07-2004	With a group of about 15 members, we begin worshipping as a group at the PALM Center on the University of South Carolina campus. Most members of the group are members of the First Church in Lexington.
09-11-2004	Our first Fellowship Meal, at the PALM Center, is a big success, with about 20 attendees.
11-27-2004	We distribute flyers to build recognition of our church, on the USC campus. Helping in this endeavor were the Beihls, including Gary, Penny, David, Thomas, and Debbie, as well as Robert and Beau Sherman, and Eric Kerr.
02-05-2005	Thomas Beihl delivers the sermon at the PALM Center, entitled “Escape for Your Life”.
02-19-2005	Robert J. Sherman delivers the sermon at the PALM Center, entitled “Things to Look Forward To”.
02-26-2005	We hold our first Communion Service, with Pastor Dean Carlisle from the First Church in Lexington, at the PALM Center.
03-05-2005	Brandon Palmer delivers the sermon at the PALM Center, entitled “The Faith of a Soldier”.
04-01-2005	Gary Beihl delivers the sermon at the PALM Center, entitled “Lessons from the Bee”.
07-02-2005	Fifteen members and visitors, our highest number to date, attend Sabbath School class in the lobby of the PALM Center.
07-02-2005	Eight members and guests, our highest number to date, attend the Youth Sabbath School class held in the sanctuary of the PALM Center.
07-02-2005	Mike Metts from the First Church is our speaker, and his wife Jane is the pianist.
07-03-2005	A picnic and fireworks display is held at Bill and Barbara Kerr’s home, and we are invited by the First Church to help celebrate the holiday.
09-03-2005	“Calvary Love”, a musical worship service, is presented by Yvan Augustin and his family and friends, featuring vocal and guitar music.
09-25-2005	A Peanut Boil for Seniors is held at Georgia Young’s home, in conjunction with the First Church.
04-15-2006	Our first baptisms are held, at the Ebenezer SDA Church in Cayce. Pastor Marvin Hunt from the West Columbia church baptizes Mary Boatwright, Bob Sitko, and Sam Fiorini. A haystack lunch at Guignard Park follows the baptisms.
05-13-2006	David Beihl speaks to the congregation on “Why the Sabbath?”
05-27-2006	At a charter signing ceremony during worship at the PALM Center, we are reorganized into a Company by a Carolina Conference official. Special music is provided by our Ladies’ Quintet, consisting of Lynn Sherman, Debbie Beihl, Penny Beihl, Vera Hill, and Gladys James.
06-02-2006	Visiting Youth Evangelists attend our Friday night Bible Study group. Eric Kerr and R.J. Sherman entertain us with guitar music during dinner, which follows.
06-14-2006	The Midtown Group Steering Committee meets to approve Bible Workers Allison Lester and Andrew Jones working for Midtown this summer. The group consists of Gary Beihl, Gladys James, Doug Leonhardt, Penny Beihl, R.J. Sherman, and Gary Sherman.
06-24-2006	39 attend our worship service, our highest number to date, at the PALM Center. Justin Wilson, a visiting Literature Evangelist, speaks on “The Stone with Seven Eyes”.
09-02-2006	Charlie Young, visiting from the First Church, delivers the sermon. The entire group poses for a “Get Well” picture for Gary Sherman.
09-10-2006	Nicoletta Hodis transfers to our church from Jud Cluj, Romania.
01-24-2007	Charlie Davis transfers to our church from the First Church in Lexington.
02-03-2007	Two new members joined by Profession of Faith.
05-19-2007	Larry Barker, from the Conference’s Prison Ministry, delivers the sermon and is our guest at Fellowship Lunch at the PALM Center.
06-01-2007	A dozen billboards advertising WBAJ, with Midtown’s web address, start appearing all over Columbia. These were paid for with donations to our Evangelism fund.
06-09-2007	A Revelation Seminar was presented at the Capital Senior Center, with David Beihl as speaker. The series continued until July 19, 2007.
06-27-2007	We move our worship services to the Capital Senior Center, in Maxcy Gregg Park, which has ample room and plenty of parking. The building is handicapped-accessible and has no stairs inside or out.
07-13-2007	Pat Stephen transfers to our church from First Church in Lexington.
08-18-2007	James Middleton is baptized in Lake Murray by David Beihl, with Pastor John Earnhardt of the First Church officiating.
10-13-2007	Bob Garner is baptized at the First Church by David Beihl, with Pastor John Earnhardt officiating.
01-01-2008	Our official membership numbers 48, with several more awaiting transfer or baptism.
01-01-2008	Pastor Walter Fry and his wife Mary Ann Fry transfer to our church from West Columbia.
03-08-2008	Dr. Phil Collins is our guest speaker at services held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, in conjunction with Sensible Living. Attendance is 97, which is our all-time record. His 10 o’clock sermon was “Fighting America’s Diseases”, and his 11:15 sermon was “The Science of Vegetarianism”. Questions from the audience followed.
03-15-2008	Elwillie Taylor joins our church by Profession of Faith.
05-23-2008	We hold a Prophecy Seminar series at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Park Street. The main speaker is Jon Tillay, from Southern Adventist University, and David Beihl is the series host and alternate speaker. The series continues until 6-22-2008.
06-28-2009	As a result of our Prophecy Seminars held in June, five men are baptized in Lake Murray by speaker Jon Tillay and Pastor Walter Fry. Baptized into the Midtown Church by Jon were Eugene Bolden, Gareth Fome’, and Jacob Pawlowski. Re-baptized was Josh Baynard. Baptized into the West Columbia Church by Pastor Fry was William Burt Barber.
07-17-2008	Ronelin Zerfoss transfers to our church from Ozamiz City, Philippines.
09-06-2008	Mary Gene Davis, by profession of faith, joins our church.
09-06-2008	Rebecca Ganter is baptized in Lake Murray by Pastor Walter Fry.
10-04-2008	A baby shower for Lauren Pawlowski and parents Brittany and Jacob, is held at the Capital Senior Center.
12-31-2008	We finish the year with an attendance figure of 1759, or an average of 34 per Sabbath. Our highest attendance was 97 on March 8, and our lowest was 16 on February 16.
01-06-2009	Member William “Bill” Matthis dies.
01-10-2009	Brittany and Jacob Pawlowski’s four children are dedicated by Pastor Walter Fry.
01-18-2009	A memorial service for Bill Matthis is held at the First Church. Participating are Pastor and Mrs. Fry, Gary Beihl, Karen Covington, Mary Gene McPherson, and Bob Garner.
01-24-2009	Bob Garner is voted by the congregation as Head Deacon.
01-31-2009	A baby shower is held for Ken and Ronelin Zearfoss’s son, who is due in April.
02-21-2009	Narcissus Washington is baptized by Pastor Walter Fry at the Ebenezer SDA Church in Cayce.
02-28-2009	Conference Executive Secretary Gary Moyer organizes us into a full Church. He also delivers the sermon that day and is our guest at a Fellowship Lunch at the Capital Senior Center. It’s a beautiful day, despite the sometimes-heavy rainfall. 111 members and guests attend.
03-03-2009	Our first Church Board meeting as a Church is held at the Capital Senior Center.
03-03-2009	Pastor Walter Fry is selected as Head Elder, replacing Gary Beihl who is becoming an Elder.
03-07-2009	Our first Business Meeting as a Church is held at the Capital Senior Center.
03-07-2009	Oakwood College NAPS team visits church to present World Hunger appeal.
03-21-2009	First Light Lunch is held in place of Fellowship Lunch. These will continue the fourth Sabbath each month, with Fellowship Lunch each second Sabbath.
03-21-2009	Rolling piano platform, built by Bob Garner, debuts.
03-31-2009	Board members inspect Shop Road building for possible church site.
04-16-2009	Kenneth John Zearfoss III is born to parents Ken and Ronelin.
04-25-2009	Susan Balcerzak and Marion Marple transfer membership to our church.
04-25-2009	A meeting room for the Youth Sabbath School class is made available at the Capital Senior Center.
05-16-2009	Doug Leonhardt becomes Personal Ministries Secretary.
05-17-2009	Church Business Meeting to discuss Church Building plans.
05-20-2009	Wednesday night prayer meetings are moved to 7 pm instead of 6 pm.
05-22-2009	Gareth Fome’ is graduated from Ouachita Hills Academy in Arkansas.
05-23-2009	Pastor Fry begins “Joash Box” for Building Fund donations.
05-23-2009	Conference Secretary Gary Moyer is our speaker, and holds a “Conqueror’s Seminar” in the afternoon.
06-13-2009	Gregory and Rose Sheroian transfer membership to our church.
06-20-2009	Helen Koon transfers membership to our church.
07-18-2009	Bob Sitko selected as Deacon.
07-18-2009	Renee Nicks replaces Mary Ann Fry as Head Deaconess.
07-18-2009	Helen Koon selected as Assistant Head Deaconess.
07-18-2009	Carey Suber transfers membership to West Columbia church.
08-15-2009	Charlie Jones transfers membership to our church.
08-22-2009	Baby Dedication for Kenneth John Zearfoss III.
09-12-2009	Rose Sheroian selected as Community Services Leader, Helen Koon as Community Services Treasurer.
09-20-2009	Work Bee at ACTS (Adventist Community Thrift Shop) in Irmo.
09-26-2009	Tyler Scott Fry is Baptized, and his uncle Joe Fry is re-Baptized, at the Ebenezer Church in Cayce by Pastor Walter Fry.
10-02-2009	ACTS (Adventist Community Thrift Shop) opens for business in Irmo.
11-01-2009	Youth Group has brunch at Top of Carolina revolving restaurant.
11-07-2009	Joe Fry transfers from First Church to Midtown.
11-14-2009	Jim McDonald transfers from First Church to Midtown.
11-15-2009	Youth Group visits Caesar’s Head State Park.
11-28-2009	Jerry White is Baptized at the Ebenezer Church in Cayce by Pastor Walter Fry.
02-27-2010	We worship for the last time at the Capital Senior Center. Beginning in March, we’ll be holding our meetings at the Maple Street Southern Methodist Church at 831 Maple Street.
03-01-2010	Our first meeting, a monthly Church Board meeting, is held at the Maple Street location, in the Church House next door to the church, at 2728 Preston Street.
03-02-2010	Our first Tuesday night prayer meeting and Bible study is held in the sanctuary of the Maple Street Church. Even with snow and sleet, nineteen people attend the meeting.
03-06-2010	Our first worship service is held at the Maple Street Church, 831 Maple Street. 62 members and visitors attend this inaugural service.
03-20-2010	Dr. John Glenn Clark, from Northern Lights Health Education, delivers the sermon "Sanctuary Health" to 88 members and visitors.
04-03-2010	Pastor Ken Ford, Carolina Conference Trust Services Director, delivers the Easter sermon.
04-03-2010	Carl Hatcher is baptized into the Midtown Church at the Ebenezer SDA Church in Cayce.
04-17-2010	Wanda Amick transfers membership to Midtown Church.
04-17-2010	Ed Moresco is elected as First Week Sabbath School teacher.
04-17-2010	Susan Balcerzak is elected as Member at Large to the Church Board.
07-03-2010	Our first Footwashing and Communion is held at the Maple Street Church.
07-17-2010	Church votes to change officer terms to July-June.
08-14-2010	Dick Prior from Carolina Conference is guest speaker, speaking about Maranatha.
09-04-2010	Bob Garner is ordained as an Elder.
09-04-2010	Narcissus Washington is ordained as Head Deacon.
09-04-2010	Michael Clarke is ordained as Deacon
09-04-2010	Gareth Fome attends last service before going to Canadian University College.
09-13-2010	ACTS Cooking School begins and will meet for the next six Mondays
09-18-2010	Rebecca Ganter is voted to position of Deaconess by the members
09-18-2010	Janet Beason is voted into membership by the Church members
09-18-2010	Gene and Mary Grace McPherson transfer membership to West Columbia
11-20-2010	Sandra Justus is accepted into membership from West Columbia church
11-20-2010	Hal Mayer of Keep the Faith Ministry delivers sermon and Sabbath School messages
12-18-2010	Victoria Cox and Daniel Wilson are Baptized at the First Church
02-19-2011	Blake Johnson becomes a church member through Profession of Faith
04-02-2011	Three Angels International Chorale from Hartland Institute performs.
04-03-2011	Two-month Revelation Seminar begins with speakers Bob Garner and Anh Pham.
05-21-2011	Barbara Watson Paille presents a STEPFAST lecture before worship.
05-31-2011	Revelation Seminar Graduation Night honors 19 Graduates.
06-18-2011	Anh Pham is voted as Prison Ministries Leader.
06-18-2011	Elder Bob Garner is voted as Pastoral Assistant.
06-18-2011	Olivia Smith and Narcissus Washington are wed.
06-18-2011	Wally Fry and Olivia Smith are Baptized and become new church members.
06-18-2011	Narcissus Washington is re-Baptized as his new wife, Olivia, is Baptized.
06-18-2011	David Sheriff is voted into membership from the First Church.
07-03-2011	Picnic and Social is held at Rose and Gregory's home.
07-17-2011	Wedding shower/reception for Narcissus and Olivia at Capital Senior Center.
07-23-2011	Amireh Al-Haddad speaks to over a hundred about Religious Liberty.
08-06-2011	Donald, Patricia and Lauren Simms become members by Profession of Faith.
09-03-2011	Member Elwillie Taylor passes away.
09-10-2011	New members Anh and Vanessa Pham transfer to our church.
09-17-2011	Cristy Yeargin is Baptized into our church.
09-21-2011	Member Janet Beason passes away.
11-11-2011	Member Patricia Simms passes away.
11-26-2011	Finance Committee is elected (Pastor, Treasurer, Helen Koon, Susan Balcerzak, Elizabeteh Baynard).
11-26-2011	Building Committee is elected (Pastor, Treasurer, Bob Garner).
12-23-2011	Fifteen members sing Christmas carols in our neighborhood.
01-09-2012	Church Esthetics Committee is selected (Cristy Yeargin, Susan Balcerzak, Helen Koon).
01-21-2012	Donald Simms is voted to the position of Fire and Safety Officer.
02-25-2012	Tad and Ineze Jakobowski become members by Profession of Faith.
02-25-2012	Anh Pham is voted to the position of Elder, and Bob Garner to Religious Liberty Leader.
02-29-2012	Our congregation purchases the church building from the Maple Street congregation.
03-03-2012	Our first worship service in our own church is a Communion Service.
04-07-2012	Veronica Green-Strong and her sons Melvin Green III and Byrome Thompson join the church through Profession of Faith, raising our membership to 60.
04-14-2012	Anh Pham is ordained as Elder, with Deacons Charlie Jones, Donald Simms, and Bob Sitko.
04-21-2012	155 members and guests attend our Church Dedication, with Conference President Leslie Louis as speaker.
05-05-2012	Linda Rahner is Baptized and becomes our 61st member.
06-24-2012	Our first VBS is held all week, with 9 children registered.
07-28-2012	Elder Ken Ford from Carolina Conference is guest speaker.
07-28-2012	Kally Dee is Baptized into membership.
08-11-2012	Roseanna M. Kidd is welcomed into membership as our 62nd member, transferring from New Carlisle, Ohio.
09-01-2012	Gail Wyckoff becomes our 63rd member, transferring from Lexington, SC.
09-10-2012	Karen Covington and Anh Pham are selected as "Save the Vulnerable" children's advocates.
09-15-2012	Our first all-night prayer vigil is held.
10-06-2012	Shirley B. Nelson transfers from Loma Linda to become our 64th member.
11-10-2012	Author and Pastor Rick Howard speaks on the Dangers of Spiritual Formation to an audience of 112; later in the day he spoke to 86 and then 68 attendees.
11-17-2012	Elizabeth Kelly and her daughter Meganne are baptized on Elizabeth's birthday to become our 65th and 66th members.
11-24-2012	Jerry White transfers to Midtown to become our 67th member.
12-22-2012	Church members go Christmas caroling in the neighborhood.
01-12-2013	Dr. John Clark delivers sermon to 102 members and guests.
01-18-2013	Ten days of Prayer concludes with evening Communion.
01-19-2013	Dr. John Clark concludes week of health lectures.
02-16-2013	Carol Gray is welcomed as our 65th member after her Profession of Faith.
02-23-2013	Our first fellowship lunch, for 78 attendees, is held after renovations to the Church House.
02-24-2013	The movie "Hell and Mr. Fudge" is shown at the Tapp's Arts Center from 2/24 to 2/28.
03-05-2013	Pastor Marvin Hunt speaks about ancient Egypt for next six weeks at our Tuesday night Prayer Meeting.
03-06-2013	Chef Mark Anthony presents a cooking class at the Capital Senior Center.
03-23-2013	Four new members are added through membership transfers, bringing our total membership to 67. We welcome Susan Currier, Larry Snyder, Wanda C. Amick, and Michael Sheriff.
03-23-2013	The movie "Forks over Knives" is shown in our Fellowship House.
04-06-2013	Harland International Choir provides music for our Worship Service.
04-20-2013	Linda Sheriff is baptized into membership, becoming our 68th member.
04-27-2013	Aunra and Yolanda Hudley transfer to Midtown, becoming our 69th and 70th members.
05-11-2013	80 members and guests hear Frank Sanchez speak about Addiction Recovery during Sabbath School, Worship, and Seminar.