History
The Primitive Baptist Foundation was incorporated in Miami, Florida, January 28, 1941. The general purpose of the Foundation as set out in the Constitution and by-Laws is:
“The general nature or the object of the corporation is to assist, maintain or support aged ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church who are unable to serve churches, or are without sufficient funds to live on, and also to assist, maintain and support the widows of ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church when such is needed; to assist, maintain and support any of the pastors; and such other things, in conformity with this Charter, as may be needful and necessary for the Primitive Baptist cause.”
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The Primitive Baptist Foundation was incorporated in Miami, Florida, January 28, 1941. The general purpose of the Foundation as set out in the Constitution and by-Laws is:
“The general nature or the object of the corporation is to assist, maintain or support aged ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church who are unable to serve churches, or are without sufficient funds to live on, and also to assist, maintain and support the widows of ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church when such is needed; to assist, maintain and support any of the pastors; and such other things, in conformity with this Charter, as may be needful and necessary for the Primitive Baptist cause.”
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Functions
The principle functions of the Foundation over the years, as provided for in the original by-laws, have been to give assistance to ministers, widows of ministers, and small churches; to publish the Bible Study material; publish the song book; to promote ministerial education and development; and make loans to churches. In 1986 a milestone was set with the establishment of a Ministers Retirement Program, under which the Foundation matches funds paid into the plan by the Ministers. In 1997 the Progressive Primitive Baptist Library and Archives, which provides a wonderful resource of current and historical materials, became a part of the Foundation.
The Foundation DOES support individuals, churches, organizations, and functions within the denomination.
The Foundation DOES NOT become involved in theological matters of the denomination.
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The principle functions of the Foundation over the years, as provided for in the original by-laws, have been to give assistance to ministers, widows of ministers, and small churches; to publish the Bible Study material; publish the song book; to promote ministerial education and development; and make loans to churches. In 1986 a milestone was set with the establishment of a Ministers Retirement Program, under which the Foundation matches funds paid into the plan by the Ministers. In 1997 the Progressive Primitive Baptist Library and Archives, which provides a wonderful resource of current and historical materials, became a part of the Foundation.
The Foundation DOES support individuals, churches, organizations, and functions within the denomination.
The Foundation DOES NOT become involved in theological matters of the denomination.
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Programs & Activities
Assistance for Elderly Ministers and Widows
This is the Foundations' most important program, and the primary reason it was created. Since its creation the Foundation has provided $2,097,000 in assistance. Member churches submit petitions to the Foundation for benefits and assistance. Current payments are approximately $44,000 annually. Daryl Harris is the primary contact for this program.
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Ministers Retirement Plan
The Ministers Retirement Plan was created by the Foundation in 1986 as an independent entity with its own governing board. Participating ministers contribute personally, along with their church, and the Foundation provides matching contributions on a formula basis. To date, the Foundation has contributed $1,516,000 to fund these benefits, including administrative and management fees so that participants do not have to bear these costs. There are now 65 elders or their widows in the plan. Elder Craig Campbell is Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
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Pastoral Growth and Development Committee
The Pastoral Growth and Development Committee is a function of the Primitive Baptist Ministers School. The Foundation provides funds to assist with ministerial education. Recent or ongoing support includes paying for educational materials for the committee to assist and advise men who are interested in or have recently entered the ministry, and for partial support for a study tour to Israel. Elder Craig DeLoach is Chairman.
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Helping Hands Committee
The Helping Hands Committee seek ways to support and encourage Progressive Primitive Baptist churches that desire to continue to worship as a congregation but are facing various difficulties in doing that. This committee is committed to regularly pray for any church that asks. Along with spiritual support, this committee also offer financial support to struggling churches.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Loans to Churches
The Foundation makes low interest loans (currently 4%) to churches for building or renovation programs. Loans up to $100,000 for up to 10 years. Current loans total almost $700,000. Daryl Harris is the contact person for more information.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bible Study Literature Committee
The 18-member Bible Study Literature Committee publishes five age appropriate lesson materials for ages four through adults each quarter of the year. Special publications are produced as appropriate. A recent quarterly series, A Light Unto My Path, was produced for about 10 years. One recent publication, The Lamp And The Light, edited by Elder Keith Hamilton, was a compilation of selected lessons from previous publications. A new booklet on Christian and US Holidays is being prepared with lessons by Elder Steve Flowers and Lindy Webb, Jr.
Publications are distributed to 11 states, although a sizable majority are used in Georgia. In the past year, 28 booklets with 364 lessons were prepared. Sales in recent years have been generally steady, though slightly declining. The Bible Study Committee is an independent committee. The Foundation underwrites the cost of preparing, publishing, and distributing the publications. Last year production costs were $52,857; sales were $47,025. Elder Mike Newman is Chairman.
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Primitive Baptist Library and Archives
The PB Library and Archives has an independent Board of Trustees and is affiliated with the Foundation. It is funded jointly by direct donations and by the Foundation, which maintains a restricted fund to support its operations as needed. It is permanently located on property of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
A Large and increasing volume of valuable historical and current material related to our churches, church leaders, and denomination is cataloged and preserved there. Retiring ministers and others often donate their personal libraries. Churches are strongly encouraged to provide historical documents, including minutes. Elder Emerson Proctor is Curator. Elwyn Deal is Chairman of the Trustees
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Communications Committee
The committee strives to expand all types of communications within our denomination and with the public. Two significant thrusts are currently being developed and expanded.
(PB NEWS & INFORMATION )
An email communications network with about 500 families and individuals mostly within our denomination. They are spread from Haiti to Idaho, and Virginia to California, although the majority is in the Southeastern states. The current network evolved from a network set up by Elder Steve and Pat Flowers for communications primarily with and about pastors and their families; and one set up by Elwyn Deal for communications about programs and activities within our denomination. The two merged a few years ago and is now managed primarily by Elwyn Deal.
Our new website has been established to provide online information about a wide variety of resources, activities, and events within our denomination. The site provides information on our churches, pastors, events, camps, conferences, announcements, news, and other relevant information. Licentiate Andrew Tucker is the website manager and has created a very attractive and easy to navigate website. An adjunct to the website are links to social media programs, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Art Williams is Chair of the committee.
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Hymnals
In 1968, the first Hymns of Grace hymnal was published with support from the Foundation. in 2003 a complete revision was published, followed by an accompanist edition. The first hymnal printing of 10,000 copies, is almost depleted and is expected to be reprinted soon. Copies of both can be ordered from Rodney Harville, a member of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
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Haiti - First Primitive Baptist Church of Grand Goave
The Foundation has provided financial support for some of the construction of the facilities and for limited other uses at the First Primitive Baptist Church of Grand Goave for decades. Initial efforts began there in 1975. A Thanksgiving Week and 40th Anniversary Celebration was held there earlier this year. Several members of our churches have traveled to Haiti to assist with construction projects, primarily the church itself and living facilities for the orphans and students at their school. Some assist with teaching. While there they also help with assessing conditions and identifying future needs.
Funds are approved on an individual basis for various projects. The Foundation receives donations from churches and individuals for special needs in Haiti. A notable acute recent need was the 2010 earthquake which virtually destroyed all of their church, school, and other facilities. Pastor Enoch Deroseney is Pastor of the church there. He has been a strong leader for the church, school , and orphanage for decades. Darryl Harris is the primary contact for this work.
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DMI - Discipling Ministries International, Inc.
DMI was originally started as the Donetsk Ministry, Inc., a ministry to the Eastern European country of Ukraine. The name was changed recently following the political and military problems that occurred with Russia in the Donetsk region and eastern Ukraine a couple of years ago. A team of elders and others from within our denomination, including medical professionals, make periodic trips to the region to minister to the residents and provide medical assistance.
DMI itself provides most of the funds for the mission trips, with the Foundation providing funds for special projects in Ukraine. Funds are approved by the Foundation on an individual needs basis. Elder Pat McCoy is chairman of the organization and coordinates the effort for Ukraine support.
Assistance for Elderly Ministers and Widows
This is the Foundations' most important program, and the primary reason it was created. Since its creation the Foundation has provided $2,097,000 in assistance. Member churches submit petitions to the Foundation for benefits and assistance. Current payments are approximately $44,000 annually. Daryl Harris is the primary contact for this program.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ministers Retirement Plan
The Ministers Retirement Plan was created by the Foundation in 1986 as an independent entity with its own governing board. Participating ministers contribute personally, along with their church, and the Foundation provides matching contributions on a formula basis. To date, the Foundation has contributed $1,516,000 to fund these benefits, including administrative and management fees so that participants do not have to bear these costs. There are now 65 elders or their widows in the plan. Elder Craig Campbell is Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pastoral Growth and Development Committee
The Pastoral Growth and Development Committee is a function of the Primitive Baptist Ministers School. The Foundation provides funds to assist with ministerial education. Recent or ongoing support includes paying for educational materials for the committee to assist and advise men who are interested in or have recently entered the ministry, and for partial support for a study tour to Israel. Elder Craig DeLoach is Chairman.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Helping Hands Committee
The Helping Hands Committee seek ways to support and encourage Progressive Primitive Baptist churches that desire to continue to worship as a congregation but are facing various difficulties in doing that. This committee is committed to regularly pray for any church that asks. Along with spiritual support, this committee also offer financial support to struggling churches.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Loans to Churches
The Foundation makes low interest loans (currently 4%) to churches for building or renovation programs. Loans up to $100,000 for up to 10 years. Current loans total almost $700,000. Daryl Harris is the contact person for more information.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bible Study Literature Committee
The 18-member Bible Study Literature Committee publishes five age appropriate lesson materials for ages four through adults each quarter of the year. Special publications are produced as appropriate. A recent quarterly series, A Light Unto My Path, was produced for about 10 years. One recent publication, The Lamp And The Light, edited by Elder Keith Hamilton, was a compilation of selected lessons from previous publications. A new booklet on Christian and US Holidays is being prepared with lessons by Elder Steve Flowers and Lindy Webb, Jr.
Publications are distributed to 11 states, although a sizable majority are used in Georgia. In the past year, 28 booklets with 364 lessons were prepared. Sales in recent years have been generally steady, though slightly declining. The Bible Study Committee is an independent committee. The Foundation underwrites the cost of preparing, publishing, and distributing the publications. Last year production costs were $52,857; sales were $47,025. Elder Mike Newman is Chairman.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Primitive Baptist Library and Archives
The PB Library and Archives has an independent Board of Trustees and is affiliated with the Foundation. It is funded jointly by direct donations and by the Foundation, which maintains a restricted fund to support its operations as needed. It is permanently located on property of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
A Large and increasing volume of valuable historical and current material related to our churches, church leaders, and denomination is cataloged and preserved there. Retiring ministers and others often donate their personal libraries. Churches are strongly encouraged to provide historical documents, including minutes. Elder Emerson Proctor is Curator. Elwyn Deal is Chairman of the Trustees
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Communications Committee
The committee strives to expand all types of communications within our denomination and with the public. Two significant thrusts are currently being developed and expanded.
(PB NEWS & INFORMATION )
An email communications network with about 500 families and individuals mostly within our denomination. They are spread from Haiti to Idaho, and Virginia to California, although the majority is in the Southeastern states. The current network evolved from a network set up by Elder Steve and Pat Flowers for communications primarily with and about pastors and their families; and one set up by Elwyn Deal for communications about programs and activities within our denomination. The two merged a few years ago and is now managed primarily by Elwyn Deal.
Our new website has been established to provide online information about a wide variety of resources, activities, and events within our denomination. The site provides information on our churches, pastors, events, camps, conferences, announcements, news, and other relevant information. Licentiate Andrew Tucker is the website manager and has created a very attractive and easy to navigate website. An adjunct to the website are links to social media programs, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Art Williams is Chair of the committee.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hymnals
In 1968, the first Hymns of Grace hymnal was published with support from the Foundation. in 2003 a complete revision was published, followed by an accompanist edition. The first hymnal printing of 10,000 copies, is almost depleted and is expected to be reprinted soon. Copies of both can be ordered from Rodney Harville, a member of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Haiti - First Primitive Baptist Church of Grand Goave
The Foundation has provided financial support for some of the construction of the facilities and for limited other uses at the First Primitive Baptist Church of Grand Goave for decades. Initial efforts began there in 1975. A Thanksgiving Week and 40th Anniversary Celebration was held there earlier this year. Several members of our churches have traveled to Haiti to assist with construction projects, primarily the church itself and living facilities for the orphans and students at their school. Some assist with teaching. While there they also help with assessing conditions and identifying future needs.
Funds are approved on an individual basis for various projects. The Foundation receives donations from churches and individuals for special needs in Haiti. A notable acute recent need was the 2010 earthquake which virtually destroyed all of their church, school, and other facilities. Pastor Enoch Deroseney is Pastor of the church there. He has been a strong leader for the church, school , and orphanage for decades. Darryl Harris is the primary contact for this work.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DMI - Discipling Ministries International, Inc.
DMI was originally started as the Donetsk Ministry, Inc., a ministry to the Eastern European country of Ukraine. The name was changed recently following the political and military problems that occurred with Russia in the Donetsk region and eastern Ukraine a couple of years ago. A team of elders and others from within our denomination, including medical professionals, make periodic trips to the region to minister to the residents and provide medical assistance.
DMI itself provides most of the funds for the mission trips, with the Foundation providing funds for special projects in Ukraine. Funds are approved by the Foundation on an individual needs basis. Elder Pat McCoy is chairman of the organization and coordinates the effort for Ukraine support.