TWO LINCOLN COUNTY CHURCHES
MERGED SUNDAY
New Hulls Grove North “replaces” New Life Baptist

Children enjoyed the Melamoose Scoops and Java Bounce House at the celebration of the "New Life" of Hulls Grove North.
Photo by Jon Mayhew/TCS

By Jon Mayhew

NORTH LINCOLN – It was more than a fall festival in the parking lot of the newly-renamed Hulls Grove North Church from New Life Baptist. It was more than people eating hot dogs and cotton candy, getting wagon rides and even hearing the roaring engine of a funny car.

It was symbolic of one church showing the love of Jesus to another congregation. It was the merger of the historic Hulls Grove Church in West Lincoln with the New Life Baptist congregation in North Lincoln.

The churches are now known as Hulls Grove West on Highway 27 across from Mitchem’s Kitchen and Hulls Grove North on Car Farm Road.

According to Hulls Grove West senior pastor Marcus Redding, he knew the issues facing the old congregation and – like any pastor would – started to pray along with his congregation.

“I got together with the church officers and asked what we could do to help,” said Redding. “We knew the folks here had been going through tough times.”

He got in touch with his old friend, Dan Martin, over at New Life, where the men were praying for a merger.

“We know that church isn’t done that way generally,” said Redding. “The Lord worked all of that out.”
The celebratory fall festival included the praise band 3:16 Band from New Vision Ministries as well as horseshoes from the Hulls Grove West “Ridin’ for Christ Horseshoe Ministry.”

Ministry head Bobby Truitt said John 3:16 is put on every horseshoe as well as the person’s name. About 15 –20 men devote their time to the horseshoe ministry.

Brad McBride's funny car was a big hit with the crowd, especially when he revved the engines.
Photo by Jon Mayhew/TCS

“We try to talk to everyone to share the Gospel,” said Truitt. “It usually takes about six minutes from the time we get their name to when their horseshoe is ready.”

The celebration included a service that merged the two congregations together.

Redding said he spoke in June with former Lincolnton Fire Chief Harvey Gates about leading the new church.

Gates, an ordained minister, said he was retired exactly two days from the City of Lincolnton Fire Department.

“I had no idea I’d be in full-time ministry,” said Gates, who will be leading a congregation of about 50 people. “I came to Hulls Grove North on July 3, two days after I retired as fire chief.”

For many years, Gates led firefighters through putting out worldly flames. Now, Gates is leading a flock in putting out spiritual flames.

“The folks here had been talking about joining the church in Vale,” said Gates. “Pastor Redding called me to preach. I couldn’t say ‘no’ to God.”

Home