Church History
​
Buffalo Springs Missionary Baptist Church
1880-2017
Historical Reflections
Celebrating 135 Years of Church Ministry
Many years ago between 1870-1880, when Spring Branch Church was the only Baptist Church to attend, a group of dedicated Christians united and built their own church. The church was built on land donated by Mrs. Dora Lashley (Leslie), near a spring called Buffalo Creek. The members of the church decided to call their church Buffalo Springs Missionary Baptist Church. As Buffalo Springs membership grew, the members on the farther side of the creek decided to establish their own church. From this congregation came our sister church – Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The church became affiliated with the Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Association, but later joined the St. John Missionary Baptist Association.
We have been blessed with a long succession of Pastors. There are: Rev. S. Dockery, Rev. Burch, Rev. Moore, Rev. H. Carmichael, Rev. S. W. Justice, Rev. A. J. McPhail, Rev. P.C. Covington, Rev. W.S. Sanders, Rev. M. Medlin, Rev. Walter Ferguson (who served as interim, Pastor), Rev. C.J. Cooper, Rev. Spencer, Rev. Jenkins, Rev. N. Worley, Rev. J.F. Kelly, Rev. T.B. Ellison and presently, Dr. Barry O. Shoffner. Dr. Shoffner is presently serving his 21st year as Pastor of Buffalo Springs Baptist Church.
Licensed Ministers Past and Present: They are Dr. John Ferguson, Rev. Walter Ferguson, Rev. Dan Ferguson, Rev. Alexander Williams, Rev T. C. McNeally, Rev. James Kearns, Rev. O’Neal McLaughlin, Rev. Marie Dobbins, Rev. Ernestine Mack, Rev. Ike Williams, Rev. John Williams, Rev. Darryl Carter, Rev. Dorothea McPhaul, Rev. Yulla Hines, Rev. Lilly Scott, Rev. Eula Johnson , Rev. Kim McNair, Rev. Ruby Brown and Rev. Katie Deberry.
To God be the Glory for the great things He has done this year! Our Pastor, Dr. Shoffner continues to empower the members of this great church be kingdom minded, to evangelize the lost through local and global missions as he proclaims the Word of God through teaching and preaching the Kingdom of God. Our Vision remains “Wherever God Guides, He Provides, St. John 12: 32.
Mission Statement: The Mission of Buffalo Springs Baptist Church is to glorify God to know Christ and make Christ known through nurturing the body, ministering to the needs of its members, and evangelizing the lost through local and global missions. We Are One!
Buffalo Springs Ministry is still growing both spiritually and in attendance. The Early Morning Hour of Power 2006 (8:00 am service), drew a small population from this community who enjoys the early hour and comes faithfully to worship. At the present time, the Early Morning Worship service is postponed until further noticed. Additionally, The Traditional Worship Service (11:00 am), draws many worshippers from throughout the area.
Ordinations: Brother Edward Clark, Sr. was ordained as a Deacon on Sunday, September 11, 2011. He joins with Deacon Howard Brown, Chairman, Deacon Ulyssess, Deacon L. J. Blue, Deacon Samuel McNair, Jr, Deacon Virgil Johnson, and Deacon Willie Dobbins. Deacon Edward Clark, Sr. was elected chairman of Deacons October 2015.
Ministers: Present day Ministers are: Rev. Yulla Hines, Rev. Ruby Brown, Rev. Eula Johnson and Rev. Katie Deberry.
Trustees: Trustees who are still active are Gordon McNeally and Rev. Yulla Hines, Brother Tomi Lochbrunner, Bro. Calvin Blue, Chairman, Sister Annie Bratcher, Sister Ellen Ray and Sister Qwendolyn Ellerbe
Choirs: Choirs are Gospel Choir, Male Chorus and the Youth Choir.
Usher Board: Sister Emma McLaughlin continues to serve as Usher Board President.
Sunday School: Rev. Katie Deberry serves as Superintendent of the Sunday School. Sunday School teachers. Deacon Virgil Johnson is Youth Sunday School Teacher and Rev. Ruby Brown, Adults.
The Horse Park Ministry continues to bless this church and the participants who enjoy the delicious meals prepared by the Horse Park Team. We have friends near and far through our involvement with the Carolina Horse Park, Raeford, NC and The Forks Stable, Norwood NC. This ministry has been in operation since 2007.
On February 16, 2011, 6:00 p.m. Buffalo Springs Missionary Baptist joined million of readers in the 22nd National African American Read-In. Yes, we made history again! Many persons of every ethnic group and background from Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland helped to make this historical moment a reality each year.
On June 4, 2011, 6:00 p.m. Buffalo Springs Church was transformed to a tropical paradise as we blasted off to Hawaii to celebrate our Pastor and Sister Ruth’s 17th Pastoral Anniversary. Friends from far and near packed the church to enjoy a delightful evening of good fun, food and fellowship with our Pastor and Family. Many were arrayed in beautiful colors and wore leis to brighten up the evening. Dr. Gregory Taylor, Moderator of the Lumbee River Association, preached a Powerful Word. It will always be a most memorable evening for everyone who attended.
August 2011, Buffalo Springs Church opened its doors to the first African American Church Before School/After School Care Program in this area.
On October 16, 2016 – Buffalo Springs Church celebrated 136th years of ministry in Hoke County area and beyond. We continue to do mission through outreach in the community, partnership with West Hoke Elementary School, membership in organizations such as The Hoke County Missionary Union, The Hoke County Civic League, The St. John Missionary Baptist Educational Association and the North Carolina General Baptist State Convention, Raleigh, NC.
October 2016, new officers were elected for the 2017-2020 year. Names are in the church minutes.
Present day ministers are Rev. Yulla Hines, Rev. Ruby Brown, Rev. Katie Deberry, Rev. Kim McNair, Rev. Eula Johnson and Rev. Alphonso Wortham. Present day deacons are: Deacon Howard Brown, (Assistant Chair), Deacon Edward Clark, Sr. (Chairman), Deacon L. J. Blue, Deacon Ulysses Jackson, Deacon Samuel McNair, Deacon Virgil Johnson, and Deacon Willie Dobbins.