MINUTES of the 155th ANNUAL SESSION

of the 

PEE DEE ASSOCIATION 

of

ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTISTS

in session at

Cypress Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church

Columbus County, North Carolina

October 19, 2024

The next session will be held at Pine Level Original Free Will Baptist Church (Columbus County) on the Saturday before the third Sunday in October 2025 (October 18, 2025) beginning at 9:00 a.m.

PEE DEE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

MODERATOR:  Rev. Dean Cartrette

ASST.  MODERATOR:  Rev. Heath Conner

CLERK:  Dr. Danny D. McPherson

TREASURER:  Ron Settle

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MODERATOR

Rev. Dean Cartrette

409 Porter Rd.   Tabor City, NC  28463

910 377-2409

ASST.  MODERATOR

Rev. Heath Conner

727 Mt. Olive Rd.   Bladenboro, NC  28320

hconnerpreacher@gmail.com

910 740-4454

CLERK

Dr. Danny D. McPherson

69 Brice Ward Rd.    Chadbourn, NC  28431

ddmcpherson76@gmail.com

910 642-5664

910 840-6225

TREASURER

Mr. Ron Settle

2651 Whitehall Rd.   Whiteville, NC  28472

910 840-3130

MEMBER AT LARGE

Rev. Larry Greenwood

1783 Swamp Fox Hwy.    Tabor City, NC  28463

910 840-2034

ORDAINING COUNCIL

Rev. F. ‘Buddy’ Seay, Jr.  Chairman

726 Woodrow Cribb Rd.

Clarendon, NC  28432

910 918-3446

910 377-2222

revseay@yahoo.com

Rev. Dallas Byrd

PO Box 57

Clarendon, NC  28432

910 212-8849

Rev. Eugene Gaskin

6831 Hughes-Smith Rd. NW

Ash, NC  28420

910 880-9168

Rev. Timmy Locklear

88 Live Oak Lane

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 653-8790

910 234-4495

locklear1750@ gmail.com

Rev. Jamey Ward

2892 Will Inman Rd.

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 918-5388

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

G.C. Bryan

1880 Horseshoe Rd.

Bladenboro, NC  28320

Ricky Fowler

3707 Walter Todd Rd.

Clarendon, NC  28432

Nelson D. Soles

1175 Carolina Rd.

Tabor City, NC  28463

John David White

747 Brice Ward Rd.

Chadbourn, NC  28431

ORDAINED MINISTERS

Rev. Jeff Barton

1388 Ward Town Rd.-S.

Whiteville, NC 28472

910 354-7379

preachin4him@

yahoo.com

Rev. Derick Batten

57 Peachtree Street

Whiteville, NC  28472

910 234-6780

Rev. George Benton

120 Mount Moriah Church Rd.

Whiteville, NC  28472

Rev. Dr. Tommy Bryson

241 Soles Rd.

Whiteville, NC  28472

910 641-0262

Rev. Dallas Byrd

PO Box 57

Clarendon, NC  28432

910 212-8849

Rev. Dr. Bobby Carden

PO Box 734

Bladenboro, NC  28320

910 863-3792

910 608-1648

Rev. Dean Cartrette

409 Porter Rd. 

Tabor City, NC   28463

910 377-2409

Rev. Heath Conner 

727 Mt. Olive Rd.

Bladenboro, NC  28320

910 740-4454

hconnerpreacher@

gmail.com

Rev. Jacob Cribb

2894 Lake Cool Road

Ash, NC  28420

910 363-6516

JacobCribb2894@ outlook.com

Rev. Pete Cribb

18981 Peacock Rd.

Whiteville, NC  28472

910 625-0956

Rev. Tommy Cribb

6951 Melanie Way–NW

Ash, NC 28420

(910) 712-6243

Rev. Freddie Edwards

1799 Guyton Rd.

Bladenboro, NC  28320

910 648-4371

910 876-3068

Rev. Eugene Gaskin

6831 Hughes-Smith Rd. NW

Ash, NC  28420

910 880-9168

Rev. Larry Greenwood

6083 Swamp Fox Hwy. W.

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 840-2034

Rev. William Hearl

1115 Hwy. 548

Conway, SC  29528

843 365-9189

Rev. Timmy Locklear

88 Live Oak Lane

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 653-8790

910 234-4495

locklear1750@ gmail.com

Rev. Jimmy McNeill

7680 Rennert Rd.

Shannon, NC  28368

910 827-2142

Rev. Wade McPherson

94 Chevy Lane

Chadbourn, NC  28431

910 653-2829

803 596-3025

Rev. Hollon Norris

8703 Old Stake Rd.

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 653-2430

Rev. Colton Reaves

10821 New Britton Hwy E.

Whiteville, NC  28472

910 770-2221

Rev. F. Buddy Seay, Jr.

726 Woodrow Cribb Rd.

Clarendon, NC  28432

910 377-2222

910 918-3446

revseay@yahoo.com

Rev. Wayne Skipper

1600 M.W. Stroud Rd.

Nichols, SC  29581

843 333-7742

wjpastor@outlook.com

Rev. Edward Spivey

1061 Red Bluff Road

Loris, SC 29569

Rev. Jackie Strickland

4058 Smyrna Rd.

Whiteville, NC  28472

910 234-0791

revjackie@ec.rr.com

Rev. Jamey Ward

2892 Will Inman Rd.

Tabor City, NC  28463

910 918-5388

Rev. Jeff Westerfield    

2534 Little Divine Rd.

Selma, NC  27576

301 751-6037 

Rev. Sonny R. Williams, Jr.

43 Phillips Road

Selma, NC  27576

919 634-8578

Rev. Tommy Worley

2060 Old Cribbtown Rd.

Chadbourn, NC  28431

910 234-8518

LICENTIATE(S)

Rev. William Cody Godwin

348 James Hinson Road

Clarendon, NC 28432

(910) 640-8605

MEMBER CHURCHES OF THE ASSOCIATION

(for year ending June 30, 2024)

CHURCH - PASTOR

Beaverdam - Rev. F. ‘Buddy’ Seay, Jr.

Cypress Creek - Rev. Jeff Barton

Emerson - Rev. Heath Conner

Freedom - Rev. Eugene Gaskin

Little Bethel - Rev. Dean Cartrette

Macedonia - Rev. Jamey Ward

Mission Valley - Vacant

Mt. Beulah - Vacant

Mt. Calvary - Rev. Jimmy McNeill

Mt. Olive - Rev. Timmy Locklear

Oak Grove - Rev. Jackie Strickland

Pine Level - Rev. Wayne Skipper

Pireway - Rev. Jacob Cribb

Pleasant Meadow - Vacant

Thomasboro - Rev. Dallas Byrd

Trinity - Vacant

White Oak - Rev. Dr. Bobby Carden

PROCEEDINGS

The One Hundred Fifty-fifth Annual Session of the Pee Dee Association of Original Free Will Baptists of North Carolina convened at Cypress Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church on Saturday, October 19, 2024. 

The session opened as the congregation sang “Victory in Jesus.”  Moderator Rev. Dean Cartrette called the meeting to order and gave the devotional service, taking his text from John 17: 11 - 14.  Rev. Jacob Cribb led the congregation in prayer.

Rev. Jeff Barton, pastor of Cypress Creek OFWB Church, gave the welcome address with response from Assistant Moderator Rev. Heath Conner.

The moderator welcomed everyone and invited visitors to enjoy the Association activities but reminded them that they could not participate in any business.  Afterwards, the moderator announced the house in order for business.

The clerk reviewed a printed preliminary agenda which had been distributed to all delegates and guests.  He also shared that Assistant Moderator Rev. Heath Conner was substituting as treasurer due to Bro. Ron Settle’s illness and absence.

The roll of churches was called.  All churches were represented by letter but some with no delegates.  

The roll of ministers was called. Revs. George Benton, Gary Bryan, Tommy Bryson, Drake Harper, William Hearl, Donny Jernigan, Jimmy McNeill, Wade McPherson, Hollon Norris, Edward Spivey, Clifford Strickland, Jeff Westerfield, and Sonny Williams Jr. were absent.  Excuses were offered on behalf of Revs. George Benton, Tommy Bryson, and Jimmy McNeill.  Rev. Derrick Batten made a motion, seconded by Rev. Jacob Cribb, to grant their requests.  Motion carried.  

The moderator appointed the following committees:

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:  G.C. Bryan, Harry Ranson, & Wayne Vickers

      OBITUARY: David L. McPherson, Russell Norris, & Jackie Spivey

RESOLUTION: Jamie Cartrette, Elgin Cribb, & Lynn Ward

The moderator invited representatives from the denominational ministries to present their reports.  

President of the OFWB Convention, Rev. Ricky Warren, brought greetings from the State Convention and the Executive Committee. Rev. Warren shared specific information regarding the Convention’s efforts to support the Hurricane Helene victims in western North Carolina.  Cragmont Assembly has been designated as a collection & distribution center for Black Mountain, and in addition to other activities, Cragmont is serving thousands of meals daily.  Supplies and materials arriving at Cragmont have exceeded the camp’s storage, but such blessings were not to be deterred.  The University of Mount Olive volunteered its agri-business warehouse as a collection center for supplies.  In doing so, churches and other groups may take supplies to UMO, and Cragmont can request and receive items as needed.  The two ministries have on-site contacts who are in constant communication.  Those wishing to take supplies and materials to the University may deliver them at Kornegay Student Farm, Monday - Friday (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.); 408 Garner Church Road; Mount Olive, NC  28365.

Rev. Warren also shared an upcoming “Prayer Retreat” for the 2025 Convention.  Along with leaders of the denominational ministries and the State Executive Committee, members of all conference and association executive committees and ordaining councils have been invited to the one-day retreat to pray for God’s leadership and blessing.  Rev. Warren mentioned that the tentative overall theme is unity–“Moving Forward as One,” and the four-year plan is 2025–“Christ-centered & Moving Forward as One,” 2026–“Bible-based and Moving Forward as One,” 2027–“Ministry-focused & Moving forward as One,” and 2028–“Mission-minded & Moving Forward as One.”  The activity is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Robert’s Grove OFWB Church.

The president also summarized major activities of the Christian Education Ministry, Foreign Missions, the Free Will Baptist Press (which is now debt-free), and Church Planting & Renewal (which has planted two large Spanish churches with a third in process).

Others who reviewed the work of their ministries included the following: 

Mr. Gary Lee—Chief Executive Officer of the FWB Children’s Home

shared that along with the residential program, the Home assists with foster care and adoption and also provides guidance, housing, and services for clients who may be graduating from high school and entering the workforce or college. His point was that though the clients are older, they still benefit from caring, godly counsel and assistance.

mentioned that residents recently moved into two new facilities.

indicated that the Home recently received a few children from western North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

asked everyone to be much in prayer for the Children’s Home and its ministries.

David Lee McPherson—Pee Dee Association trustee on the University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees  

expressed appreciation for the leadership of UMO’s president, Dr. Ed Croom, as he has helped stabilize UMO’s financial status and worked to re-center the university’s focus on students’ spiritual development. McPherson also mentioned that Dr. Croom was on site in western North Carolina with other volunteers immediately after Hurricane Helene helping with clean up and restoration.

noted that UMO is the seventh largest private school in NC.

noted the strength and interest in the University’s agricultural, nursing, and religion programs.

Rev. Warren and others asked everyone to pray for the denominational ministries as they serve among their constituents.

Rev. Jacob Cribb moved to accept the reports as information; Rev. Buddy Seay seconded the motion, and it carried.

The congregation sang a hymn and collected an offering for the Children’s Home ($524.00).

The moderator called for church letters/annual reports which the clerk read. Rev. Buddy Seay made a motion, seconded and carried, to accept the annual reports as information.

The moderator announced a 15-minute recess.

Following the morning recess, the moderator called the house back to order and reconvened with prayer by Rev. Pete Cribb.

The moderator called for the clerk to read the committees’ reports.   

REPORTS

RESOLUTION

We, the Resolution Committee, have no resolutions to bring at this time.

Respectfully submitted,

        Jamie Cartrette

        Elgin Cribb

        Lynn Ward

Rev. Buddy Seay made a motion, seconded by Rev. Derick Batten, to accept the report and to dismiss the committee; motion carried.  

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We, your committee, recommend that our churches, families, and individuals use the King James Version of the Bible and that all literature used in our churches be of the King James Version only.  We also request that more material exclusive to the King James Version be made available to local churches and that the material be free of references to other biblical versions.

Also, as our churches discuss ways to strengthen their Sunday Schools and other Christian education programs, we encourage church officials to contact the Free Will Baptist Ministry of Christian Education for suggestions and assistance.  

Respectfully submitted,

                                            G.C. Bryan

                                            Harry Ransom

                                            Wayne Vickers

Rev. Timmy Locklear made a motion, seconded by Rev. Pete Cribb, to accept the report and to dismiss the committee; motion carried.  

OBITUARY 

We, your committee, regret to report that to the best of our knowledge, we had 34 deaths during this past year.  We ask the congregation to stand and pause in silent prayer in memory of these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Respectfully submitted,

David Lee McPherson

        Russell Norris

        Jackie Spivey

Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion, seconded by Rev. Larry Greenwood, to accept the report and to dismiss the committee; motion carried.  

TREASURER’S REPORT

Beginning balance (October 14, 2023) 2284.41

Deposit from Association (October 30, 2023) 2028.00

TOTAL   $4312.41

Checks for the past year

# 553 Dr. Danny McPherson   125.00

# 554 Rev. Dean Cartrette   125.00

# 555 Rev. Dr. Bobby Carden   100.00   

# 556 Ron Settle   125.00

# 557 Children’s Home   388.00

# 558 Budget Printing   499.59

TOTAL CHECKS                                                                  $1362.59

Balance (October 19, 2024)                                                   $2949.82

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Settle, treasurer

Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion, seconded by Rev. Eugene Gaskin, to accept the treasurer’s report.

ORDAINING COUNCIL

The Pee Dee Ordaining Council met with Rev. Tommy Cribb on November 30, 2023 after receiving a letter from Pireway OFWB Church recommending Rev. Cribb for ordination as he is in good standing with his church.  Rev. Cribb successfully passed all tests and met or exceeded the Council’s requirements. His ordination service was set for January 21, 2024 (6:00 p.m.) at Pireway OFWB Church, and Rev. Buddy Seay was chosen to preach the ordination sermon.  The Ordaining Council issued a Certificate of Ordination to Rev. Tommy Cribb.

The Ordaining Council met with Rev. Teddy Rabon at Beaverdam OFWB Church on November 30, 2023 after Rev. Rabon asked to become a member of the Pee Dee Association and to serve as pastor at Pine Level OFWB Church.  The Ordaining Council questioned Rev. Rabon on church doctrine and biblical truths and found him to be sound in faith and doctrine.

The Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council met again with Rev. Teddy Rabon at Beaverdam OFWB Church on January 4, 2024 after receiving a letter from the Central Conference of South Carolina stating that Rev. Rabon was in good standing with the Central Conference and its churches.  The Ordaining Council issued a Certificate of Ordination to Rev. Teddy Rabon.  After a short ministry, however, Rev. Rabon turned in his Certificate of Ordination and returned to the Central Conference.

The Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council met with Bro. Cody Godwin at Beaverdam OFWB Church on June 17, 2024 after receiving a letter from Beaverdam OFWB Church asking the Council to examine Bro. Godwin for a minister’s license.  The Council questioned Bro. Godwin on church doctrine and biblical truths and found him to be sound in faith and doctrine.  The Council approved Bro. Cody Godwin as a licensed minister for one year.

The Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council met with Rev. Wayne Skipper at Beaverdam OFWB on June 17, 2024 after Rev. Skipper asked to become a member of the Pee Dee Association and to become the pastor of Pine Level OFWB Church.  The Ordaining Council questioned Rev. Skipper on church doctrine and biblical truths and found him to be sound in faith and doctrine.  The Council sent a letter to the Central Conference of South Carolina requesting a letter of good standing for Rev. Wayne Skipper.

The Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council met again with Rev. Wayne Skipper at Beaverdam OFWB Church on July 22, 2024 after receiving a letter from the Central Conference of South Carolina stating that Rev. Skipper was in good standing with the Central Conference and its churches.  The Ordaining Council issued a Certificate of Ordination to Rev. Wayne Skipper.

The Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council met on September 9, 2024 and sent two letters to Rev. Clifford Strickland, Rev. Gary Bryan, Rev. Donny Jernigan, and Rev. Drake Harper asking why they were not attending the Pee Dee Association annual meetings.

Rev. Clifford Strickland responded by asking the Council to remove his name from the Pee Dee Association’s ministers’ roll because of health problems and stating that he would turn in his ministerial credentials from the Pee Dee.

Rev. Gary Bryan met with the Ordaining Council on October 7, 2024 and told the Council to remove his name from the Pee Dee Association’s ministers’ roll because he would no longer be a member of the Pee Dee Association.

Rev. Donny Jernigan and Rev. Drake Harper did not respond to two letters.

The Ordaining Council took action to remove Rev. Gary Bryan, Rev. Drake Harper, Rev. Donny Jernigan, and Rev. Clifford Strickland from the Pee Dee Association ministerial roll. 

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Buddy Seay, chairman

Rev. Dallas Byrd, clerk

Rev. Dallas Byrd moved to accept the report, Rev. Derick Batten seconded, and the motion carried.  The Association extended the Right Hand of Fellowship to Rev. Tommy Cribb and Rev. Wayne Skipper and the Right Hand of Welcome to Rev. Cody Godwin. All were present and received their designated recognition.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Greetings from the Executive Committee.  We trust all is well within your church and community.  As always, we urge ministers and congregations to remain faithful in their unity of the spirit, in their commitment to the local church, in their ministry to the saved and unsaved, and above all, in their absolute devotion to God.  

At the 2023 annual meeting, the Association asked members of “the Executive Committee and the Ordaining Council to begin developing bylaws for the Pee Dee Association and to report their progress at the next annual meeting.”  Those groups have met three times for this purpose and hope to complete their work prior to the 2025 annual meeting.  Moderator Rev. Dean Cartrette will update the Association at the annual meeting.

As in recent years, the Executive Committee and the Ordaining Council met jointly prior to the annual meeting… 

on Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2024 (3:00 p.m.) at Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church.  Members of the Ordaining Council present included Rev. Dallas Byrd, Rev. Timmy Locklear, Rev. Buddy Seay, & Rev. Jamey Ward. Members of the Executive Committee who were present included Rev. Dean Cartrette, Rev. Heath Conner, Rev. Larry Greenwood, & Dr. Danny McPherson.  

The clerk shared tentative agenda items for the annual meeting which included a vacancy on the Association’s Board of Trustees, an update on the proposed revisions to the “Principles of Church Government,” an update on the proposed bylaws for the Pee Dee Association, a “prayer retreat” for convention and conference officers, and support for victims of Hurricane Helene living in western North Carolina.  The Committee also selected Rev. Dr. Bobby Carden, pastor of White OFWB Church, to bring the Association message.

The group also discussed how the Association might support smaller churches within the Association.   

The Ordaining Council shared results from their recent meetings with ordained & licensed ministers. 

After discussing other general matters and there being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Finally, we encourage our churches to be fervent and diligent in prayer.  God Himself said, “[M]ine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56: 7). Our world, our nation, our state, our communities, our churches…our people need prayer.  He also promised that IF His people would humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and repent of their wicked ways, THEN He would hear from heaven, He would forgive, and He would heal.   So, we need to pray, but along with our prayers, we must live and speak in ways that all who meet us will realize the joy, hope, and love that come only through knowing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.  May we let our lights “so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.” 

This report of the Executive Committee is respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dean Cartrette, Moderator

Dr. Danny McPherson, Clerk

Rev. Buddy Seay moved to accept the report; motion was seconded by Rev. Jacob Cribb & carried.

Rev. Jacob Cribb moved to omit the reading of the 2023 Association minutes because the Association printed the 2023 minutes and made copies available to all churches.  Plus, the minutes are available in the Convention Yearbook.  Rev. Larry Greenwood seconded the motion, and it carried.

OLD or UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Update on proposed bylaws for the Pee Dee Association: The moderator asked the clerk to give an update on the Executive Committee and Ordaining Council’s work on proposed bylaws for the Association. The clerk noted that the group had met three times and hopes that a final proposal will be ready for the Association’s review and/or action at the 2025 annual meeting.  The tentative document has five sections: 

Membership in the Association

The Annual Meeting with recommendations for representation from churches, ministers’ attendance, and decorum and expectations during the meeting.

Officers & Committees of the Association and their responsibilities

Ministers and their qualifications with sections explaining how to become a licensed minister, how to become an ordained minister, and the examination and procedures for ministers transferring from other denominations into the Pee Dee Association.

General Rules and Expectations

Again, the group expects to meet soon to continue its work and hopes to have a final proposal for the Association prior to the 2025 annual meeting.

Rev. Derick Batten made a motion (seconded by Rev. Jacob Cribb) to accept the report as information. The motion carried.

Update on proposed revisions to the “Principles of Church Government”:                Rev. Buddy Seay shared that the Convention’s committee to revise the “Principles of Church Government” continues to meet regularly and hopes to complete its work soon.

Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion (seconded by Rev. Buddy Seay) to accept the report as information.  The motion carried.

Vacancy on the Board of Trustees: The clerk shared that with the death of Bro. J.R. McPherson, there is a vacancy on the Board of Trustees.  He indicated that the Executive Committee discussed replacements and was recommending Bro. John David White from Beaverdam to fill the vacancy.  Brother Danny McPherson made a motion, seconded by Rev. Buddy Seay, to appoint Bro. John David White to the Pee Dee Association Board of Trustees.  The motion carried.

Convention “Prayer Retreat”:  The clerk then reviewed the plans for the Convention “Prayer Retreat” that Rev. Warren mentioned in his earlier remarks.  The retreat is planned for Saturday, November 16, 2024 (9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) at Robert’s Grove OFWB Church and is open to leaders of the denominational ministries and especially to conference & association Ordaining Council and Executive Committee members.  At its earlier meeting, the Pee Dee Executive Committee discussed recommending that the Association pay the $15 registration fee, so Bro. Danny McPherson made a motion, seconded by Rev. Jacob Cribb, for the Association to pay participants’ $15 registration fee.  The motion carried.

Assistance to hurricane victims in western NC:  The clerk also expressed his and the Convention’s appreciation to churches and individuals who had already reached out in generosity and love to the hurricane victims in western North Carolina.  Prior to the annual meeting, the Executive Committee, in collaboration with the Ordaining Council, invited all churches to participate in a Pee Dee Association contribution.  Churches were asked to bring their donations to the annual meeting if possible.  The Executive Committee also voted to recommend that the Association contribute $1000 from its treasury.  Rev. Timmy Locklear made a motion, seconded by Rev. Larry Greenwood, authorizing a $1000 donation to Cragmont Assembly from the Association's treasury to assist the hurricane victims in western North Carolina.  The motion carried.

The Pee Dee Association’s total donation today included $20,479.83 from the churches plus $1000 from the Pee Dee account…a total contribution of $21,479.83.  The check and a letter noting the churches’ contributions were sent to Cragmont Assembly with the request that the funds be used to assist and support hurricane victims.  It is important to note that some churches in the Pee Dee already had sent supplies, materials, food, and financial assistance, and other churches are in the process of doing the same even now.

Brother Wayne Vickers asked about continuous and long-term assistance in the region.  Rev. Warren and the clerk echoed Bro. Vickers’ thought because the devastation is severe and will take months–even years–for recovery.  McPherson indicated that Cragmont’s team is vigilant and current in sharing needs via social media and listservs to which he and others have access.  He shared that as “needs lists” are updated, he would mail them to pastors and church clerks.  As needs become more construction-oriented, the clerk noted that the Pee Dee could put together a “crew” to go into needed areas and support with building projects.  Again, as needs develop, the clerk will communicate those to the churches.

Rev. Timmy Locklear offered a prayer of blessing, provision, and protection for all those affected by the hurricane as well as those ministering to the victims.

Pay officers:  Rev. Buddy Seay made a motion, seconded by Rev. Jacob Cribb, to pay officers as usual. Motion carried.

Select a home for the 2025 Association meeting:  Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion, seconded by Rev. Tommy Cribb, to select a home for the 2025 annual meeting. Motion carried. 

Brother Lynn Ward from Pine Level OFWB Church invited the Association to meet there for its 2025 annual meeting scheduled for October 18, 2025.  Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion, seconded by Rev. Eugene Gaskin, to accept the invitation. The motion carried.

Appreciation to host church: Rev. Jacob Cribb made a motion, seconded by Rev. Jamey Ward, to give Cypress Creek OFWB Church a standing vote of thanks for their hospitality; motion carried.

Recommendation to remove ministers’ names: Consistent with the Ordaining Council’s report, Rev. Buddy Seay made a motion, seconded by Rev. Dallas Byrd, to remove the following ministers’ names from the Pee Dee Association’s roll of ministers: Rev. Gary Bryan, Rev. Drake Harper, Rev. Donny Jernigan, and Rev. Clifford Strickland.  The motion carried.

Vacancy on Ordaining Council:  Rev. Paul Lambert’s recent death leaves a vacancy on the Ordaining Council.  Rev. Buddy Seay shared that the Council discussed the matter and spoke to Rev. Eugene Gaskin as a possible candidate.  Rev. Buddy Seay made a motion, seconded by Rev. Timmy Locklear, to appoint Rev. Eugene Gaskin to the Pee Dee Association Ordaining Council. The motion carried.

There being no further business, Rev. Derick Batten made a motion, seconded by Rev. Eugene Gaskin, to adjourn the business session and to enter the worship service. The motion carried.

Rev. Dr. Bobby Carden, pastor of White Oak OFWB Church, delivered the sermon, “God’s Message Hasn’t Changed,” taking his text from Jeremiah 1: 4 - 10 and 37:17.

Following the message, moderator Dean Cartrette announced the annual meeting to be adjourned and asked Rev. Larry Greenwood to offer the benediction for the annual meeting and also to return thanks for lunch prepared by Cypress Creek OFWB Church.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dean Cartrette

Moderator

Dr. Danny D. McPherson

Clerk