Peace Church's History
The Beginning
In 1987, a group of believers came together in a fish restaurant off of Pamplico Highway. After much prayer and consideration, these men and women laid out the groundwork for what would eventually become Peace Church. Under the founding pastor, Danny Keen, Peace began growing and expanding out into the community.
What began as 40 believers coming together quickly grew. As time passed, a parcel of land was purchased at 897 3rd Loop Road in Florence, SC for the purpose of building a church for weekly worship. At the dedication of the land, some attendees recalled seeing a dove land on the four trees that would eventually become the property lines. Seeing that as sign of God's approval, the process was under way.
Rev. Donnie Miles accepted the Pastoral position in December 1990. It was his first church as Pastor after having served as the youth and music director at a church in North Carolina for 11 years. Donnie, Trudy, and their four boys served in many capacities, and God blessed them with many talents. They were a very missions-minded family, as Trudy and her family had served in France for many years as missionaries. Under Pastor Donnie's leadership and guidance, the membership grew to over 250 members and our current sanctuary and facilities were built. They served faithfully for over 26 years.
What began as 40 believers coming together quickly grew. As time passed, a parcel of land was purchased at 897 3rd Loop Road in Florence, SC for the purpose of building a church for weekly worship. At the dedication of the land, some attendees recalled seeing a dove land on the four trees that would eventually become the property lines. Seeing that as sign of God's approval, the process was under way.
Rev. Donnie Miles accepted the Pastoral position in December 1990. It was his first church as Pastor after having served as the youth and music director at a church in North Carolina for 11 years. Donnie, Trudy, and their four boys served in many capacities, and God blessed them with many talents. They were a very missions-minded family, as Trudy and her family had served in France for many years as missionaries. Under Pastor Donnie's leadership and guidance, the membership grew to over 250 members and our current sanctuary and facilities were built. They served faithfully for over 26 years.
Recent History
Joel Stone, his wife Kathy, and their two sons, Robert and Lanford, became our Pastoral family in September 2016 upon Pastor Miles' retirement. Pastor Joel served as Peace's Youth Pastor a few years prior, before leaving to step in at the church where his father pastored due to health issues. Coming from a long line of Free Will Baptist pastors, Pastor Joel, and his family, played an integral part in many areas of our church, including teaching, music, outreach, and youth ministries. Under Pastor Joel's leadership, Peace church became debt free in 2021, paying off our mortgage several years early.
Under Pastor Joel's leadership, Peace set out to be a light in the community, hosting events like an annual Vacation Bible School, Back-to-School Bash, Fall Festival, Lock-Ins, Easter Egg hunt, and much more.
In 2019, we began incorporating some newer technologies into our services. We began delving into online outreach, experimenting with Facebook live-streams and a few small ad campaigns. We also updated some of our sound equipment for these purposes.
In June of 2023, Pastor JD Newland joined the staff here at Peace as the Associate Pastor of Youth. Pastor JD started off strong by helping with VBS and quickly became an integral member of Peace.
On July 4, 2023 Pastor Joel Stone went home to be with the Lord. Our church was in a period of mourning, but we trusted in God to bring us through.
Under Pastor Joel's leadership, Peace set out to be a light in the community, hosting events like an annual Vacation Bible School, Back-to-School Bash, Fall Festival, Lock-Ins, Easter Egg hunt, and much more.
In 2019, we began incorporating some newer technologies into our services. We began delving into online outreach, experimenting with Facebook live-streams and a few small ad campaigns. We also updated some of our sound equipment for these purposes.
In June of 2023, Pastor JD Newland joined the staff here at Peace as the Associate Pastor of Youth. Pastor JD started off strong by helping with VBS and quickly became an integral member of Peace.
On July 4, 2023 Pastor Joel Stone went home to be with the Lord. Our church was in a period of mourning, but we trusted in God to bring us through.
Now
Pastor Scott Ard started in December of 2023. After much prayer and consideration from our assembled pulpit committee and acceptance by the church, Pastor Scott has been welcomed to Peace with open arms.
Pastor Scott served as the pastor of Mill Branch Free Will Baptist Church for 14 years before being called to come preach at Peace Church, and since, our congregation has grown substantially in number and we welcome any new-comers to join as well! We look forward to what God will do through Pastor Scott and Pastor JD!
Pastor Scott served as the pastor of Mill Branch Free Will Baptist Church for 14 years before being called to come preach at Peace Church, and since, our congregation has grown substantially in number and we welcome any new-comers to join as well! We look forward to what God will do through Pastor Scott and Pastor JD!
897 Third Loop Rd.
Florence, SC 29505