Pineville, a historic refuge
Part 36: Church of the Redeemer
By Warner M.Montgomery Warner@TheColumbiaStar.com

The Church of the Redeemer was established in Pineville prior to the Civil War by an Englishman, Mr. Pusea, a lay reader of the Church of England and an owner of a plantation in Pineville.

Mr. Pusea spent much time teaching his slaves to read and write. He held Anglican services for them on Sundays. Services were first held in a dilapidated house with seats of rough lumber. These conditions were most uninviting, but services continued until the Civil War began and the slaves were freed.

In the year 1872, Archdeacon S. N. Joiner was placed in charge of the Redeemer mission. He was followed by Archdeacon Erasmus L. Baskerville, a black priest who was regarded as the pastor. Baskerville did much for the mission by increasing the membership and securing funds for the church and school buildings. Baskerville was succeeded by Alexander M. Roberts then Edward Johnson.

In 1924, a United Thank Offering worker, Maude Callen, a trained nurse, was secured by the Episcopal Church to assist in the care of sick communicants. Her medical care was not confined to the mission, but extended throughout the Pineville community. Her faithful services placed her in the hearts of the people of all races and all denominations.

The Church of the Redeemer Church (Episcopal) is located on Highway 45 in Pineville.

In 1962, through the leadership of Rev. Nathaniel Porter, growth of the church led to construction of a Parish House to better meet the needs of the communicants. Rev. William Weaver continued the work by organizing and starting a child daycare center in the Parish House. The church purchased a bus to provide transportation for the needy on Sundays.

In 1978, the Church of the Redeemer welcomed Rev. John Richards as its new leader. Under his direction, the present- day sanctuary was constructed. He organized the Brothers of St. Andrews Organization, the annual picnic, and created an effective youth ministry. The church membership grew under Rev. Richards' leadership. Richards was followed by J. J. Thomas and St. Julian Simpkins.

Because of a reorganization of the diocese in the 1980s, Redeemer became affiliated with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church whose minister was Rev. Michael Ollic. Rev. Ollic retired from active service in 1995.

Rev. Edwin Walker is the current minister at Redeemer. James W. Edwards is the current senior warden.

(Keith Gourdin and Laura McCray of Pineville contributed to this story.) (Next week: Belle Isle Presbyterian Church)