The Carlton Baptist Church was originally Fork of Broad River Church, and was located on Watson Mill Road a short distance west of the present town of Carlton. William Davis, a Revolutionary War veteran who was present when Cornwallis surrendered to Washington at Yorktown, was the first pastor. Davis was instrumental in the development of Sarepta, our local Baptist organization that still thrives
today, and was noted to be a firebrand speaker, even late in life as his health declined. In 1894 the old church was moved into Carlton and the members built a wooden church with high ceiling, two doors (one for men, the other for ladies), and a tall steeple. About 1914 a "strong wind" blew down this building and a Methodist Church which which stood on the opposite hill to the East. These were the only structures in town that were damaged. In 1917 the present large and beautiful brick building was built and in the bell tower hangs the same old bell which summoned members to church over the years. During the nearly one hundred years it has stood, the faithful and the dedicated members have maintained it, improved it, and added to the facilities. For twenty years the old two-story brick school house which stood in the church yard was used for Sunday School classes. In 1966 a new two-story brick education annex was erected and auditorium and annex were fully air conditioned. In 1974 we expanded church activities and built an area for recreation. Today, Carlton Baptist is experiencing a new rejuvenation and growth, while holding onto the unchanging truth of the Bible, restoring its original reformed expression of the Baptist faith. Come and see the big things God is doing in our little church!
