What We Believe

• We believe in One God who makes Himself known as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. He is God our Creator, God our Salvation, and God our Helper and Sustainer.

• We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died as the sinless Sacrifice for our sins on the Cross, was raised from the dead three days later and is now ascended back into heaven where He ever lives to make intercession for us. He is the Mediator between God and man and is our Salvation.

• We believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is inspired by God and is truth without any mixture of error. It is authoritative in all matters and is our guide for our belief and living.

• We believe that all people are lost sinners and cannot enter the Kingdom of God without admitting to God that we are sinners, believe that Jesus can save us from our sins, and confess our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

• We believe the Church is the body of Christ and we are to join together in a consistent manner to worship our One God and to serve Him by declaring that Jesus is Lord and that His salvation is available for everyone who will believe.

• We believe that Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion. Those who are saved will receive their rewards and will dwell eternally with the Lord in heaven. Those who are not saved will receive their judgment and will eternally separated from God.

WE ALSO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000

Our History

Early in 1934 a group of approximately fifty people in rural Harnett County shared a vision to establish a place of worship.  The group first met in the home of Mr. A.B. Haire on Highway 210 south of Lillington. Mr. J.F. Blackman preached at the meeting and under brush arbors at Mr. Haire’s.  Today Mr. J.F. Blackman’s son, Dr. Bruce Blackman, and family live in Buies Creek, N.C. Mr. Blackman was not a pastor at Harmony despite his vital role in its early stage.

Mr. Joel Layton Sr. donated the land and many of the materials needed to build the church.  Money was raised by many creative means. Bowls of oyster stew were sold; eggs were collected and sold; quilts made and sold, and produce grown to sell for the purpose of building and outfitting the new church.  The men of the church applied their strength and know how to provide and cut the lumber.

The church was well underway, but one thing was lacking.  The church needed a name. Various names were suggested, but the one chosen as most fitting was: “Harmony”.  The name suggested by Mrs. Vada Sanderfer seemed most appropriate because this place of worship had been constructed and accomplished with the harmonious spirit of God and His people.

On the fifth Sunday in September, 1934, the first service was held in the new church building.  For this momentous occasion the speakers included Dr. Brewer, President of Meredith College; John Oates, Judge from Fayetteville; Rev Eugene Alexander, minister from Manchester; and Charles Ross of Lillington.

One week following the dedication of the new church, on October 15, 1934, the first revival service was held with the Rev. L. R. Evans of Wake Forest evangelist speaker.  Eight days later Harmony Baptist Church officially became a member of the Little River Baptist Association. Dr. W. R. Cullom of Wake Forest presided at the meeting. Sixty-three persons were received into the church on profession of faith and baptism; forty-four were received by transfer of letter.

Rev. William H Poole was called as the first pastor of Harmony Baptist Church.  Rev. Poole was from Knightdale, NC. Joel Layton Sr. was elected first chairman of the Board of Deacons, with other members including A.B. Hayes, C.L. O’Briant, and R.A. Bell.  Later J.T. Thaxton, Arthur Hamilton, and J.E. Hayes Sr. were added. J.E. Hayes Sr. was elected first church clerk with Mrs. William Wilkins treasurer.

In late 1934 or early 1935, the exact date is not recorded, the Sunday School was organized with C.L. O’Briant Superintendent Lamar Simmons of Lillington assisted with organizing the Sunday School.

The Women’s Missionary Union was organized May 9, 1935.  Mrs. Alkin Wagstaff was the first president. The work of the church progressed with the help of the WMU ladies.  New pews and a piano were purchased. The WMU also donated carpet for the sanctuary.

In 1946 the first successful Training Union was begun with an enrollment of 59.  Miss Doris Morgan served as director.

In 1958 the parsonage was built.

On October 25, 1959 Harmony celebrated its 25th Anniversary.

On March 11, 1962, the church constitution was adopted.  The church constitution was developed under the leadership of Rev. Royal Akins.

Continually led by God, the members of Harmony Baptist Church began making plans for a new church building under the leadership of Rev. C. Paul Willis.  The groundbreaking ceremony was held March 10, 1968. The new church building reached completion with the dedication service on January 5, 1969. The new church building committee included Roy Butts, Chairman, Thomas Champion, Clarence Frazier, Andrew Yarborough, Sarah Grangier, Mary Lanier, Lucy Thomas, and Georgia Wilkins.

The church purchased a new organ in 1975 and a new piano in 1982.  New pew cushion were purchased in 1983.

On August 4, 2000, Harmony sponsored a benefit for Rodney Cameron Jr.  Little Rodney had cancer.

In June 2001, Harmony Sponsored a Vacation Bible School for Overhills Mission.

In 2003, the covered picnic shelter located behind the Fellowship Hall was built, and picnic tables purchased.

The WMU and WOM continue various fund raising efforts using their proceeds for purchasing necessary items for the church including the new tables and padded chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  The WMU and BYW also continue to support mission work with monies raised from sales of hand made quilts, purses, and other crafts.

The Baptist Men are currently sponsoring an African ministry.  Each month donations are collected and sent to an orphanage in Swaziland.  The money is used to feed the children of the orphanage.

Several other additions have been added to our church in recent years through memorial contributions.  In 1993, the sign in front of the church was donated in memory of Mrs. Ethelyne O’Briant. In 1998, the chimes were donated in memory of Mr. Craig and Mrs. Wreath Lanier.  In 2004 the flag pole, American and Christian Flags were donated in memory of Mr. E.B. and Mrs. Bernetta Strickland. In September 2006 the driveway around the church was completed in memory of Mrs. Lollie Yarborough Frazier and Mr. Andy Yarborogh.