BIG CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH/CLEAR SPRINGS BAPTIST
(Ocee community)
The first Baptist Church in the Ocee community was established in 1818 in a log house just west of State Bridge on Big Creek, and named Big Creek Baptist Church.
It was moved to where the Old Big Creek Cemetery is now, where it stood for some time. Then it was moved to the present site of the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Church on Highway 120, and changed to the Primitive Baptist faith.
Those that wanted to continue as Missionary Baptist established Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church in 1868 in a log house near the present church, with twenty two charter members. The charter members were: Mary Cain, Jonas Cain, James M. Cain, Patricia Cain, Jacob Garrett (deacon), Peggy Garrett, Sis Paris, Paul F. Long (first clerk), Nancy Long, Frank Brown, Delaney Brown, Millie Brown Howard, Louis Brown, Rebecca Brown, Mary Brown, Martha Brown, Sarah Howard, Jemmina Fisher, Nancy Shirley, Adaline Moulder, Caroline Mattison and O. N. Mattison.
In 1872 this five acres of land on which the church now stands was purchased for $17.90 from Charles S. Blanton.
In 1888 the second building was erected near the old building.
The third building was erected in 1914 with Ed Hyde, Clint Paris, Milt Lee and Juhan Autrey serving on the building committee.
Pastors who served the church were: W. J. Woten, E. M. Pilgrim, D. J. Hudgins, M. Purcell, J. P. Tribble, Wm. R. Waters, W. J. Hyde, G. L. Barnwell, J. M. Webb, J. J. Beck, B. B. Sargent, William Smith, John M. Anderson, R. A. Bryan, V. V. Brady, Thomas F. Wills, T. P. Tribble, F. M. Dodd and R. M. Donehoo.
Rev. R. M. Donehoo served the church for the longest period of time. Serving from October 1924 until his retirement November 1956.
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