DR. EDWARD MCABEE The Northside Baptist Church family celebrated the 47th anniversary of the ministry of Dr. Edward McAbee.

He moved to Gaffney in April of 1962 to become pastor of the church. During his time at Northside, Dr. McAbee has developed and organized five ministries.

Broadcasting 'The Showers of Blessings' radio show from a station in York, the program soon would be carried in Gaffney and Forest City before stations across America and overseas began carrying the show. Today, the radio ministry is worldwide.

After visiting the West Indies, Dr. McAbee realized people needed good literature. To meet that need, the Believers Institute for Biblical Studies was created, serving over 29,000 students up to the moment.

Many people across the country urged the pastor to start a Bible college. Having seen the need and sensing the lead of the Lord, Dr. McAbee established a campus ministry of his institute for Biblical studies, offering the Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree and a Masters in the same area.

In the late 1960s, Dr. McAbee and a group of local pastors started a camp ministry. As time progressed, this developed into a larger ministry and several meetings were held under large tents.

Land was given for a permenant site and a tabernacle was erected for the Cherokee County Campmeeting. Dr. McAbee has been moderator for the ministry since it began.

During Dr. McAbee's time at Northside, he has traveled across America and to 11 foreign nations, preaching at revivals, as well as mission and Bible conferences. He has preached in 1,065 revivals and conferences.

The members of Northside state "It has been our privilege and is a blessing to continue to support Dr. McAbee's ministry."

In regard to his ministry, the longtime pastor believes "the best is yet to be!"