Local Church Installs New Pastor

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, Pastor Larry Irby was installed as the Senior Pastor of Wayman Chapel Church in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Pastor Irby graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1970 before attending Limestone College. He delivered his initial sermon on March 1, 1997 at St. John Baptist Church and was ordained on December 29, 1997 at the New Free Hope Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

Pastor Irby is married to Miriam Boulware Irby and has five children: Diane, Sharon, Shonda, Larry Jr. (Bertha) and Kristin.

The standing room only audience included multiple local clergy, elected officials, fellow believers, and members of the Wayman Chapel congregation.

Senator Mike Fanning, Town Councilman Dannie Miller, County Council Chair Cornelius Robinson, FCSD Superintendent of Schools J.R. Green, and Wayman Chapel member Steve Dorsey delivered remarks. The Irby Family Singers blessed those in attendance with the song, “It’s In My Heart to Serve the Lord.”

Reverend Tommy Dodd, Jr. of St. John Baptist Church delivered the installation message. His message was brought from 1 Peter 5:2-4: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

The title of the message was simple yet appropriate, “Treat Him Right.” Reverend Dodd reminded the members of Wayman Chapel that it is their responsibility to support and work with their new pastor. He reiterated, “The attitude and actions of the members should line up with the will of God.” Additionally, he reminded Pastor Irby that he is called to treat the member’s right, regardless of how they treat him. As pastor, he is charged with taking care of the people God has assigned to him. As he closed, Reverend Dodd stressed the importance of Pastor Irby being the example that God would have him to be.