On Saturday, September 13, members of the Pee Dee Baptist Association held a dedication service for the newly completed Lee Chapel at Pinehill Baptist Retreat. The Lee Chapel is named in memory of Marion “Bull” Lee, who served as director of Camp Pinehill from 1976 – 1991.
Coach Lee was a man who loved his family. He was a member of Dillon First Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Throughout his career he coached football for several different school and was very active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Coach Lee was one of the pioneers for our summer program. Because of his obedience and faithfulness, the success Camp Pinehill enjoys today can be traced back to the years of Coach Lee. He gave Pinehill 17 years of faithful service as the Director and then served on the Pinehill Trustees Board for several years after his retirement.
Lee Chapel is approximately 55 feet by 95 feet and has a seating capacity of 297. It is a beautiful brick structure with a green metal roof. Inside we have a modern audio and video system, large stage area, and comfortable chairs for seating.
The approximately 125 guests at the dedication service were welcomed by Donald Foreman, current Director of Camp Pinehill. Carl Maness, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pinehill Baptist Retreat led in the opening prayer.
Director of Missions for the Pee Dee Baptist Association, Ron Taylor spoke about the power of prayer leading up to the construction of Lee Chapel Memories of Coach Lee were shared by Rev. Keith Darnell and Danny Nicholson.
Nicholson also sang several camp songs that were always enjoyed by Coach Lee during his years at Pinehill and ended by leading the congregation as they sang Amazing Grace.
Rev. John Rickenbacker shared a message from the book of Acts chapter 11 referring to Barnabas as a people pollinator. Acts also describes Barnabas as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of faith. Rev. Rickenbacker shared about Coach Lee being a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of faith. He also shared many examples of how he watched Coach Lee pollinate people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The service concluded with several former Pinehill staff members leading the congregation singing another of Coach Lee’s favorite songs, Friends by Michael W. Smith. Members of Coach Lee’s family present at the dedication service were Jerry Lee (brother), Pat Chaplin (sister), Danny Moody (son in law), and a nephew. Following the service everyone went to Stanton Hall for a fish fry . Everyone enjoyed visiting and reminiscing about years spent at Pinehill. A group of singers from Campers on Mission entertained all those present. Guests were also able to purchase a copy of our brand new book,”Reflections of Pinehill (1961-2012),” which tells the history of the camp.
