In 1905, twelve years before World War I, a group of strong believers who were share-croppers and plantation workers on the McCall and Camlin farms of northern Florence County being weary of walking several miles to church on Sunday morning and evening, organized Wayside Chapel. Acting as trustees for this group of devoted Christians, Deacon Sam Ham and Deacon Lewis Scott were authorized to negotiate the purchasing of a half-acre of land from Mr. M. McCall for the sum of forty ($40.00) dollars. This land was located at the intersection of the Florence-Darlington Highway, now known as Highway 52 and Cashua Ferry Road, where the University Inn Motel now stands.

On November 3, 1906, the property deed was delivered to Deacon Sam Ham and shortly, thereafter a small two-story hall was built on that hallowed spot. The building was jointly used as a meeting place for the masons, the odd fellows and Joint Stock lodgers, as well as for prayer meetings on Wednesday nights. Worship service and other programs were held on Sundays. It was also used to have revival meetings each year and new members were added to the fellowship of these believers.

About 1918, the members decided that they wanted to build a church building. Even though these were the bitter years of the depression, they rallied together for the cause to the best of their ability. The McCall family, who were white plantation owners, saw the people’s determination and they donated some of the materials to construct a church building. In 1920, the building was completed. That same year the church was dedicated by the officials of the Pee Dee Baptist Association and it was thereafter known officially as the Wayside Chapel Baptist Church. The officiating officers for the association at that time were, Dr. Prince, moderator, executive board members, Dr. Frank H. Ham, Sr., Dr. J.G. Gregg and Rev. H.D. Dupree. The Rev. Sam Davis was elected by the membership as the first official Pastor of the church and services were held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of each month.