WINNSBORO, S.C. — It was a tough Sunday service at Lebanon Presbyterian Church as congregates mourned the loss of their beloved pastor and friend Shane Martin.
Martin died following a December 3 car crash on Jackson Creek Road near Bark Lane.
Troopers say the crash was a head-on collision. The other driver was not hurt.
Martin had a personality that made everyone feel at ease, friends say.
As a pastor, he was easy to connect with, often preaching sermons that made congregates feel like he was speaking directly to them.
He preached at Green Run Baptist in Virginia for 15 years and worked as a career firefighter before moving to Winnsboro to preach at Lebanon.
While there, he became a volunteer firefighter in Fairfield County.
He was just 47-years-old when he died leaving behind a wife, two sons and many other siblings, friends and loved ones.
Jason Pope is the Fairfield County fire chief and an elder at the church who worked closely with Pastor Martin before his death.
"Shane's been preaching on trials and how to respond in the middle of suffering... for a year, you know? So, obviously, Shane didn't know what was happening, but God did and God was getting us ready," Pope said. "That's a testimony to God's goodness and his mercy, and so, there were tears here today, but, you know, our tears for Shane are tears of joy 'cause we know where Shane is."
A special account has been set up at Lebanon Presbyterian for Pastor Martin's family. Checks can be made out to Lebanon PCA and designated to the Martin Family. They can be mailed to the church's address at 8002 Newberry Rd, Winnsboro, SC.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18 at Richard Winn Academy, located at 1796 Old Chester Road in Winnsboro.