PICKENS, South Carolina – Since Friday, February 21, 2025, TWH has been receiving reports regarding an incident at The Market on the Mill in Pickens, South Carolina.
Initially, concerns circulated on social media about claims that Stillwater Christian Fellowship is actively targeting the local Pagan and Witchcraft community. According to posts from numerous individuals, Stillwater engaged in a confrontation during a local market event. Reports allege that at lest one vendor and then supportive individuals were harassed, with members of the church condemning them to hell while citing Exodus 22:18 as justification. Exodus 22:18 is the infamous – and likely mistranslated – verse “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
The location was later verified. On February 15, 2025, a vendor at The Market on the Mill—a venue known for hosting local businesses, boutiques, antiques, and flea market items—was allegedly targeted by Stillwater members for their participation. The vendor was reportedly Wiccan and selling Witchcraft materials and tools.
While no reports of physical harm have surfaced, messages within the Pagan and Witchcraft community urged vigilance. Subsequently, more specifics were found online.
Seal of South Carolina
Stillwater Christian Fellowship’s Confirms their Behavior
On February 18, a YouTube video titled “Witches Be Crazy with Pastor Barry Vaughn” was released by Kevin Harden of Gaining Ground Ministries. The video opens with Harden quoting Deuteronomy 18:9-12, which warns against practices like divination, sorcery, and necromancy.
Pastor Barry Vaughn and Harden discuss a recent witchcraft festival in Pickens and their efforts to evangelize at the event. Vaughn confirms his presence and states that he and others initially protested outside the venue, later entering the facility before being told to leave.
Following the backlash, Stillwater Christian Fellowship escalated its response through sermons, podcasts, and videos. Members called on pastors to “chase the wolves out”, a phrase that critics argue refers to witches, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and abortion rights supporters.
Vaughn later clarified in a video that he does not promote violence but supports the enforcement of what he calls “God’s law.”
Gaining Ground Ministries suppressed commenting on the video.
TWH later confirmed that Stillwater Christian Fellowship posted at least two social media statements regarding the Pagan community.
One post featured an image of a Bible, alongside images of a natal chart and tarot cards, with the caption:
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
via Facebook
A second post, published on February 22 at 2:08 AM, included an extended biblical commentary. The post asserted that curses against the innocent have no power, described witchcraft as an abomination, and warned that spells and pagan practices are linked to Satan and the Antichrist. It cited multiple biblical passages, including Deuteronomy 18:10–11, Micah 5:12, and Revelation 18 to support these claims.
The post concluded that:
“Voodoo, witchcraft, hexes, and curses have no power over us because they come from Satan, and Satan is no match for the Lord.”
Facility Manager Denounces Harassment
In a February 20, 2025 post, Barry Crawford, the facility manager of The Market on the Mill, confirmed many of the elements that social media reported. Crawford wrote:
“I am a Christian… and I am not ashamed of being a Christian. If you don’t agree with our events, then don’t go. You don’t have to come.”
He denied claims that a Christian group had been forcibly removed from the market. He did note that anyone harassing a vendor would be asked to leave and that police might be asked to issue a trespass notice.
Crawford also condemned Stillwater’s misrepresentation of events, stating that their actions affected other local vendors and that everyone was welcome. He also noted that Market on the Mill offers many different events, and not every event might be of interest to every member of the local community.
“Not all of us are the same. Get that through your heads, folks. You are supposed to love your neighbor.”
Crawford released a video that remains available on Facebook:
Response from the Targeted Vendor
TWH identified the vendor and connected them privately to confirm the events and check on their safety. The vendor did not respond.
The vendor allegedly targeted by Stillwater Christian Fellowship later identified themselves as The Witch’s Broom Closet and issued a public statement on February 23 at 6:20 PM:
Hello everyone.We hope everyone is happy and well.We have been getting a lot of messages/emails/people reaching out for any comment on the current situation going on in the community. We wanted to personally say this, and only this. We have been legally advised not to engage in any of the out lash of any group targeting us, our events, or our community. Our events are harmless, and we are divinely protected. Period.Regarding the “Witch Hunt” post made: There is no evidence of such. Literally speaking, there is no witch hunt. BUT that does not mean cruelty or violence will not happen. Anything could happen, and everyone knows that. We ask that everyone stay on their best behaviors, keep your chin up, and keep you and your families protected. We all must join together, and just simply stay strong.There have been statements made that TWBC has made threats to these said people. We have not of any sorts. We truly enjoy our every day peace, and have not wished to engage in this mess. Both of the owners of this business have agreed to just remain true to our beliefs, and continue through life in the most peaceful way possible. We are abundant, we are loved, and we are protected. No need to step out of character for this craziness. We cannot control what everyone says, posts, etc. We just ask everyone to be on their best behavior through this.We just want to thank everyone for the support we have received through this. We have been asked if we need anything… No, but we do need everyone’s love, support, and shining faces at our events.Let’s prevail through this. Let’s continue to grow in this community, and honor what we stand for, as well as those we stand for.
Blessed be friends.
Community Reactions
While some individuals on social media defended Stillwater Christian Fellowship, many individuals supported the Pagan community. One exemplar posted noted:
“Witches are just as family-oriented as Christians. Christians don’t have a monopoly on family values. If you don’t like something, don’t participate.”
Crawford also reaffirmed that The Market on the Mill will continue to host diverse events and remain open to all groups.
Crawford also confirmed that Stillwater Christian Fellowship had been previously been given free space at Market on the Mill to hold worship services.
There are other reports that after news of the pastor’s actions spread on social media, his landlord became aware of the situation and ultimately decided to revoke the congregation’s access to the space they had been using for worship for the past year and a half. This decision was reportedly based on the information shared, not due to coercion or blackmail. It is also not clear whether the landlord is a reference to Market on the Mill or another property.
Vaughn seized on the situation, framing it as an act of persecution. In his version of events, he portrayed the evangelists as victims, claiming that “evil witches harassed a landlord into kicking these good Christians out of their place of worship in the middle of the Bible Belt”—a narrative seemingly designed to encourage reprisals and rally support for the displaced congregation.
TWH continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as new developments unfold.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.