First Baptist Church v. George A. Creed & Son, Inc.

Gregory, Justice:

The court below permanently enjoined appellant George A. Creed & Son, Inc. (Creed) from forcing arbitration of its construction contract dispute with respondent First Baptist Church of Timmonsville, South Carolina (Church). We reverse and vacate.

The issue we face is whether the parties agreed to arbitrate any dispute arising under the contract. It is conceded the dispute which prompted this action would be governed by the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U. S. C. § 1, et seq., should the Church be found to have agreed, in the contract, to arbitration. See…