Greeting from the Pastor
Summerville Missionary Baptist Church family. I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Let me take this precious moment that the Lord has given us today to give thanks to God the father for bringing us to this occasion.
With each passing year, this church seems to not just grow older, but stronger in its outreach and more dedicated to its mission. On this day of the church’s founding, I thank each and every one of you for continuing to be a leader in our faith community.
Through thick and thin, you have been the rock that has kept this church together. Thank you for your years of service and may this church’s ministry continue for many more years to come.
May this church anniversary be a sign of its continued good work and blessed ministry. May God bless all we have done and all that we will continue to do. I never cease to be amazed by the power of God in keeping a congregation together, faithfully worshiping Him week in and week out. May God’s immeasurable love rain down upon all of us for spreading the gospel so diligently.
I am praising God for this church and the way God continues to use it to bless me and so many others. May God continue to lead and guide us. God Bless.
-Pastor Mark Timothy Harris, Sr.
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History of the Summerville Missionary Baptist Church
The Summerville Baptist Church was organized, February 24,1879, with four members namely: Sis. Hester Walker, Sis. Betty Berian, Dea. Charlie Goodwin, and the Rev. Charlie Williams, as the pastor.
The first building was merely 42ft, long and 36ft. wide. Its value was $1,000 and stood for 15 years. In February 1894, it was destroyed by fire resulting in a total loss of $2,100. Some members began to feel discouraged. Nevertheless, standing on their FAITH in God they rebuilt. They stood on the words that Jesus spoke in ‘Mat.16:18’, “And I say to you that you are Peter. On this rock I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Within ninety days the new sanctuary was built, even larger, being 52ft., long and 60ft. wide, at a cost of more than $5,000.
The church continued to grow, and more members were added to the roll. However, this was not the end of their trials; seven years later in March, the building was taken, two feet off its foundation, and shifted three feet by a tornado. Summerville witnessed a miracle from God, because there was not a lamp, water pitcher, or windowpane broken, nor was there any structural damage to the inside of the church.
After serving fifty-two years, Pastor Charlie Williams was called from labor to reward in 1931. Summerville loved him but God loved him best.
The Rev. J.B. Danford was called in as acting pastor. After serving as acting pastor for one year, was installed as pastor; then resigned after another year. At which time, Rev. L.H. Picket was installed and resigned eight months later.
Through prayer God sent Rev. C.T. Screen to shepherd His flock. Pastor Screen ordained the late Dea. Charlie Garrett and the Late Dea. John Tucker to the Deacon Board. Pastor Screen served for thirteen years, then resigned. Rev. Levy Green who served as the son of the house under Pastor Screen was installed as the pastor. Eight members were added to the church, two by baptism, six thru Christian experience. Pastor Green resigned after eight months of service. Soon after the resignation of Pastor Green, God sent Rev. N.J. Watkins as pastor.
In March of 1952, the church was bricked at a cost of approximately $3,000. The church membership continued to grow. Dea. Dan Kirkland, Dea. Theodore Harris and Dea. Emanuel Mackey was ordained onto the Deacon Board. Rev. Clinton Edwards was ordained into the ministry under Pastor Watkins. Pastor Watkins resigned due to health reasons.
The Rev. J.H. Sims was called as pastor in 1965. Pastor Sims ordained Dea. James Russell and Dea. William Sexton onto the Deacon Board. Pastor Sims resigned in 1968. In 1969, the Rev. J.L. Stokes was called as pastor. Pastor Stokes resigned in 1972.
In December 1972, Rev. Roosevelt Green became pastor. He served faithfully for one and a half years, but not before ordaining three Deacons, namely: James Russell Jr., J.D. Edwards Sr., and Davis Hogan.
God sent Rev. E.A. Brown led his flock in October of 1974. One Deacon, Bro. Robert Williams was ordained; Baptized six, and twelve entered by Christian experience. He worked diligently along with his wife, Sister Ollie Brown; whom together, organized the Senior Mission, now led by Sis. Claudia Mathis. This Mission is still in effect, which consequently, recently celebrated their 43rd anniversary. Central heat and air were installed, and a ‘downed cornerstone’ was re-laid after being down since a remodeling incident 22 years prior.
In February 1978, the Summerville Missionary Baptist Church was vandalized. The microphones and speakers were stolen; but later replaced. During the year of 1980, a collection table and organ speaker were purchased, and the carpet was replaced. After eighteen years of wonderful service Pastor Brown resigned in 1992.
Through Gods’ grace and the aid of the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Deacon J.D. Edwards, we continued to press on. In August of 1993, the Lord sent Rev. James Edwards, who served as interim pastor until July of 1994, at which time he was installed as pastor. Pastor Edwards consecrated five Deaconesses’: Sis Hannah Bailey, Sis. Eva Hardin, Sis. Ruth Jones and Sis. Tessie Edwards.
Rev. Marvin Wilson was ordained into the ministry and sixteen members were added to the roll – six by baptism; two members re-directed their lives to Christ and ten by Christian experience.
Under Pastor Edwards, God blessed us to replace the roof, upgrade the sewage system, and purchase a hot water heater. The kitchen and three restrooms were remodeled. We renovated our entranceways, added new lighting and a handicap ramp. Pastor James Edwards served for eight years and resigned November 30, 2001.
After serving as Assistant Pastor for two years, Rev. Nancy Ross agreed to serve as interim pastor in December,2001. Under her leadership, one was Baptized, two brothers became walking Deacons, and a Junior Deacon Board was formed. Tuesday night Bible study was reinstated, and Holy Communion was taken to the “Sick and Shut-ins” monthly! Rev. Ross resigned September 30, 2002.
In October 2002, Rev. C.A. Scott was called as pastor. He immediately began working to renovate the church. A new heating unit was purchased. The sanctuary and foyer were completely repainted. Due to water damage, the floor in the kitchen and balcony area were repaired. A new hot water heater was purchased; and a Trustee’s office was added. Renovations were made to the Pastor’s Office, Baptismal Pool, and the kitchen was completed. The sound system was upgraded. 25 members were added to the roll, 15 by baptism and 10 by Christian experience.
Bro. Carl Edwards was ordained as Deacon March 23, 2003. In April, 2003 the Lord led Pastor Scott to take the church from 2nd and 4th Sunday worship to worshiping every Sunday. In 2004, construction of the fellowship hall was completed; eight new members were added to the roll. On January 23,2005, Bro. Thomas James was ordained as Deacon. Sis. Lucy James was consecrated as Deaconess and eight new members were added to our roll. Sis. Claudia Mathis became ‘Mother of our Church’ during his tenure. During the year of 2006 seven new members were added to the Summerville family.
In January 2005, Deacon Thomas James Sr. was appointed Chairman of the Deacon, Deaconess Board. Eight more souls were added to our church roster in 2007, five by Christian experience and three by Baptism. In 2008 another five members joined the church, all by Christian experience. In 2009 five members joined the church; two by Baptism and three by Christian experience. Deacon Maurice Mathis became an ordained Deacon during his tenure. Pastor Scott resigned in March of 2010. ‘Steadily Growing and Serving’.
In October 2010 the Summerville Family ordained Rev. Tyrone Timmons as our leader in Christ. God gave Pastor Timmons the vision of Love + Unity = Growth for Summerville. November 17, 2010 God blessed Summerville with a new roof, and repairs were made to the ceiling. During 2011, the Lord blessed us with nine more members. Seven by Baptism and two by Christian experience. The ladies room in the vestibule was renovated. Since January 2012 several souls have joined the Summerville family by way of baptism and Christian experience, as well as rededication to Christ. The sanctuary was painted and repairs/remodeling throughout the church were underway. A Pastor’s Aid auxiliary has been established. The youth ministry is moving forward and a separate Children’s Church with dedicated teachers providing an environment to teach the Word of God and help them to grow spiritually.
Pastor Jenkins became the leader of Summerville’s flock in 2016. Under his leadership, two Deacons: Brother Reed and Brother Ferrell; one walking Deacon: Brother R. Williams, and one Deaconess: Sis. M Reed. Through the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, The Summerville Missionary Baptist Church family continued to move forward in Jesus Christ. In September of 2018, Pastor Jenkins was reassigned to the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Aiken, SC.
Reverend Mark Timothy Harris, Sr. accepted God’s call to become Summerville’s 16th pastor. Pastor Harris was installed officially on November 10, 2019. Under Pastor Harris’ leadership the church is moving forward. Pastor Harris re-established Tuesday night bible study at 6pm. Pastor Harris has established a community outreach program called “Fish and Loaves Food Ministry” to feed those that are in need. Under Pastor Haris leadership the roof has been replaced, the kitchen and fellowship renovated. The church membership is continually growing as we shout out our Motto “Reach To Teach and Teach To Keep”. Pastor Harris has continued to march forward. As We cry “fix it Jesus, fix it – still knowing in our hearts and minds that while Jesus is fixing it, He’s also fixing US!
As we celebrate our 145th Anniversary, we continue to Love one another, walk in Unity and strive for the Growth of God’s people. We give all honor and all praise to God Almighty for giving us the strength to travel thus far! This is our history and we thank God for our heritage. And now, the rest of the story…
Revised Feb 2024
We stand on their shoulders as we continue to make history…………