History of the Summerville Missionary Baptist Church

The Summerville Missionary Baptist Church was organized, February 24, 1879, with four members; namely Sis. Hester Walker, Sis. Betty Berian, Deacon Charlie Goodwin, and the Rev. Charlie Williams, pastor of the church.

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 and said it was not safe to build again. Nevertheless, we put our faith in God and rebuilt. For Christ said to Peter, "Upon this rock I build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Therefore, within ninety days another building was erected, and enlarged, 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 church. However, this was not the end of her trials; seven years later in March, the building was taken, two feet off her pillows and carried three feet by a tornado. This was a mystery because there was not a lamp, water pitcher, windowpane, nor chimney broken, nor did the church come apart. So, we settled that whole matter by saying that it was the work of God.

Many members have been sent from labor to reward including our leader the Rev. Charlie Williams in 1931. We loved him but God loved him best. After being led by one leader for more than fifty-two years, this bought the church to a crossroad in history. Knowing that we could not go on alone, the Rev. J. B. Danford was asked to help as acting pastor for one year, which he accepted. At the end of that year he was called as pastor. After that year he resigned and the Rev. L. H. Picket was called but his stay was only eight months.

The members began to feel discouraged again, but remembering God's words "Ask and it shall be given, knock and the door shall be opened." We obeyed this and the Rev. C.T. Screen was called. He served successfully for 13 years. During his administration, two were added to the Deacon Board, namely the late Deacon Charlie Garrett and the Late Deacon John Tucker. After the resignation of Rev. Screen, the mantle fell on the son of the house Rev. Levy Green and he served successfully for eight months. Eight were added to the church, two by baptism, and six by Christian experience. But, Rev. Green had other fields of labor to reap. The church was without a leader for only a short while before the Rev. N. J. Watkins was called as pastor. He was a good leader, and a great builder. During his administration, the church was bricked, and modernized in March 1952 at a cost of $3,000.

More members were added to the church including the deacon board: Deacon Dan Kirkland, Deacon Theodore Harris, Deacon Emanuel Mackey, also one was ordained to the ministry. Rev. Clinton Edwards. Rev. Watkins served as our pastor until failing health forced him to retire.

The Rev. J. H. Sims was called as pastor in 1965 and served until his resignation in 1968.

During his stay two were added to the Deacon Board namely Deacon James Russell and Deacon Willie Sexton. In 1969 the Rev. J. L. Stokes was called as pastor for two and a half years until his resignation in 1972.

In December of 1972, the Rev. Roosevelt Green was called as pastor. He was a well prepared Christian gentleman who served faithfully for one and a half years then resigned to spread the gospel to wider areas. While he ordained three deacons, namely Deacon James Russell, Jr., Deacon J. D. Edwards, Sr., and Deacon Davis Hogan.

The Rev. E. A. Brown was then called as our leader in October of 1974. Under his administration, we had central heat and air installed. He, along with Mrs. Ollie Brown, organized the Senior Mission of which we are very proud. Six members were baptized under Rev. Brown's leadership and twelve came to the church by Christian experience. One deacon was ordained, namely Deacon Robert Williams. During a stirring ceremony performed outside, our cornerstone was re-laid after being out since the remodeling of the church in 1952. An organ speaker was installed in 1980, and the carpet was replaced a collection table purchased as well. We came a long way under the leadership of Rev. Brown until his resignation in 1992.

With the aide of our Chairman of the Deacon Board, Deacon J. D. Edwards we persevered until August, 1993. Then, Rev. James Edwards was called as interim pastor for one year. In July 1994, he was elected as pastor and under his leadership five Deaconesses' were consecrated, Sis. Nellie Nelson, Sis, Hannah Bailey, Sis. Eva Hardin, Sis. Ruth Jones and Sis. Tessie Edwards.

Rev. Marvin Wilson was ordained to the ministry and sixteen members were added to the rolls - six by baptism; and two members to return, and 10 by Christian experience

Under the leadership of Pastor Edwards, we replaced our roof, upgraded our sewage system, added a hot water, a kitchen and remodel and enlarged our three restrooms. We also renovated our entranceways, added new lighting, and a handicapped ramp. Under his leadership, the church remained debt free. Rev. James Edwards resigned November 30, 2001.

After serving as Assistant Pastor for two years on December 1, 2001, Rev. Nancy Ross agreed to serve as interim pastor. Under her leadership, one was baptized, two were set aside in deacons training and a junior deacon was added. Bible study was reinstated on every Tuesday night. Communion was taken to shut-in members each month instead of every (3) months. Rev. Ross initiated and organized a search for a new pastor. She resigned on September 30, 2002.

In October 2002, Rev. C. A. Scot was called as pastor. He immediately began working to renovate the church. A new heating unit was purchased. The floor was replaced due to water damage, the sanctuary and foyer was completely repainted. Also due to water damage the balcony areas was repaired. A new hot water was purchased and the trustee's office was added. Renovations were made to the Pastor's Office, Fellowship Hall, Baptismal Pool, and kitchen was completed. Also the sound system was upgraded with a cordless microphone and recording system. Plans are now in place to begin renovations on the rest of the church building. In his first year as our shepherd 25 have been added to the roll. 15 by baptism and 10 by Christian experience.

Bro. Carl Edward was ordained as Deacon on March 23, 2003. Rev. Scott's vision is to move Summerville Missionary Baptist Church into being a church ´Anointed, Blessed, and Committed" and one major step toward this goal was when Summerville Missionary Baptist Church became a full time church in April of 2003 - worshiping every Sunday.

On January 22, 2004, Bro. Thomas James was ordained as Deacon. In the year 2004 we have continued to make many improvements to our building which are to numerous to name. However, our greatest achievement was the completion of our Fellowship Hall.

Since Pastor Scott has been at Summerville we have witnessed over 60 souls join the Summerville Family. We continue to grow both spiritually and physically. As we enter into 2010 we pray that God will continue to shower His church with working bodies, willing spirits and blood washed souls.

History Revised 04-08-09