HISTORY OF SEVERN BAPTIST CHURCH
1892-1967
The history of Severn Baptist Church is indeed a very interesting one. Many people contributed to the establishment of the church we have today. Although our church was begun long before my day, I take pride in remembering my ancestors and the ancestors of my friends who took part in making the major steps toward an organized worship. In this paper, I will attempt to tell of some of the highlights in the formation of this, Severn Baptist Church.
It all began long ago in the day of tallow candles and kerosene lamps, when oxcarts and horse and buggies were the only means of transportation. Severn was a quiet little town whose residents were well respected and lived in an established heritage of farmers. Most of them operated within the community or on farms located in the surrounding area. The little schoolhouse, centered in the approximate location of what is now the parsonage, was run by Miss Lily Gaskin, a Methodist. On a Friday in February of 1892, Miss Gaskin called the children together after school to clean the house and schoolyard in preparation for the first assembly of Sunday School. The meeting was to be held on Sunday afternoon, and all children were instructed to invite their parents. Approximately thirty men, women and children attended. This meeting marked the launching of a movement that would lead to the establishment of a central place of worship in Severn.
That Sunday afternoon a Sunday School was organized. Lawrence Stephenson was elected Superintendent. They had no hymnals, quarterlies, or cards. Robert's Chapel Church, three miles away in Pendleton, shared their literature until materials could be secured from the Sunday School Board. The little group met faithfully each Sunday in the Schoolhouse.
This keen interest in the church has never slackened from the time of the church's organization until the present day. Its doors have never been closed, except for a brief period in 1918 during a severe epidemic of flu.
As interest increased and the little group grew in size the need for a church was felt to be as imperative as the urge to start the Sunday School itself.
Finally 'On July 19, 1896, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Baptist church. J. N. Hoggard was elected chairman, and R. H. Burris was made secretary. Rev. C. W. Scarborough, pastor of Roberts Chapel, read from the 3rd. and 4th. chapters of Timothy and offered prayer.
The following seventeen were enrolled as charter members: H. Pruden, Mollie L. Pruden, J. W. Hoggard, P. M. Fleetwood, Nannie O. Bryant, R. T. Pruden, Julian J. White, Lula M. White, Charlie E. Barnes, C. R. Rochelle, George T. Fleetwood, W. H. Howell, Betty S. Howell, J. B. Howell, Edward Cooke, Mamie E. Smith and J. P. Darden.
Rev. Scarborough read the Church Covenant and the Declaration of Faith, each of which was adopted. The body adopted Seven Baptist Missionary Church as its name .
In the first conference which met July 25,1896, J. N. Hoggard was elected moderator and W. H. Howell was elected church clerk. W. H. Pruden was received in his official capacity as deacon. George T. Fleetwood was the first deacon to be elected by ballot and was ordained in January of 1897. At this same conference on July 25, 1896, a committee composed of C. R. Rochelle, J. W. Hoggard, and J. P. Darden was appointed to frame the Rules of Decorum. Also a building committee composed of Ed Cooke, W. H. Pruden, and J. P. Darden was appointed.
On August 22, 1896, the following were the first to come 'into the church by letter: J. W. Fleetwood and Ernest DeLoatche from Galatia Baptist Church; F. M. Stephenson, W. H. Maddrey, Gertrude Maddrey, R. M. Edwards, John B. Mann, Emma Mann, W. F. Rowe, Archie Fleetwood, Bettie' Fleetwood, Sadie Fleetwood, and L. L. Maddrey from Roberts Chapel.
The first revival was held in August of 1896. As a result, five more members were added to the church's growing membership.
During this same month $270.00 was subscribed by the male members to the building fund and W. H. Howell was added to the building committee.
The site on which the building stands was given to the church by Richard Smith.
The Church became affiliated with the association in October, 1896. W. H. Howell and W. H. Pruden went as delegates to this meeting.
Mrs. J. J. White was the first organist of our church. Her contribution to the ministry of music was quite effective and was, perhaps, of great value on July 24, 1897, during the first meeting of our church in the new building. At this time the building was unfinished and the people sat on rough board backless seats. J. W. Hoggard was the first choir leader.
The first funeral conducted was that of Ethel Edwards, daughter .of the late R. M. Edwards and Mrs. Sally Edwards of Boykins, Virginia.
One of the first, if not the first marriage to be solemnized in our church was that of Miss Lucille Pruden to Mr. Emmitt White on February 11, 1902.
According to early records we 'find that the first custodian
was paid $10.00 a year.
The first pastor's salary we have any record of was $150.00 a year. During these early years the church offered financial aid to several nearby churches. Those mentioned include: Conway, Holly Grove, Jackson, Speed, Holly Spring, and Wake Forest .
On July 22, 1899, a committee was appointed to consider the purchase of a cemetery lot for the church. The land was purchased for the sum of $25.00 and the deed was read in conference on December 23, 1899. The Church kept the Cemetery until March, 1953 when it was deeded to the town of Severn.
As we scan some of the early records we can be sure that discipline had a very definite place in the church. For failure to uphold certain Christian standards, members were sometimes excluded from affiliation with the church. However, some were reinstated upon renewed allegiance.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of our church has varied greatly through the years. Records reveal that an enrollment of forty-five members was reached in the church's first year. During the next years, membership steadily increased. A height of approximately three-hundred and twenty members was reached several years later. The 1966 membership of our church stands at two-hundred and twenty-one.
Two members from our church now serve as ministers, Rev. R. P. Downey and Rev. J. M. Long. Each of them attended Wake Forest College and our Baptist Seminary in Louisville.
Rev. Downey was ordained in this church during the pastorate of Dr. A. W. H. Jones., While attending the seminary in Louisville, he served as pastor to two country churches. He then moved to Suffolk, Virginia, assuming the pastorate of West End Baptist Church. Later he became the pastor of Salem Baptist Church where he has served faithfully for the past twenty-seven years. He has served as the President of many boards. For a period of six or seven years he was the President of the Royal Ambassadors' Association. He is now serving as the President of the General Board of what is comparable to our State Convention.
Rev. Joe Mack Long was ordained in Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville while a student in the seminary. He finished his work in May of '1946. In July of that same year he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist Church in Coats, North Carolina. At the present time he is serving at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Warrenton, North Carolina, a member of the Cullom Association.
Jolin Long was educated at Chowan College, Wake Forest College, and Southeastern Seminary. He was ordained by this church and served as Educational Director at Watts Street Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina.
During World War II, Lawrence Barnes, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Barnes and a member of this church gave his life in military service for the freedom and safety of those he loved. In his memory an electric bulletin board was erected' on the church grounds. At the present time, progress is' being made toward erecting a new bulletin board of brick construction.
BUILDINGS
We have come a long way from the little schoolhouse which I mentioned in the beginning of this paper. Gone and almost forgotten are the kerosene lamp, the horse and buggy, and the hard, backless seats. All of these have been replaced by new, modern conveniences. We must remember, however, that much hard work and planning were involved in this transition. The movement to erect a new building was launched duriing the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Downey. Some were a bit skeptical, but the majority of the church membership saw new opportunities and felt new hopes and ideals for a modern, more suitable house of worship.
Miss Mary Emma Long made the first contribution to the building fund. Others followed her example.
In May of 1923, a Canvassing Committee was appointed. Members of this committee included: C. H. Britt, G. D. Barnes, (later replaced by J. J. White) G. A. Pruden, Mrs. Verona Hoggard, Miss Una White, and Mrs. G. A. Pruden. In July of 1923, C. H. Britt, G. A. Pruden, and R. E. Maddrey were appointed as a building committee.
On July 24, 1924, the church building was sold at a $800.00 bid. Later the bid was raised 6%. Theproperty was bought by the Macedonia Methodist Church, colored, and the bid confirmed. The building was moved to another location.
The church furniture was also sold for the amount of $145.10.
Upon motion the finance committee was instructed to transfer the note against this church of $10,000.00 from the Bank of Severn to the Building and Loan Association.
With the combined efforts of the pastor and the membership the plans and the work of building continued until the last brick was laid and the last note was paid. The new church was dedicated June 22, 1930.
In November of 1915, construction was begun on a new parsonage. The building was completed in Match of 1916. It remained the home of our pastors and their families until 1954, when it was sold to Johnny Heller for $4,515.00. A new parsonage was authorized for construction by church conference on April 25th of that year. The lot on which the new parsonage was built was donated by Mr. and Mrs. J. Q. Taylor and son Quen. A dedication service for the new parsonage was held on October 12, 1958. Rev. J. M. Long gave the dedicatory message. The building committee was: Chairman, Garland Barnes, R. T. Long, M. A. Britt, Mrs. Ray Futrell, and Carol Parker.
Before the sermon a note, burning Ceremony was held, with, Howard Barnes, Chairman of the finance committee, officiating. The total cost of the building was $28,000.00.
During the pastorate of Rev. Fletcher Ford, a Loyalty Day plan was adopted. A date was set aside to be known as "Loyalty Day" when special gifts would be contributed to meet the growing financial needs of an expanding church. A goal of $500.00 was set. The goal was surpassed and sufficient funds have been made available for many improvements in the church. This has become traditional in our church, and each year we look forward to Loyalty Day.
In 1944, a modern oil-burning furnace replaced the old coal burning stoker. A new lighting system was authorized in August of 1960. The installation of the new' lights added to the beauty of the church sanctuary.
On November 24, 1946, during the ministry of Rev. Fletcher Ford, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary. During the celebration Mrs. Mary Woodard read the history' of the, church which she had written.
A Hammond electric organ was installed in the church sanctuary at the cost of $2,519.00 in May of 1948, during the ministry of Rev. Fletcher Ford. Mrs. K. E. Stokes was chosen as organist. The organ we had previously used was later donated to the Portuguese Mission Church near Gaston, N. C. August 27, 1950. The organization of this church stemmed from the efforts of Severn Methodists who began a mission for the Portuguese people in Northampton County.
The sanctuary was painted and wall to wall carpeting was installed in July of 1952.
Plans for a new educational building started at a Deacon's meeting January 3, 1961. These plans soon became the subject for much discussion. Their contents included suggestions for remodeling' and redecorating the present sanctuary, and in addition, the construction of a new education building as the East wing of the church. Finally, on June 17, 1962, after much careful thought and consideration, the church voted to construct an educational building and remodel the present sanctuary at an approximate cost of $30,325.00.
Nine months later, on March 7, 1965, the building was completed and hopes were realized. The new educational building included a modern kitchen and fellowship hall as well as neat, adequate class room facilities.
With remodeling the present building for the first time, the church now provided a pastor's study.
Also, another valuable addition was made. This was the church library which now occupies one side of the classroom for Intermediate Boys. The attractive bookshelves which line this wall were donated by the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Britt in their memory. Many new books have been added to our library during the past few year. Mrs. Howard Barnes as chairman of the Library Committee catalogued these books and is working towards enlarging the library.
On April 25, 1965 the congregation enjoyed the use of new modern pews. The dedicated leadership of Rev. John Dean guided the church through this building program. The debt has not been paid, but the church is working earnestly to reach 'this goal.
BUDGET
On September 23, 1899, the church pledged for the year of 1900: Foreign Missions $12.00, Home Missions $6.00, State Missions $12.00 and Education $6.00.
Since that time the budget has increased a great deal. The church now operates on the unified budget which was adopted in 1952, dUring the ministry of Rev. J. C. Ray. The first "full time" budget effective from October 1, 1953, to September 30, 1954 was $9,514.50. The budget for 1967 is $12,530.04.
The missionary organizations of our church are very active in their contributions to missions. The Lottie Moon Christmas offering for Foreign Missions haS increased each year. It is of interest to note that the first foreign mission offering given by the Woman's Missionary Union was sent to China in 1912. The amount was $1.35. In comparison, the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for December, 1966, amounted to $811.79.
ORGANIZATIONS
It was in 1905 during the pastorate of Rev. Jesse McCarter that a Woman's Missionary Society was organized. Mrs. McCarter was the first president. Coincidental, to this fact, Mrs. Dean, the wife of Rev. John Dean was elected to this 'office for 1966-67.
In addition to the Woman's Missionary Society, we have all the auxiliaries of the Woman's Missionary Union except Royal Ambassadors.
There is a very active Girls' Auxiliary organization in my church. Six members of my auxiliary are now working to complete the Queen Regent step. This step is the highest achievement in Girls' Auxiliary. We will be the second group of girls in the history of my church to ever achieve this goal.
There is also a very active group of Junior G.A.'s, Sunbeams, and B.T.U. Thes'e organizations contribute a great deal to the Christian development of the young people in my church.
Many dedicated and educated leaders have given of their time and talent to make these organizations both inspirational and educational.
OFFICERS
The following men have served' as church clerks: W. H. Howell, 1896-1926, J. C. Stephenson 1926-1935, H. P. Stephenson 1935-1957, Carol Parker 1957-1966, Wallace Stephenson, 1966. These men have served faithfully in keeping an accurate record of business of the church.
The following men have served as treasurer: J. W. Hoggard, H. W. Maddrey, J. C. Stephenson, Ernest Howell, C. H. Britt, and J. Q. Taylor.
DEACONS
W. H. Pruden, W. H. Maddrey, George T. Fleetwood, and M. M. Long were some of the first men to serve as deacons of the church. Since that time many dedicated men have served in this capacity.
PASTORS
Listed below are the pastors whose ministry has meant a great deal to the spiritual development of our church. We remember each of them as a true Christian friend and spiritual counsellor. Rev. J. M. Hoggard was the first pastor of our church serving from October 1896 to December 1898.
Rev. S. M. Curtis followed Rev. Hoggard and served from March 1899 until December of 1900. Then Rev. Dancy Cale followed and served from January 1901 until January of 1905.
The next pastor was Rev. Jesse McCarter. His ministry began i'n April of 1905, and ended in September of 1906. Rev. W. B. Waff succeeded him and served from 1907 until 1914.
Rev. Jesse Blalock came to be pastor in 1915 and served in that capacity until 1918.
In 1919 Rev. J. P. Downey came to us as pastor and rendered faithful service until 1924 when he was succeeded by Dr. A. W. H. Jones. His pastorate was the longest of any in our history as he served from 1925-1937. He was with us for more than twelve years during which the church underwent splendid Christian growth.
Rev. R. H. Moore followed Dr. Jones and served from 1937 until 1939. Rev. Moore was ordained at our church September 9, 1939. In June of 1940, Rev. E. Y. Averett took his place among us as pastor. He served from 1940 until 1943.
Our next pastor was Rev. Fletcher Ford who stayed with us from March of 1944 until December of 1948.
Rev. J. C. Ray succeeded Rev. Ford and served in our church from 1949 to 1959. During his ministry the church agreed to permit him to go to Cuba for a month to do mission work there. Our church contributed funds along with others, and purchased a car for the mission in Cuba.
Two young Cuban girls came to the United States and attended Chowan College where they graduated. During this time they were both received as members of our church. One of these young women married and continues to live in this country. She and her husband are active in church work. The other young woman returned to her home in Cuba.
In October of 1953, while Rev. Ray was our pastor, Severn Baptist Church went full-time. Up to this time we had been in a field with Robert's Chapel Church at Pendleton.
The ministry of Rev. John C. Dean began October 1, 1960, and lasted through April 23, 1967.
While Mr. Dean was pastor, he also was permitted to do some mission work. He was sent to North Dakota for one week where he worked with Rev. Lamb.
Rev. Dean left our church to enter the Armed Services as a Chaplain.
And now, as I close this paper, the History of Severn Baptist Church, I would like to include these thoughts. I hope it will not be taken just as a history, or a report, or any other type of paper written only to be laid upon a shelf to grow old and dusty through the years. Rather, I hope it will be taken as a story of what lives in the hearts and minds of all the church members. It is to represent the rich heritage of Severn Christians, who assembled together long ago to make strong their faith in the Lord. These Christians, our forefathers, overcame many difficulties, and faced many problems in forming the church we have today. Guided by our loyal pastors whose lives of service and dedication have always been an inspiration to us, our forefathers heeded to the need for an organized worship in our community. We can do no less. We must preserve this tradition which we have inherited, in striving diligently to serve our Lord, day by day.
Source of Information:
Church minutes 1946-1967
History of Severn Baptist Church 1892·1946 Mrs. Mary Woodard
By: Martha Fleetwood