1996 Centennial History, revised by Lorice Britt
CHURCH HISTORY
SEVERN BAPTIST CHURCH
(As published in the 1991 Church Directory)
Severn Baptist Church began long ago in the days of tallow candles and kerosene lamps, when oxcarts and horse and buggies were the only means of transportation. Severn wast a quiet little town and the little schoolhouse was run by Miss Lilly 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 held on Sunday afternoon, and 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 to worship in Severn.
That Sunday afternoon a Sunday School was organized, and Lawrence Stephenson was elected superintendent. They had no hymnals, quarterlies, or cards. Roberts 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. As interest increased and the Sunday School grew in size, the need for a church was felt to be as imperative as the urge to start the Sunday School itself.
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. Harris was made secretary. Rev. C.W. Scarborough, pastor of Roberts Chapel, was present and took part in the meeting. Seventeen people were enrolled as charter members. Rev. Scarborough read the Church Covenant and the Declaration of Faith, each of which was adopted. The body adopted Severn Baptist Missionary Church as its name.
The site on which the church building stands was given to the church by Richard Smith. The church met in the first building on July 24, 1897. At this time the building was unfinished, and the people sat on rough board backless seats. This building served the church until the early 1920's. At that time a movement to erect a new building was launched. In May of 1923 a canvassing committee was appointed. The original building was bought by the Macedonia Baptist Church and moved to a new location. The new church building was dedicated on June 22, 1930.
In November of 1915 construction began on a parsonage. The building was completed in March of 1916. It served as home for pastors and their families until 1954 when it was sold and construction for a new parsonage was authorized. The lot on which the new parsonage was built was donated by Mr. and Mrs. J.Q. Taylor and their son, Quen. The new parsonage was dedicated on October 12, 1958.
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. This has become a tradition in Severn Baptist Church and each year the people look forward to this event.
On November 24, 1946 the fiftieth anniversary of the church was celebrated. During the celebration Mrs. Mary Woodard read the history of the church, which she had written. In 1996 the church will celebrate its one hundredth anniversary.
In January of 1961 plans were instituted for a new educational building. These plans became the subject for much discussion and included suggestions for remodeling and redecorating the sanctuary. On March 7, 1965 the educational building was dedicated. It included a modern kitchen and fellowship hall as well as adequate classroom facilities. On April 25, 1965 the congregation enjoyed the use of new, modern pews.
Severn Baptist Church has always been a Missions-minded church. In 1905 a Woman's Missionary Society was organized. Mrs. Jesse McCarter, the pastor's wife, was the first president. An effort was made to maintain all the auxiliaries of the WMU over the years.
The story of Severn Baptist Church should live in the hearts and minds of all the members of the church. It represents 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 faithful pastors they heeded the need for organized worship in our community. We can do no less. We must preserve this tradition which we have inherited, striving diligently to serve our Lord, day by day.