In 2010, First Baptist Church, Georgetown, will celebrate 300 years of Baptist presence in the region.
This presence began with the arrival of William Screven, who previously had distinguished himself by establishing the first Baptist church in the southern colonies and subsequently moving to the edge of an unsettled frontier in what is now known as the city of Georgetown. Under the leadership of Screven, the gospel was preached, an incipient congregation developed, and the work of the church prospered as a city and community emerged.
Under the leadership of Virginia Skinner and the church’s history committee, plans are being made to commemorate the historic beginning and the rich 300 years of ministry that have followed. Proverbs 22:28 declares, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set,” and will serve as the biblical theme for the year-long celebration.
The inaugural service will be held Jan. 10. A special series of messages reviewing Baptist distinctives will be launched, and an original composition by Logan Young, “A Southern Baptist Canticle,” will be performed by the choir.
Over the course of the year, other activities are planned: a Heritage Tea, scheduled for April 6; a Men’s Legacy Breakfast on July 18; and a memorial service at the Antipedo Baptist Cemetery, commemorating all church members who have served in the armed forces. In addition, there will be an old-fashioned “dinner on the grounds” in the fall. William Knight, head of the music department at Shorter College and former church member and organist, will offer an organ recital as part of the celebration on June 5.
Historic tours will be available to church groups on Tuesdays beginning in March. The tours will include historic Baptist sites, the viewing of various artifacts, as well as a review of Baptist history. Tours can be scheduled through the church office.
The Georgetown Baptist Historical Society has commissioned Roy Talbert, head of the history department at Coastal Carolina University, to write a scholarly history of Georgetown Baptists, examining their origin, doctrine, challenges and influence. It is slated for publication this fall.
For more information concerning any event, call the church office at 843-546-5187 or visit fbcgeorgetown.org.