Year-long activities highlighting “giving gifts to the community” have marked the 200th anniversary of Camden’s First Baptist Church, constituted with 25 members in 1810 as the Camden Baptist Church.
Reflecting on earlier years of First Baptist work they were a part of are former minister of education Jerry Helderman; former pastors Jim Goodroe, Frank Crumpler, and Gerald Harris; and current pastor Bruce Hancock.Its mother church was High Hills of Santee Baptist Church, which grew from Charleston Baptist Church. The earliest Baptist preaching in Camden began before the Revolutionary War.
On Sept. 19, a special celebration service in the sanctuary, followed by dinner on the grounds, featured recollections by some of the church’s former pastors – Frank Crumpler, Gerald Harris, Herb Garrett and Jim Goodroe. The service also included a message by current pastor Bruce Hancock on “Embracing the Future.”
Activities during the year included several service projects, historical displays, and church history updates. More than 100 church members worked to build a home through Habitat for Humanity, and many more pitched in to make repairs to existing homes. Church members collected medical supply items for the Community Medical Clinic.
Exhibits included materials from the church archives, memorabilia contributed by members, and display boards highlighting historical topics. A commemorative quilt, featuring Scripture and pictures of the church’s sanctuaries and pastors over the years, was hand-made by several members and hung in the church vestibule.
An electronic version of “His People,” the history of the church published in 1985, was placed online and is linked to the church’s website, www.firstbaptistcamden.org.
“Reflecting on our history helps us understand how our church has grown over the years and challenges us to continue our mission to spread God’s word,” said Hancock.
Members and guests enjoy lunch on the grounds in September.