Sumter in Sumter County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
First Baptist Church
Photographed By Anna Inbody, June 16, 2011
1. First Baptist Church Marker
This church was organized as Shiloh Baptist Church, 1868. The name was changed, 1931. First black Baptist church in town. Located on S. Main St., near Bee St. Rev. Ben Lawson, first pastor, served for thirty-odd years.
The second location was also on Main St., between Bartlette and W. Oakland Ave. Here, 1877, the state Baptist Missionary, Educational and Sunday School Convention was organized. One of its greatest works was the founding, 1908, of Morris College, which it still owns and operates. Woman's work is an important part of the organization.
(Reverse):
1910, the third church was built here. It burned, 1962, was renovated the same year. The state Baptist Y.W.A. and state Usher's Convention were organized here.
Rev. W.S. Randolph has served as pastor since 1960. The present church was built, 1977. Church sponsored Shiloh ~ Randolph Manor, elderly housing, 1978.
A legacy of faith and devotion inspires this pioneer missionary to challenge and enlarge its opportunities to minister.
Erected 1989 by Sumter County Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion
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Location. 33° 54.872′ N, 80° 20.698′ W. Marker is in Sumter, South Carolina, in Sumter County. Marker is at the intersection of South Washington Street and Dingle Street, on the left when traveling south on South Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sumter SC 29150, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mount Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Lincoln High School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Kendall Institute (approx. 0.3 miles away); Clara Louise Kellogg (approx. 0.4 miles away); Y.M.C.A. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Trinity United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sumterville Academy (approx. half a mile away); Sumter District Confederate Dead (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sumter.
Photographed By Anna Inbody, June 16, 2011
2. First Baptist Church Marker Reverse
Photographed By Anna Inbody, June 16, 2011
3. Overview
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2012, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 670 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2012, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
