A Brief Summary of the History of Spence Baptist Church
| History |
- In 1914, A Sunday School was began by Laura Fitzsimmons. Shortly
thereafter, Rev. David Peebles from Pocomoke Baptist Church came to preach.
After a revival that resulted in 29 professions of faith, this Sunday School effort
became a Baptist Mission.
- On August 27, 1916, Spence Baptist Mission constituted as a church. Charter
members were Ernest Fitzsimmons, John Fitzsimmons, Pearl Harris, William
Harris, Sr., James Mount, Olin Pusey, Mattie Hammond, Willard Tull, William
Stanford, Angelo Harris, E.M. Jones, and H.C. Northam. Rev. William Witt of
Girdletree was preaching at Spence at the time.
- Around 1920, the Board of Education agreed to turn the building over to the
church provided they move it from their property. At that time the building was
moved the three mile distance to Spence. It was necessary to cut the school
house building in half in order to move it through the hills on the narrow road
near the creek. Once in place, a vestibule and cement steps were added.
- Dr. J.N. Stewart became pastor in 1930 and stayed for 20 years. It was during
his pastorate that the church was raised and a basement (our present kitchen &
“dungeon”) added in 1940.
- From 1951-1959 a new addition was added to house classrooms, a fellowship
hall, a nursery, bathrooms, a baptistry and central heating.
- Up until 1957, Spence had shared pastors with Goodwill Baptist Church.
During that year, Richard Satchell became the first full time pastor of Spence.
- Baptisms were held at Public Landing and Allen Memorial Baptist Church in
Salisbury. The first baptism service held in Spence’s new baptistry was on
September 22, 1957. Becky White, Betsy Conner, John Schnepel and Tom
Adkins were some of the first to be baptized in this new pool.
- On July 4, 1976 the Spence family joined together to break ground on another
expansion of the building. It was during this addition that the sanctuary was
expanded, 4 new classrooms added, a pastor’s office and restrooms. Central
Air was added during this remodeling.
- On January 7, 1990, Ken Elligson became pastor of Spence. God has
continued to bless this church as we have grown numerically and spiritually.
Currently we average around 250 in attendance in two Sunday morning worship
services. Plans for additional space are now in the planning stages.