In 1853 the first structure was built known as First Methodist Work in Summerville. In 1907, Central Baptist Church had its beginning known at that time as Macedonia Mission with Rev. E.J. Johnson serving as pastor. There were eight members: E.J. Johnson, George W. Brown, Amos Lemon, James Singleton, Henry Maxwell, Carrie Brown Tobin, Fredericka Alston, and Kate Brown. Rev. Elijah Johnson served the group for one year, and then Rev. C.D. Johnson became pastor. Under the administration of Rev. C.D. Johnson, the Central Baptist Church was organized with deacons and trustees. Under the leadership of the first trustees; George W. Brown, Henry Maxwell, and James Singleton, the property was bought. Rev. C.D. Johnson served as pastor until he was called from labor to his reward. After a period of time, Rev. A.W. Wright was called and served for eight months.
From 1936-1974 (38) years, Rev. M.J. Nesbitt served as pastor. Under his administration, the church had a staff of eight deacons, three trustees and 235 members. The church was mortgaged for $18,700. In February 1966, $134,00 was secured to build a new structure to replace the wooden church. First payment was made on February 28,1966. Beginning Sunday, September 11-25, of 1966 marked the beginning of the new Central Baptist Church. The mortgage was paid in full in March 1972. The mortgage burning occurred on June 4, 1972.
On August 7, 1975, the Rev. J.E. Cowen was called to pastor Central, and was installed in January 1976. In 1975 the lot next door was offered for sale to the church, and the church received the deed and title to this property. The building was dedicated in March 1977 for religious education.
Rev. Henry Singleton Capers became the sixth Pastor of Central Baptist Church on August 7, 1985 and was installed January 12, 1986. Pastor Capers was a fisher of men and a true Shepherd of the flock. He directed many activities, including the addition of the Pastors study in the rear of the church which was completed on August 19, 1986. Installation of a wrought iron fence was completed on August 23, 1986, and the addition of a new steeple.
Under the guidance of Pastor Capers, the church not only grew in membership, but also grew in Christian service and commitment to this church and the community.
Four deacons were ordained for Christian service and four deaconesses were installed. Pastor Capers served until August 7, 1974 when he resigned after serving for nine (9) years.
The Spirit of God then equipped Central's members with a commitment in Christian love to ensure Central met every function, obligation, and commitment, Needed improvements were made to the sanctuary:
On March 8, 1995, Rev. Robert J. Mack became the seventh (7) pastor of Central. Installation services were held on April 2, 1995. Membership increased through Baptism, restoration, and Christian experience. Equipment purchases included:
After serving nine and a half years (9 1/2), Pastor Mack resigned on September 26, 2004
A Building Committee was formed to restore the education building with most of the work being performed by members. The restoration included:
On January 8, 2006, Rev Byron L. Foster was installed as the 8th Pastor of this great church. While Pastor Foster continues to biblically arm and instruct the congregation in the Word of God, he also continued his quest toward a higher degree of biblical academics after earning a Doctor of Theology degree in June 2011. The following accomplishments have been made as Rev. Dr. Byron L. Foster continues to lead our Church family here at Central Missionary Baptist Church:
Central was a member of the Cooper River Association for many years, but joined the Charleston County Baptist Association when it was organized.
After serving for 12 years, Rev. Dr. Byron L. Foster resigned on April 8, 2018.
Last Updated November 20,2011