Trinity Baptist Church Observes 155th Anniversary

Trinity Baptist Church of Florence, South Carolina will observe its 155th Anniversary on Sunday April 23, 2023, at 124 West Darlington Street in Florence, South Carolina. With the theme “Reflecting on the Past to Increase Wisdom, Endurance, and Encouragement -- Looking Forward with Unity and Hope,” the congregation continues to focus on its enduring history of faith, while moving forward with a mission that focuses on continuing to seek greater outreach and service beyond its current local, regional, national, and international ministries.

Trinity Baptist Church’s Pastor Calvin E. Robinson, Jr., D.Min. shares that Trinity has accomplished much through the years in fulfillment of its great commission of faith and service to God. He notes, “Embedded in the rich history of Trinity Baptist Church, one will find her at the vanguard of the fight for equal rights, for Trinity was the host church for many civil rights icons who blazed the stony road that we all trod to this day. We are reaping the benefits from the sacrifices of our fore-parents.”

Anniversary Co-Chairperson, Charlene Lowery also shares that this special observance has been undergoing prayerful planning for some time. Lowery notes, “Our church is anticipating this incredible milestone, one hundred fifty-five years. This momentous celebration is one that encompasses the longevity of this collective body in Christ. In remembrance of those who planted the seed for the foundation of this church, we will participate in a walk from our humble beginnings at a brush harbor on the corner of Marlboro and Dargan Street to our current edifice on the corner of Darlington and Irby.’’ Lowery adds, “I am extremely blessed to be a member of such a historic Christian community. It is my prayer that we continue to grow stronger, as the next generation carries on the legacy of those who came before them.”

Trinity’s deep-rooted history began in 1868 only five years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863. The official congregation was founded under a brush arbor guided by the spiritual and ministerial leadership of the Reverend Wesley J. Parnell who enjoined Trinity’s fledgling congregation to “despise not the day of small things” because greater experiences were to come.

Dr. Robinson attests to this sentiment today. ‘’Many souls have been saved due to the powerful sermons that have been preached from her pulpit, mountains have moved due to the prayers sent up to heaven from her pews, spirits have been lifted because of the moving songs sang from her chancel, and many people have been nurtured due to her ongoing outreach programs. Yet, we have “miles to go before we sleep”—there is still much work to do.” As Lowery notes, in addition to Sunday’s anniversary service, Trinity’s 155th anniversary observance will include honoring the history and heritage of the church with a ceremonial congregational walk from the location of the former brush arbor on Saturday, April 22, culminating in the arrival at Trinity’s current church site where attendees will gather to view a documentary on the history of Trinity Baptist’s Church’s 155 years, honoring its founding and past and present congregations.

Dr. Lindsay E. Curtis, pastor of the 129-year-old Grace Baptist Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, will be the guest speaker for the anniversary services. Dr. Curtis earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, post graduate degrees from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Moody Bible College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga. He received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Eastern Theological Seminary.

Dr. Curtis has also held various corporate positions including Vice President of Human Resources at Universal/NBC Music Division, East Coast Region, New York; senior human resource positions in the global accounting and consulting firm of Price Waterhouse Cooper; the Dunn & Bradstreet Corporation, and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Dr. Curtis’ mission field involvements are wide and numerous including local, regional, national and global locations comprising services in Jamaica, Malawi, and South Africa, and multi-religious missions to Israel. Dr. Curtis has also served as President of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention.

Trinity’s anniversary services begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 23. Due to Covid Safety Protocol, all those wishing to attend are asked to wear masks and are also asked to reserve their attendance by contacting the church office directly at (843) 662-7015 no later than Monday, April 17. Trinity’s anniversary service will also be broadcast live to all accessible on the church’s website at https://www.trinitybaptistflorence.org.