CHRIST CENTERED, KINGDOM FOCUSED, MISSION DRIVEN
Welcome to Samaria Baptist Church!
| Please read our vision and mission statement and the statement of our core values. | |
Our History |
Service Style |
| Samaria Baptist Church was founded in Raleigh in 1878. From all records available, it has been determined that Mrs. Sara Purnell Williams and Thomas Chalmers first discussed the need and possibility of a Missionary Baptist Church being established. They were soon joined by their spouses, Hardy Bagwell, and others. Interest grew so rapidly that it was decided that Sunday School services would be held in an old log school house until a church could be built. The first church building was constructed in 1878 with Rev. A. D. Blackwood serving as the first pastor. The church held a preaching service on the third Sunday of every month. There were 35 members. The church was named "Samaria", which according to the dictionary means "a watch tower". To the people of Samaria, it was a light on a hill. The church was a log structure converted into a four-room house and was later used as a home by the church janitor. The church was received into the fellowship of the Raleigh Baptist Association in 1878 upon satisfaction of orthodox constitution. The second building was erected in 1880 and was a frame structure 40' x 60'. A cemetery was laid out on the north section of the church property for its members, and the first pump organ was purchased in 1882. In 1888, church membership was recorded as 89 members. The third building was dedicated December 7, 1930, by Dr. Charles Maddry, and was a result of much teamwork from the members of Samaria. Dr. Eugene Howle's grandmother is said to have driven a team of horses from her home place on Rock Quarry Road to bring logs for the building of the church. Cobblestones that were once used to pave the streets of Raleigh were used in the building of the church. Rufus Hodge, a member and city employee, was instrumental in getting the discarded cobblestones donated to the church. These are just a few examples of the teamwork that helped build Samaria's third church building. In early 1950, an annex to the sanctuary (including the pastor's study and indoor plumbing) was added. A pastorium was built in 1952, and Rev. Parks Harris and family members were the first family to live there. Continual growth warranted an educational building, which was completed in 1958. The church has made many other renovations through the years, including renovating the fellowship hall and dedicating the baptistry. In recent years, when Samaria made additions to its buildings, Jack Keeter secured more cobblestones for the construction. In 1998, our congregation completed a renovation of our educational facilities. The education building needed a complete overhaul due to the changing needs of the congregation. As a part of this process, a new building was added which we have affectionately named the Connector. It is the place where we connect to ministry opportunities and with each other. Our congregation is currently involved in many ministries, both local and global, and is seeking God's guidance for our future. We believe that the same God who has lead us in the past continues to lead us into tomorrow. With continuing dependence on the wisdom of the Spirit, connection with our Baptist heritage, and recognition of the power of our story, we embrace the future that God has in store for us. | The gathering of the people of God for worship is a vital expression of faith. We at Samaria believe in the priority of Christian worship. We form our worship based on the life of Jesus, follow the Christian calendar, and proclaim the message of the Scriptures. Our worship is traditional, but warm and inviting. We make room for participation of all persons in our worship by using our lay persons to lead prayers. We enjoy and are challenged by the words of our children's sermons. Our worship is characterized by its warm embrace of the Good News and by its warm embrace of those who have gathered to worship. Come join us, you are welcome here… |
Worship Services |
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We hope that you will join us. Our worship times are:
For information on our worship and Bible Study topics, please see the Pastor's Corner. The Sunday Worship Service is usually taped. If you would like a copy of any service, please call the church office. |
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Sunday School |
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We have Sunday School classes for all ages! Come join us!
Classes and Leaders:
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Contact Information |
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| 3621 Poole Road Raleigh, NC 27610 Phone: (919) 231-8035 Office Hours: T, W, Th 10:30-3:30 |
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How to Find Us |
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 Map from Mapquest.com |
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