Trending
STEUBENVILLE -- Second Baptist Church is celebrating its 132nd year of service to God and to the Steubenville community.
"What a great year 1891 must have been," stated those at the church.
The structure has been rebuilt, remodeled, repainted and reached out during these 132 of teaching about the word of God, officials stated.
The church's first pastor was the Rev. Haywood Burton. The most-recent pastor-elect is the Rev. Jeffrey Stanford.
"Our longest-standing, active member is Ruth "Juanita" Slappy, who was baptized more than 80 years ago.
Evelyn Platt is in this special group of two, leaders noted. The most-recent baptized member is Paula Rae Lewis II.
Deacon Keith Murray and the Rev. Maurice Lawson have been performing God's work in this house of God for the past 11 months, in collaboration with the deacon board, to continue the spirituality and truth of God's word, church officials commented.
Those on the deacon board include, William Fields, James Stamps, Fred Clausell, Kym Morgan and Chester Dixon.
These individuals "sustain God's peaceful transition for our temple and our unity," leaders said.
Second Baptist Church has many teaching and reaching ministries which include, but are not limited to, Sunday morning worship service, Sunday School for adults and youth, the WOW Women's Ministry, Women's Bible Study and Missionary, among others.
The church began and spearheaded the first Juneteenth celebration in Steubenville. It has continued to host the national celebratory event since 2018.
The church has members who desire a relationship with God, and not just an acquaintance or knowledge of God, officials said. For 132 years, many people have come and gone, but God has always remained, they noted.
"Our celebration is for God's grace, mercy and love," leaders commented. ""We celebrate because God is doing this. It's not about us. Thank you, God. Everyone is welcome to unite in our celebration and to always unite on any other day of ministry. To God be the glory, for he is worthy."