| Roanoke Salem Baptist Church (visit church site) is the oldest Black Church in the south end of the county. It was founded before the smoke had cleared the battlefields of the American Civil War. In 1866 under a Bush Arbor a few members of Elam Baptist Church withdrew and organized what was to be known as the Roanoke Salem Baptist Church, located off Highway 186 between Garysburg and Gumberry. The Roanoke Salem Baptist Church began its long history with faith in God and soon became a great educational and spiritual force in the life of the community. For a long time the church pioneered in the training of youth, two of her ministers having sponsored a training school and teaching program until it was replaced by public education.
The following ministers served as pastors: Rev. Ligion, Richard I. Walden, Annanias Buck, W.H. Woodard, Augustus Shepard, J.W. Blacknall, C.C. Staton and E.L. Fleming.
Under the leadership of Rev. Blacknall the church experienced a phenomenal growth both in numbers and physical change in the church building. With fifty acres of land, our fathers envisioned adequate space for future development. Rev. Blacknall initiated a complete face lifting of the present structure. An addition was added to the entire length of the church running from north to south. On the west of the building, beautiful memorial windows were installed.
Following the Rev. J.W. Blacknall, Rev. C.C. Staton, Sr. came to the church in May 1934. Under his leadership the church was completely renovated, from ceiling to floor. The church was completely brick veneered, using eighty thousand bricks. After this came the construction of an Educational Building, with adequate space for Sunday School activities and individual classrooms. A modern heating plant was also installed and electric lighting throughout the building, including sanitary facilities.
Rev. E.L. Fleming became pastor of the church in 1976. Under his leadership the church sanctuary was completely renovated, choir chairs and hymnbooks were purchased, two additional bathrooms were built and a new heating unit for the entire complex was installed.
Our present pastor is the Rev. Robert Sessoms of Ahoskie, N.C. Rev. Sessoms began his pastorate on the 4th Sunday of October 1991. Rev. Sessoms has provided excellent leadership in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel along with vital administrative guidance. During his pastorate, numerous ministries have been developed and long-time visions brought into completion and fulfillment.
The church has moved into full-time worship service, joined the Northampton County Association, built a new Fellowship Hall and Educational Wing, paved the parking lot, re-carpeted the sanctuary and upstairs Annex, upholstered the pews, and most recently remodeled the hallway leading upstairs and into the sanctuary, and purchased a chartered bus. Also the Youth, Couples, and Singles Ministries were developed and a Christian Education Director was appointed. There has also been a tremendous growth in attendance, membership, finances and Spirit at Roanoke Salem Baptist Church. Rev. Sessoms has shown love and dedication to the church and to the community. His love for us and our love for him has been exemplified in the growth and development of this church.
Through the consecrated leadership of Rev. Sessoms, and our past pastors, we know that "We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord; trusting in His Holy Word He has never failed us yet". |
