About Jehovah Baptist

In the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred Eleven, the first congregation of Jehovah Baptist Church met in a house on Manning Avenue in the southern part of the City of Sumter, South Carolina on the corner of South Harvin Street and Royal Avenue. Although he did not assume the pastoral role, Rev. T. K. Kershaw, a strong financier, financed the construction by his own personal means. Rev. L. C. Crafton, a student pastor from Morris College, was the first pastor of the church.

The pastoral succession from 1911-1931 is as follows:
Rev. T. C. Conyers, Rev. Cabbagestalk,
Rev. E. W. Dix, Rev. R. R. Dwyer,
Rev. M. W. Hall, Rev. A. B. McPhail

During Rev. McPhail’s tenure the old church was destroyed by fire. He then led the members to build a new church.

In 1938 the young Rev. B. F. Weston was extended the pastorate of his membership church. His wife, Miss Janie Vaughn of Kershaw County became the first lady of Jehovah. Their union brought two lovely children, Lois and Larry. Weston graduated from Lincoln High School in 1933. He received the B.A. Degree from Morris College and the B. B. Degree from Starks School of Religion at Benedict College.

Although very young and inexperienced, he received spiritual guidance from God and sound aid from Deacon Morris Holland and thereby led this congregation. When he assumed the pastorate of the church, the church house was an unfinished frame structure. The membership was less than one hundred.

God granted him favor, and under his leadership the church grew exponentially. In 1943 the membership increased to the extent that a more spacious building was erected in 1957 at 805 South Harvin Street. Rev. Weston and his congregation walked from the old building to the building of 1957, calling it the Freedom March.

After 42 faithful years of service, in December of 1980, Dr. B. F. Weston was called to his heavenly home. The church was without a shepherd to lead them for two full years.

Around the third Sunday in November 1982, God saw fit to send Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church a shepherd to lead the flock.

In the year 1982, Rev. Marion H. Newton became the pastor of Jehovah. Rev. Newton was formerly married to Miss Corine Shaw, and out of that union they were blessed with two daughters: Vanessa and Maria. He graduated from Jasper High School in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Rev. Newton received the B.A. and B.D. degrees from Morris College. He has done further studies at the University of South Carolina.

Pastor Newton spent much time planning for further growth and development of the ministries and organizations.

God saw fit to answer Rev. Newton's prayer and devotion

by allowing his flock to grow to the size of 2,200 members spread amongst two Sunday morning services, and a number of ministries. To include a youth ministry under the leadership of Youth Pastor Ricky Simmons, many choirs, Sunday school classes, church related boards, scouting and athletic programs, a child development center currently led by Mrs. Stephanie Webster, and a family life education center currently led by Mr. Barney Gadson.

After 29 years of faithful service to the church, Rev. Newton knew another church expansion was needed in order to sustain and comfortably fit the growing congregation. Bringing in the new year with faith and vision, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the brisk night of January 1, 2011 at 609 Manning Avenue.

For several years the church members faithfully planned and offered funding or talents to support building of the new sanctuary.

As the vision materialized, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation; however, the true measure of faith emerged in the face of the unimaginable.

The church officials initially projected the completion of the building by 2020, but all plans were abruptly halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19. In the midst of the ongoing precautions that year, construction was delayed, and it wasn't until 2021 that the project officially resumed.

Building a church through a pandemic proved Jehovah to be a “greater testimony now to have come through it.” said Rev. Newton.

"It reminded me of Noah, when God told him to build the ark in the midst of a drought," he said. "People wondered how Noah could do it, why he was doing it? But God told him to build it, and he was obedient,” Rev. Newton said in an interview with Bruce Mills from The Sumter Item. Newton witnessed God's providential timing when it was revealed that the church would officially open Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.

"We had no idea that we would be doing the first service and the dedication service on Resurrection Sunday," Newton said. "I still think that is God's doing.” Newton Symbolizes the church with Resurrection Sunday as a symbol renewal, new beginnings, and the fulfillment of a divine promise.

Pastor Newton and the Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Family have set a vision not only for the church, but to continue to touch as many lives as possible by spreading God's Gospel throughout the community and upholding its mission to EXALT THE SAVIOR; EVANGELIZE THE LOST; EXECUTE MISSION; EDIFY THE SAINTS.