A decade ago, a visit to the grave of William Screven in Georgetown, SC, sparked a day of profound spiritual significance. This week’s Rock Hill News delves into the story of William Screven, a figure whose impact resonates even today.
Born in England (1629-1713), Screven’s journey led him to New England in the 1640s. He embraced baptism at the First Baptist Church in Boston and, in 1682, established a church in Kittery, Maine. Facing persecution from the Puritans in Maine, Screven and his congregation relocated to Charleston, SC, fourteen years later. There, they laid the foundation for the First Baptist Church of Charleston – a cornerstone of Baptist history in the South and one of the nation’s oldest Baptist churches. Screven faithfully served as pastor until 1706, shaping the spiritual landscape of the region.
Upon his death in 1713, William Screven was laid to rest on his property in Georgetown. Today, his grave, enclosed by a fence, finds itself within a public parking lot. Unknowingly, countless individuals park near this site, oblivious to the remarkable legacy of the man buried there and his profound influence on the religious life of the South.
Following a week of revival preaching in Georgetown, a visit to Screven’s grave marked the beginning of a reflective journey homeward. Driven by a desire to connect with historical roots, the route included stops at significant churches. Bethel Baptist in Sumter, a church previously served, was a poignant visit. Nearby, New Bethel Baptist, established by formerly enslaved members of Bethel after the Civil War, offered a space for contemplation on the complex racial history within churches. The journey continued to High Hills of the Santee Baptist Church in Stateburg, SC, founded in 1770. This church, pastored initially by Richard Furman – a name that would become synonymous with Baptist leadership – played a pivotal role in birthing numerous Baptist churches in the state. Standing before this historic church, prayers were offered for the Baptist convention and for the church in Rock Hill, then anticipating a relocation from downtown. A powerful sense of divine providence and historical continuity emerged, fostering a desire to actively participate in God’s ongoing narrative.
That day remains a deeply impactful experience, ignited by reflection on the life of William Screven. While his story may be unfamiliar to many outside Baptist history, his faithfulness is known to God. His resting place, now a parking lot, might seem an understated tribute. Yet, recognition from the divine perspective is the ultimate measure of legacy. This edition of Rock Hill News is dedicated to Reverend William Screven, honoring his enduring contributions.
In other Rock Hill News and cultural observations:
The reality TV landscape continues to be shaped by shows like Duck Dynasty, renewed for its fourth season and maintaining its position as a top-rated cable program. Beyond its humor, the Robertson family consistently presents a strong image of Christian faith and familial affection. This cultural phenomenon highlights a growing audience demand for television that reflects faith-centered family values, a welcome trend in media.
In surprising news within the Christian music scene, the “Night of Joy” concert at Walt Disney World in Orlando will feature eighteen prominent Christian artists and bands, including TobyMac, MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, and the Newsboys. Simultaneously, Universal Studios Orlando will host 17 more Christian musicians, such as Lecrae, Relient K, and Switchfoot, at a nearby event. This widespread embrace of Christian music within mainstream entertainment venues is encouraging.
Finally, a recent survey conducted at First Baptist Church in Rock Hill regarding social media usage revealed Facebook as the dominant platform among attendees. This aligns with broader research indicating Facebook’s significant share of online time and the growing demographic of users aged 45 to 54. For churches, these findings suggest a potential shift in communication strategies, prompting a re-evaluation of resource allocation between traditional printed newsletters and digital platforms like Facebook to effectively engage with their congregations.
Pastor Steve Hogg
