About Our Church

Central Missionary Baptist Church was organized on July 1, 1938, in the Back Swamp Community by Rev. Edward Ham and several members of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  This move met the spiritual needs of the community without having to deal with the struggle of traveling a long distance by foot, mule and wagon, or horse and buggy to worship. The church was built on land donated by the Hyman Family of Darlington County as the result of a close relationship with Mr. Carolina Bee who later became Central’s first Senior Deacon.

Through its 85-year history, Central Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed to be led by four awesome men of God: Reverend Frank Casley 1938 – 1950; Reverend L.C. Bailey 1950 – 1966; Reverend Edward Thomas 1966 – 1998; Reverend Doctor Waymond Mumford 1999 – Present. 

The first deacons were Carolina Bee (Senior), Henry Askins, General Capers, and Moses Patterson.  In 1950, Reverend Bailey added Waymon Mack, Sr. (senior deacon, Willie Askins, and H. B. Galloway to the deacon’s ministry.  In 1966, Reverend Thomas added General Lee Jackson (senior deacon), Nathan Briggs, Charlie Mack, Franklin Jackson. Under the leadership of Reverend Waymon Mumford, General L. Jackson became Chairman of the deacon’s ministry in 1999.  He also added Joseph Lee (Vice Chairman), Earl Lee Briggs, William Briggs, Thomas McElveen, Alonzo Timmons, Cecil Cunha, Ronny Smith, and John Galloway.  Deacon Lee would serve as Chairman prior to Deacon Smith becoming Chairman with Deacon John Galloway being the Vice Chairman until the present time.

Associate ministers would include Rev. Cecil Cunha, Rev. Senora Mumford, Rev. Samuel Fulmore, the late Minister Curtis Wilkins.  2023 would bring the addition of Minister Teresa McGill.  Rev. Cunha and Rev. Mumford were ordained in October 2022.

The original structure was built in 1938. After several additions and enhancements, it became necessary to erect a new edifice.  Under the directions of Pastor Mumford, Central held a groundbreaking ceremony of January 9, 2010.  After the erection of the new edifice, the dedication service was held on August 2, 2010.

The church has seen considerable growth due to the enthusiastic visions of Pastor Mumford.  Ministries accredited to him are, but not limited to: Prayer Warriors, Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Health and Diet Ministry, The Young Women’s Auxiliary, and Praise Team Dancers.

With each Pastor making outstanding contributions to the spiritual growth of the church, Central has been blessed.  To this end, Pastor Mumford continues to seek God’s guidance as he leads the congregation into ever changing technological age.

 

 

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