The United States of America was in the midst of the Great Depression when the Rev. William D. White, pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in East Baltimore, was called to pastor Abyssinia Baptist Church located at 905-907 West Franklin Street. Abyssinia, whose pastor was Rev. B. J. Legins was experiencing financial and membership problems. Some members wanted Rev. Legins replaced. When Rev. White left Fountain Baptist Church, a small band of Fountain’s members accompanied him to Abyssinia. Among these members were Trustees Peter Mitchell and Willie Scott who remained faithful and stalwart members until death. When Rev. Legins left Abyssinia, a group of its members followed him. They took the name Abyssinia and the Articles of Incorporation with them. Among those remaining from Abyssinia were Deacon Winston Highsmith and Trustees Gaston McCallum, David Norrell and Oberry Hamilton.
The small congregation which consisted of members from Fountain Baptist Church and the original Abyssinia Baptist Church members became united as one body in Christ. During a church meeting, Sister Annie L. Britton who was the Church Clerk suggested “Concord” as a name for this combined congregation. Rev. White and the congregation agreed because it means on one accord, unity, and harmony. These five Trustees, Oberry Hamilton, David Norrell, Gaston McCallum, Peter Mitchell, and Willie Scott, along with Pastor William D. White signed the Articles of Incorporation for Concord Baptist Church, May 18, 1937.
One of the first challenges of the Church was the possible loss of its edifice. The small congregation was unable to meet its rental payments to the owner, the Rognel Heights Methodist Church. Mr. Rhine, who handled the finances for Rognel Heights, told Rev. White that he would sell the building to Concord for $14,500.00 if the church could raise $500.00 within 30 days. The money was raised in less than a month. Some members willingly used their homes as collateral while others sold dinners, held musicals, plays, and rallies to meet the monthly mortgage.
Rev. White’s organization of the Church included a Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Church Clerk, Senior Choir and Sunday School which was held after the morning service. As the congregation grew, he saw a need for additional ministries. The Missionary Society, Usher Board, Flower Circle, Baptist Training Union, and Young People’s Choir were organized. The Sunday School’s time was changed from after morning worship to before service.
Rev. William D. White was concerned about the financial stability of small churches. He and Rev. E. W. White, pastor of Provident Baptist Church, formed an organization to give financial support to smaller churches with financial difficulties. He also believed that Concord could grow in knowledge and strength as a member of the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland, so Concord became affiliated.
His devoted wife, Mrs. Marie E. White, was a schoolteacher in Richmond, Virginia. She was a great inspiration and support to him both spiritually and financially. She directed religious plays, held baby rallies and worked very closely with the Missionary Society. His son, William, transported members from their homes in East Baltimore to and from the church.
Under Rev. White’s leadership, the congregation continued to grow. At the time of his death, June 28, 1943, plans were being formulated to burn the Church’s mortgage. During his six years as the pastor, he laid a firm foundation from which Concord grew.
Rev, Jadie M. Raynor of Goldsboro, North Carolina was called to pastor Concord on November 5, 1944. He continued the efforts of Rev. White when he found a church of almost three hundred members and a mortgage of $7,000.00. Within two years, the Church under the leadership of Rev. Raynor and his assistant, Rev. James Wilkins, the mortgage was paid. The Baltimore Afro-American newspaper reported in its December 10, 1946, issue that Concord burned its mortgage.
As the congregation continued to increase, other ministries were added to the church’s program. Among them were the Busy Bees, King’s Daughters, Male Chorus, Gospel Chorus, Senior Choir II and Matrons. His order of service always included a responsive reading, an anthem, and often a solo before the sermon. Holy Communion was held at 3:30 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Usually, another congregation had communion with Concord, especially neighborhood churches such as New Shiloh, New Psalmist, and Provident Baptist Church. There were two services and the Baptist Training Union each Sunday. The morning worship was held at 11:00 a.m., the Baptist Training Union at 6:30 p.m. and an evening worship at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. was the prayer meeting. Sunday School continued to be held at 9:00 a.m. Under his leadership, Concord Baptist Church was referred to as, “The Church with the Three Ships: Friendship, Fellowship, and Worship, The Tie That Binds.” The motto was, “A Praying Church is a Growing Church.”
Rev. and Mrs. Raynor had a great concern for the youth of the church. They believed that the youth should be trained to worship and to perform duties in the church; thus, a youth ministry evolved. Under their leadership, Junior Deacons, Junior Ushers, Girls’ Choir, The Red Circle Girls, and the Royal Ambassadors and Boy Scouts were organizers. The third Sunday in each month became Youth Sunday so that the youth could lead the service, and the third Sunday in May became Annual Youth Day.
While Rev. Raynor was the pastor, the interior of the Church was modernized. The lavatories were improved; a trustee room, choir lofts, choir rooms, kitchen, and coat rooms were added.
Rev. Raynor’s leadership was felt throughout the city. He served as president of the Progressive Ministerial Alliance and was active in the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland. His wife, Mrs. Ina Virginia Raynor, was a great supporter. She led the Missionary Society, served as an advisor to the youth, chaired Women’s Day and was a great fundraiser who also sponsored rallies. Mrs. Raynor departed this life on January 27, 1959. Rev. J. M. Raynor’s unexpected death on Sunday, July 19, 1959, was a shock to the congregation and the community.
On February 24, 1960, the Rev. Matthew R. Silver of Fayetteville, NC was elected pastor. On March 13, 1960, he accepted the call and was duly installed as pastor of Concord Baptist Church on September 18, 1960. Rev. Silver, his wife, Theophra, and children came to a Church that had 700 members and an annual income of a little more than $16,000.00. He built upon that which had been established. During Rev. Silver’s pastorate, the site at 905 W. Franklin Street was condemned so that the East-West Expressway could be built. In 1968, the Church accepted $115,000.00 for the property with the understanding that additional monies would be sought through court litigation. After searching throughout the city for a new edifice, the Church finally purchased the Liberty Jewish Center located at 5204 Liberty Heights Avenue for $130,000.00. Unfortunately, shortly after the purchase, a fire in the building caused severe damage, and extensive renovations ensued. Finally, on Sunday, October 12, 1969, the congregation entered the new edifice. The October 18, 1969, issue of the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper reported, “1,000 Attend Services in New Concord.” The suit against the city was won after a 2½ years battle when the Maryland Court of Appeals awarded Concord an additional $47,130.83 in 1970. The April 28, 1970, issue of the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper had as its headline, “First in City History, Displaced Church wins $150,000.00.”
During Rev. Silver’s 24 years as the pastor, the Church continued to progress in membership and programs. Rev. Silver introduced tithing every first Sunday. He emphasized religious education and instituted religious education programs for youths and adults. Vacation Bible School was established. The Church began to assist the White’s Memorial Circle in providing scholarships for the Church’s high school graduates. Financial contributions to the United Negro College Fund and to some colleges became a part of the Church’s budget. Properties on Marmon Avenue were purchased for the church’s use. Several communities were formed to meet the needs of the church and its congregation. Rev. Silver served as president of the United Baptist Missionary Convention. His wife, Mrs. Theophra Silver, became one of the Church’s musicians.
On Wednesday, December 10, 1986, Dr. Matthew Lincoln Jones, who pastored Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia was elected pastor of Concord Baptist Church. He entered the pulpit on Sunday, February 1, 1987, and was installed as pastor on Sunday, June 14, 1987. His wife, Maxine White Jones and their three daughters, Ramona, Monica and Monique joined him.
Since Dr. Jones’ call to pastor, the Church has expanded its commitment to serving God and humanity. There have been increased and expanded outreach ministries. Shortly after his arrival, he established the Concord Foundation and a proposal was written which enabled the Foundation to be awarded a $300,000.00 grant from the federal government to operate an after-school program for elementary school children. The Social Welfare Ministry encompasses numerous services for the Church and community. This ministry includes a Food Pantry, S.H.A.R.E., a Clothes Closet, Emergency Assistance, Representative Payee Ministry, Prison Ministry, Bereavement Ministry, and others. The church also sponsors a summer tutorial camp, and there is a sports and fitness ministry. The Security and Transportation Ministries offer a great service to the members and community.
Under Dr. Jones’ leadership, the Church purchased a camp and retreat site in Harford County and an additional property adjacent to the Church. The Deacon’s Ministry was designed to provide more intimate and personal assistance to church families. The Women’s Ministry and the Couples’ Ministry provide opportunities for Christian growth, development, and socialization.
Dr. Jones’ dedication to Christian education is exemplified by the enhanced and expanded number of Bible study classes held, from one per week to three per week in addition to those held by individual ministries. A large number of members have become certified as Christian educators through the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and through the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland’s Annual Church Wide Institute. Under the direction of Sis. Hattye Jackson, Concord also has its own Annual Church Wide Institute.
Today, Concord continues to grow under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Lincoln Jones. His dedication to God and to the church is evident in the accomplishments the Church has made under his leadership. The Concord fellowship is thankful that God has sent a man of vision, strong in faith, full of insight and a mover for Christ to continue to move the Church forward.