This church was founded on May 18th of 1847 by Reverend White and four other members who were tired of travelling to Manhattan for their place of worship. Reverend White was a well-known abolitionist, and the church and members' homes were often used as sanctuaries for runaway slaves. Since then, the Concord Baptist Church of Christ has dedicated time and thought to the African-American community and the current issues it faces. They provide the community with Sunday worship, Bible study, youth programs and music programs, as well as activism and service within the community.
"Helping people find and follow Jesus Christ" is SeaCoast's motto. It sits on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Emerald Street a few blocks from the ocean. At this location since 1930, this house of Christian evangelism offers study groups, missionary programs and youth programs in addition to regular Sunday services.
Since its first service at a local school in 1980, Ocean County Baptist Church has grown to a large congregation housed in a complex that includes Ocean County Christian Academy and a gym. It operates ministries for children, teens, youth and adults, with special groups for singles, women and new believers. There are annual men's, women's and couples' retreats, kids' and teens' summer camp, ski retreats and rafting trips. Teens can also attend mission trips or work at Vacation Bible School. The church website features the pastor's sermons and special notes to the congregation. Ocean County Baptist conducts a great deal of mission work nationally and internationally, including efforts for the deaf, Native Americans and the military. Accommodations for the deaf include interpreters at services, special Sunday school classes and sign-language classes.
Although Columbia Baptist Fellowship (CBF) is not as large as some of the churches in Columbia, its service to others is not lacking. Fellowship is emphasized because "Columbia Baptist Fellowship is about people in Christ and Christ in people." Therefore do not expect a traditional church setting because CBF is "more controlled by the Spirit than structure." But do expect a warm environment, acceptance, love, and many opportunitites to serve God by serving others.
