History of Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church

Compiled for the Celebration of 83 Years of Ministry on October 27, 2002

In Palatka, Florida, April 2, 1919, Rev. S. Q. Mitchell, principal of Selden Institute, Brunswick, Georgia, reported that some twenty odd persons, in Brunswick desired to organize into a church.  A commission consisting of Rev. E. J. Gregg, Rev. S. T. Redd, Elder Cain and Rev. S. Q. Mitchell was appointed to organize the church, should the way be clear. (Notes taken from Georgia Presbytery records).

In 1926 a small group of people consisting of Mr. Adolphus Benton, Mr. M. D. Brown, Mr. G. M. Baldwin, Dr. M. A. Cassels and others held their first meeting as an organized church in the old Bowden Building on the corner of Albany and Gloucester streets with Rev. S. Q. Mitchell conducting the ongoing meeting.  In 1928, Rev. Mitchell and the small group of members began holding services in the upstairs chapel at Brunswick’s Selden Institute. In 1933, when Selden Institute united with Gillespie Institute in Cordele, Georgia, Rev. Mitchell also moved to Cordele. The church continued functioning with various pastors of the First Presbyterian Church assisting notable in leadership were the Rev. and Mrs. J. W. McQueen. They conducted Sunday School and church services each Sunday afternoon, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Mrs. McQueen organized a bible study group for women. The McQueens continued these services until they left the city.  The three women who formed Mrs. McQueen's bible study class purchased land on the corner of Albany and "I" streets, for the church.  In 1944, Mr. Robert T. Newbold, a student at Lincoln University was sent to Brunswick Second by the Board of National Missions to serve as pulpit supply. Upon completing his seminary training, Rev. Newbold was called and installed as the first pastor of Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church.

At this time worship services were still being held in the upstairs chapel of the Selden Building which was soon razed. To continue church services, a temporary structure was erected on the church lot at Albany and "I" streets.  Under the leadership of Rev. Newbold the major portion of the structure now designed as Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church was built by Mr. Frank Robinson, a Presbyterian ship worker from Sumpter, South Carolina.  Since its humble beginning, the membership, facilities and the service of the church have expanded and improved under the patient and caring leadership of countless ministers of the gospel including six called and installed by the church.  The called and installed pastors of Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church have been: Rev. Robert Newbold Rev. H. P. Davis Rev. Brodus Williams Rev. George W. Brink Rev. Harry Cooper Rev. Herman E. Pride

The church could not have survived had it not been for the loving support given by the following men of God:  Rev. S. Q. Mitchell, Rev. J. W. McQueen, Rev. Thomas L. Hornsberger, Rev. Saunders S. McKelvey, Rev. N. Lizama, Rev. M. C. Denegal, Rev. Paul Taylor, Rev. Herbert R. Pinkney, Rev. Barnett Eby, Rev. Otis Smith, Rev. Daniel Thomas, Rev. Thomas Sears, Rev. J. Richard Woodward, Rev. Donnie Woods, Rev. Stanley Evans, Rev. W. N. McLean, Rev. Alex Davis, Rev. Warren C. Jones and Rev. Earl Everson.

Currently, there are sixty members at Brunswick Second. The organizations include: Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Men, Usher Board, Sunday School, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Church Education Department, and Outreach Ministries. The new Outreach Program has been boosted by a one-year grant from the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. The grant allows for exploratory possibilities and outreach beyond the walls of the physical church to the community in which we find ourselves.

Dedicated leaders of the Presbyterian Women and Men's organizations have been responsible for initiating support and the expansion of the church building, the purchase of property, beautification of the sanctuary, renovations of the annex and development of the Prayer Garden. Throughout its history Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church has been accepted as a valuable member of the local Christian Community. It is our prayer that God will grant this church the grace and strength needed to fulfill the ministry to which it has been called.