About - Taylor Memorial Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Ricky Watkins,

Pastor

and

First Lady Anitra Watkins

Rev. Dr. Ricky Watkins' Biography

Rev. Ricky Watkins is a native of New York City, New York. He is the son of the late John and Carrie Watkins. He is married to the former Anitra Denise Wallace of Americus, Georgia. They are the proud parents of LaShon, Ricky, Mark, Roshanda, Jazmin, and Chan.

Rev. Watkins is currently an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Claflin University.

He is retired from AT&T, NCR, and the New York Army National Guard.

He is a graduate of United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio where he received a Doctorate, his focus was Prophetic Preaching and Praxis. He is a graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta where he received a Master of Divinity. He is a graduate of Claflin University where he received a Master of Business Administration. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Morris College and an Associate of Arts and Science (AAS) in Business from the Regents College in New York.

Affiliations:

Past Treasurer for the Gethsemane Baptist Association of South Carolina
Past President Claflin University Graduate Business Association (MBA)(2007)
Past President Delta Mu Delta Honor Society (Claflin University Chapter- 2007)
Member International Society of Theta Phi

One of Rev. Watkins favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 31:3:”The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

You will find that the strength of the ministry that God has given Rev. Watkins lies in the community. Rev. Watkins is quoted as saying “…believing that as a beacon of light in the community, the Church must understand that the issues of the community must be dealt with by the Church. This can only be done by teaching God’s word; so that all of the children of God can learn to move in the will of God as well as in the power of God.”

Founder - Taylor Memorial Baptist Church

Founder

Reverend Henry E. Taylor

Reverend Henry E. Taylor was born on June 2, 1874 and resided in Ward 4, Richland County, Columbia, South Carolina. He passed away on April 6, 1950. Reverend Taylor was renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship as a carpentry contractor, constructing homes that endured the test of time. Despite facing significant challenges during the Great Depression, he remained a steadfast pillar of support for his family and the Waverly Community. Reverend Taylor married Charlotte M. Taylor, and their love transcended their considerable age difference. Although much of his life remains a mystery, his devotion to his family and craft continues to inspire those who remember him. Reverend Taylor and his wife Charlotte identified a need in the community for faith and fellowship, leading them to establish the Taylor Memorial Baptist Church at 1004 Short Street in 1948. Following Reverend Taylor’s passing, Charlotte continued his legacy by teaching Sunday School and spreading the teachings of Christ until her health began to decline.

Taylor Memorial Baptist Church - 1948

History

Taylor Memorial Baptist Church was erected in 1948 at 1004 Short Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The church’s founders and builders were the late Reverend Henry E. Taylor, who was assisted by his wife, the late Charlotte M. Taylor. Reverend Henry E. Taylor served as pastor until his passing in 1950. It is reported that Reverend Taylor was a preacher known for proclaiming, “thus said the Lord.” Following his death, Reverend C. J. Jackson of State Park, South Carolina was elected as the church’s second pastor. He served in this capacity until 1973, at which point he retired due to illness and declining health. During Reverend C.J. Jackson’s pastorate, Reverend L. M. Mickens, Reverend Minefield, Reverend Whaley, and Reverend Leon R. Dickerson served as Assistant Pastors. For a period, the church was without a regular pastor; however, the Assistant Pastors continued to serve during the interim. Reverend Robert H. Boyd was elected as the church’s third pastor in 1974 and served as a part-time musician. Reverend Bobby E. Lewie, a native of Batesburg, South and son of New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina became the fourth pastor in 1976 and served in this capacity until 1992. On July 10, 1988, Charles Darnell Mills delivered his initial sermon at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church and was granted a license to preach. He served as an Assistant to Reverend Bobby E. Lewie. On January 20, 1991, Reverend Mills was ordained to preach by the Prince of Peace Association. Reverend Wyman H. Barton, a native of Cayce, South Carolina, served as the church’s fifth pastor, assisted by Minister Robert DeWitt, from 1993 until 1997. Reverend A.C. Washington, Sr., a native of Alabama, became the church’s sixth pastor and served from 1998 until 1999. Reverend David Youngs, a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, became the church’s seventh pastor, assisted by his wife, Evangelist Lillian B. Youngs, who served as the Youth Minister from 1999 until 2001. Reverend Calvin A. O’Neal, a native of Columbia, South Carolina became the church’s eighth pastor, serving from 2003 until 2007. Reverend Dr. Ricky Watkins, a native of New York, New York, and former Associate Minister of Central Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina, became the church’s ninth pastor in March 2009 and continues to serve in this capacity. He is assisted by Associate Ministers Don E. Sims (deceased) and Rodney Strother.

Our Beliefs

I. The Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. II. The True God. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. III. The Fall of Man. We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. IV. The Way of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. V. Justification. We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. VI. The Freeness of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. VII. Regeneration. We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. VIII. Repentance and Faith. We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. IX. God’s Purpose of Grace. We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. X. Sanctification. We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. XI. Perseverance of the Saints. We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. XII. The Law and Gospel. We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. XIII. A Gospel Church. We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. XIV. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. XV. The Christian Sabbath. We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. XVI. Civil Government. We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. XVII. Righteous and Wicked. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. XVIII. The World to Come. We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.