The History of the Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church

We Have Come This Far By Faith!

By Sister Vanessa Sloane, Sister Debra Danner and Sister Tonia Johnson |  November 9, 2007

Our Church began as a storefront church on Mohn Street in Steelton , Pennsylvania .  The Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church was organized July 10, 1927 by the Committee of Elders’ Council.  The body of the members was Brother B. Dickes, Brother Miner Williams, Brother Deckens, Brother Boins, Brother E. Williams, Brother L. Archia, Brother R. Sparks, Sister S. Williams, Sister R. Johnson, Sister M. Archia, and Brother Thomas Alston, Secretary.  The name Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church was accepted.  The calling of a Pastor was next.  It was moved by Brother T. Alston, and the motion was carried.  Rev. J. Turner was charged by the Committee of Council declared Pastor of the Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church on Mohn Street in Steelton , Pennsylvania .  The Committee of Elders was:  Rev. J.R. Bland, Rev. D. T. Taylor, and Rev. H. E. Corbin.

Rev. Turner was born February 10^th (year unknown), in Clark County , Virginia .  He was ordained in Middletown , Pennsylvania .  He pastured Mt. Lebanon for 30 years.  Elder Turner was a good gospel preacher, the spirit and growth of the degree to the character of spirit of the founder.  Elder Turner was married to Lucy M. Gover in the year, 1908 on June 4^th.  His foremost concern was always of her and others.  He served the Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church spiritually and financially for 30 years without accepting any contribution of any kind.  Elder Turner passed away December 18, 1961.  He was Pastor Emeritus at the time of his death, having been ill since 1957.  The loss to the Mt. Lebanon Church could never be over estimated, for he had impressed the community with his nobility, his wonderful patience and the sweetness of his character.

Under Rev. Joseph Turner’s pastoral leadership several ministers were licensed to preach:

On April 4, 1963, the Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church received a letter from the Redevelopment Authority stating that there was a possibility that the church might have to relocate.  Because Elder Turner gave both his time and labor freely to establish a church, it was decided to name the church in his memory.

On July 4, 1965, the Turner Memorial Primitive Baptist Church of Steelton, Pennsylvania came into existence as a corporation.

Turner Memorial was built under the administration of Elder Amos J. Clark who served us patiently and faithfully from 1957, until the time of retirement in 1970.

Rev. Elmer Danner was the first preacher to be licensed by Rev. Amos Clark when Turner Memorial Primitive Baptist Church came in existence.

The Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Baltimore came to Turner Memorial in February, 1971 as our supply pastor.  He stayed in that capacity until October 30, 1978.  Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Baltimore was installed by his father, Rev. J. P. Baltimore as our pastor.  Under his leadership, many achievements were made:  the mortgage was liquidated and a Day Care Center was established.  The lives of our church family and the community at large were greatly enriched by his wise counsel and guidance.  The Rev. Dr. T. J. Baltimore resigned August, 1978.  Rev. William Mills was licensed to preach and Brother Edward Williams was ordained on May 1, 1977 as a Deacon.  Rev. Dr. T. .J. Baltimore was the pastor of the People’s Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring, Maryland until his passing on June 16, 2003.

Rev. Franklin B. Schley, Sr. became our supply pastor in July 1978.  On Monday, October 2, 1978 there was a call church meeting for the election of a pastor for our church.  There was a unanimous vote of the members for Rev. F. B. Schley to become our pastor.  At this meeting, Deacon Arthur Humes, Chairman of the Trustee Board, presented the newly elected pastor with the keys of the church.

Pastor Schley and his wife were given the right hand of fellowship and he was installed in November, 1978.

Rev. Schley served Turner for 11 years.  He then became Pastor of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania .

Rev. Willie Lewis served as Pastor from 1989-1990.  Rev. Lewis is fondly remembered for his teaching lessons during Vacation Bible School .  Rev. Lewis went on to pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church , Columbia , Pennsylvania .

In March 1991, Rev. Melvin R. Baber, was elected as Pastor, and installed in June of 1991.  It was at this time when Turner Memorial Primitive Baptist Church became the Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church .

Under the leadership of Pastor Baber, the transportation ministry was started, and a 15 passenger van was purchased to accommodate those in need of transportation to church, and related church activities.   Pastor Baber also re-structured the Boards and Auxiliaries to minister more effectively within the church body.  Pastor Baber ordained five Deacons, and under his leadership Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church joined the Pennsylvania State Convention, and the Central Baptist Association.

Under the Pastoral leadership of the Rev. Melvin R. Baber, Rev. Dr. E. Gale Curlett (then Min. Curlett) was ordained and then installed as the first assistant pastor of the Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church .  Rev. Curlett served faithfully in that capacity for several years.

Rev. Curlett was instrumental in revising the New Members Ministry, implementing a directory of all the ministries and their responsibilities, visiting the sick and countless other duties that would assist the Pastor, and the Ministry of Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Also, under the leadership of Pastor Baber seven Ministers were added:  Derrick James, Tom Danner, Jr., Gary Johnson, Deborah Taylor, Oliver Johnson, Sr., Martha Lee and Martha Brown.

Rev. Baber is the first to become the full time Pastor in the history of the church with a salaried secretary.  He ordained nine Deacons. Also under Rev. Baber’s leadership Turner has established a before and after school academy with a full time summer program.  We also purchased a beautiful digital piano, upgraded our sound system, and started a book ministry, tape ministry, mime ministry.

Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Baber is now Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church in York , PA.

Rev. Martha Brown became interim pastor of Turner in October 2004.  Turner is in the process of moving to a higher level of service, as we walk toward developing and holding fast to our goal of truly being “A Church That Cares When It Counts.”  Rev. Martha Brown served in this capacity until July 2006.

In June 2006, Rev. Richard J. Hampton, was elected as Pastor, and installed in October  2006. 

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