Guarded by two eight-inch cannons it is the most heavily fortified church in the area. Welcome to Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church. This unique church is located within the bounds of Fort Moultrie. Fort Moultrie actively served in every US military conflict from 1776 through World War II.
Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church has a rich history. A group of baptized believers organized as a mission in June 1948. Rutledge Avenue Baptist Church sponsored them. Rev. W.E. Abrams became the interim pastor. Rutledge Avenue rented the chapel in July 1948. They agreed to share it with the island’s Jewish residents.
Rutledge Avenue Baptist Church bought the chapel in October 1949. They purchased it from the War Assets Administration for $4,500. The mission members paid $1,000 of that amount. The mission formally asked Rutledge Avenue Baptist Church for permission to organize. They wanted to become a Southern Baptist Church. The application was unanimously approved in January 1950. Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church was constituted with seventy-five charter members. Rev. A.W. Coppedge was called as the first pastor.
Over the years, Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church has faced challenges. It endured Hurricane Hugo. It has seen the island grow. It has also witnessed many changes in the island culture.
Today, Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church is a vibrant church. It is nestled in the heart of the beach community. Every soul is welcomed here. Every voice is heard. In worship, they experience joy, hope, and unity. Prayers and songs are lifted to the Lord. Friendships blossom within these walls. Bonds deepen as they share their faith journey together. The Spirit of God breathes life into their gatherings. It ignites a passion for His truth and love.
Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church treasures the Gospel. They glorify God. They enjoy Jesus. They strive to transform lives and relationships. The church believes in the ancient Christianity established by Jesus and the Apostles. It desires to live the Christian faith as described in the Bible.
Here at Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church you’ll hear them say, “No perfect people allowed.” They recognize that only Jesus Christ is perfect. They want to see transformation in their lives. They know it will not happen in their own strength. They treasure the Gospel. Jesus lived the perfect life. He died the death we deserved. He rose victoriously from the grave.
The members of Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church want to grow and enjoy God. God is not the enemy of pleasure. He is the grand fulfillment of it. If you are imperfect and want to grow, you’ll feel at home here.
As you leave Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church remember their mission. They are a community of imperfect people. They passionately pursue transformed lives. They seek transformed relationships. They do this through treasuring the Gospel. They glorify God. They enjoy Jesus.