InTouch with Southern Kentucky February 2020 | Page 6

HISTORIC CHURCH
Doing extraordinary things
Acknowledging the 150-year existence of Somerset’s South Maple Street First Baptist Church
BY TIM MINTON
A
lmost all churches here
in Lake Cumberland are
proud of their beginnings
and eventual growth. This
is especially true for the
congregation of South Maple Street
Baptist Church (South Maple Baptist)
in downtown Somerset.
In February, communities throughout
the nation celebrate and acknowledge
National African American History
Month (also known as Black History
Month). It allows the opportunity to
remember the important contributions
and achievements of African Ameri-
cans throughout history.
Without exception, the predominant-
ly African American congregation at
South Maple Baptist is both joyous
and grateful their church continues
in existence for over 150 years. Their
charter dates to 1867; however, its
legacy goes back even further.
“Our congregation takes pride in our
church,” states Yusef Franklin. “What
this church has been able to accom-
plish really is an amazing milestone.”
Revered Franklin remains the pastor
of South Maple Baptist for nearly four
years now. Additionally, he is a domes-
tic and youth violence counselor.
On top of that, Franklin’s wife, An-
nissa, is the minister of music at the
church. During South Maple Baptist’s
longtime history, it includes a total of
20 pastors.
South Maple Baptist can trace its
extraordinary beginnings to 1799
at Somerset’s former Sinking Creek
Church. Originally built from logs, it
was replaced later by a brick struc-
ture—becoming commonly known as
the “Red Brick Church.” Slaves built
the structure from red clay.
Sinking Creek Church had a gallery
CALEB LOWNDES I CJ
for African American members to
South
Maple
Street
First
Baptist
Church
Pastor
Yusef
Franklin
is also a
worship.
domestic and youth violence counselor.
6 • I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky 
F ebruary 2020