InTouch with Southern Kentucky February 2020 | Page 9

Gaines and her husband, Robert
(a former Marine), are longtime
members for over 50 years at South
Maple Baptist. They will be married
for 72 years in May, after meeting
one another at Somerset’s former
Dunbar High School.
“It was an emotional time for our
members then,” adds George Marti-
nez. “Hearts were hurting, and tears
were shed.”
“However, it only increased our
faith,” he continues. “We realized all
things are possible with God.”
Despite multiple repairs and
restorations, South Maple Baptist
continues being a place of worship
for the African American communi-
ty in Pulaski. However, the church’s
membership is experiencing more
diversity.
F ebruary 2020
Naturally, South Maple Baptist is
proud of its heritage. This includes
both long-standing and contempo-
rary members.
“I think it’s an amazing history,”
says Cynthia “Cindy” Ikerd. “The
church’s sacrificing members start-
ed in a cowshed.”
“Many more faithful and dedicated
members kept this all possible for
us to have for over 150 years,” she
continues. “Hopefully, our present
members will leave a legacy behind
for their children who are attend-
ing.”
Pastor Franklin is appreciative of
carrying on both the history and
present worship at South Maple
Baptist. He attributes longevity to
God.
“We know it wasn’t just us,” he
says. “It was God sustaining it for us
to do extraordinary things.”
“It’s phenomenal to see what God
can do,” Franklin continues. “We are
blessed that God has continued to
keep this historic church going for
so long in this community.”
Indeed, South Maple Baptist does
have a remarkable history. Rever-
end Franklin (and mentioned mem-
bers) invites all to come worship
with them.
“We truly love our church, pastor,
and all our members,” Gaines says.
“We are all one big, happy family.”
“We have a desire for fellowship
and reaching out to the communi-
ty,” adds Franklin. “I have enjoyed
seeing our church grow in their love
of God.”
I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky • 9