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| Biography Reverend Sammie D. Simmons, a chosen vessel of God, is canceling "church as usual" in Sumter, SC. Serving as the pastor of St. Mark 4(B) Missionary Baptist Church since 1994, he has devoted his time to bringing the Kingdom full circle in the house of worship. His proven efforts include a continuously growing membership, moving from 65 members to well over 400. A growing membership initiated the construction of a new building for worship. Through vision and prayer, Reverend Simmons took God's unchanging hand, and dedicated a new sanctuary estimating a half of a million dollars in January 2000! His efforts haven't gone unnoticed, as he has incorporated ministries to satisfy God's call for Kingdom building. These ministries include but are not limited to: Women's Ministry, Kingdom Knights (Brotherhood), New Members Class, Tree of Life (Tutorial Ministry), Youth Development, Career Advancement Ministry, Junior Missionaries, Food and Clothing Ministry, Prison Ministry, Singles Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Evangelistic Ministry, an Administrative Division, a Stewardship Division, Transportation Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Audio Visual, Public Relations Ministry, Publication Ministry, Praise & Worship Team, Praise Dance Ministry, Drama club, SMB Minstrels, and various Leadership Workshops and Conferences. Reverend Simmons, a native of Sumter, S.C. is a 1979 graduate of Sumter High School. He continued his education at Morris College School of Religion. Reverend Simmons is a living example that "Many are called but few are Chosen." This is exemplified through his tireless efforts of commitment to two of the most active and progressive congregations throughout the Sumter and Lynchburg Counties. He serves as senior pastor of the St. Mark Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church as well as the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Lynchburg, S.C. He currently presides as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Wateree Baptist Lower Division Association of Sumter, South Carolina. Pastor Simmons is also a member of The Father's House ministry, where he receives spiritual guidance and counseling as a son of Bishop Eddie L. Long. Interestingly enough, he has changed the lives of many! His teachings bring forth biblical principles that allow us to take the unwavering concepts of ancient biblical text and apply them to our modern life. A few of his most popular, soul-claiming, and rededication sermons include the following series: "The Best is Yet To Come", "The Time is Now", "Arise and Show Yourself", and "Have You Been Disobedient To The Vision?" These sermon series are available through our Audio Visual Ministry. This vibrant man of God is no stranger to his community. He currently works with the Sumter County Boys and Girls Club and the Sumter County Parks and Recreational Department. The National Council of Negro Women recently invited Pastor Simmons to conduct the opening and closing prayer at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Mary McLeod Bethune Park in Mayesville, South Carolina. Reverend Simmons also serves as Chaplin to one of South Carolina's finest educational institutions, Sumter High School. Reverend Simmons, a humble servant of God, shares his accomplishments and success with a beautiful family, his wife, Shirby J. China Simmons and his four children. He accepts his calling as no mistake and thanks his parents, Loris Simmons and the Late William P. Simmons, for their great vision, which helped to prepare him for the calling that God had ordained for his life! His motto: God First, Family Second, and Business Third! Keep your life in that order and God will Bless you… like you would not believe! |