The history of Seventh-day Adventists meeting in Sykesville, Maryland

In 1973 a group of Seventh-day Adventists began Sabbath services in the small, historic church owned by Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church on Liberty Road. By 1975 they had moved to the Springfield Presbyterian Church on Spout Hill Road in Sykesville. Throughout the years their membership grew, they purchased a piece of property on which to build in the future, and began saving funds toward that building. But in 1990 the Chesapeake Conference decided to transfer the congregation to the Reisterstown Church.

The late 1980's and 1990's saw a rapid growth of families move into southern Carroll County, particularly the 21784 zip code area which includes Eldersburg as well as Sykesville. In 1990 three Seventh-day Adventist families moved into the area, happy to hear of a church nearby, and then disappointed by the change. Over the years, as the community grew, friends and relatives joined them, including a retired pastor and his wife, Herb and Florence Silver. These families dreamed of a local church to once again serve the community and in 2002 they began meeting together to plan community outreach programs. Under the name of "Better Living for South Carroll" monthly health lectures and demonstrations were held in the mall community room in 2002 and 2003. Soon weekly Sabbath afternoon vespers were held in the senior community center, from October 2003 to July 2004. After approaching several churches in Eldersburg for a space to rent for Sabbath services, they returned to the Springfield Presbyterian Church which welcomed them with open arms. On August 7, 2004 Sabbath School and divine worship services were resumed in southern Carroll County. Sponsored by the Westminster SDA Church and their pastor, Steve Wall, the current members come from a variety of churches in the Washington/Baltimore area: Pikesville, Sligo, Spencerville, Frederick, Reisterstown and Westminster.

The Open House/Reunion on October 30, 2004 was well attended by over 60 individuals. Pastor Steve Wall gave a rousing sermon entitled: "You Can Go Home Again!". The church choir sang a special anthem for the occasion and other music was provided by Carol Gore, clarinet, and Jan Wall, soprano. Lorraine Fitzwater gave a historical account of the first Sykesville Seventh-day Adventist Church, which formed in 1973 and met for 13 years in the Springfield Presbyterian Church before closing in 1990. This special service was planned largely to invite back those members of the first Sykesville church, as well as to announce our presence to the community and area Seventh-day Adventists.

On Sabbath, March 19, 2005, our church family was officially recognized and formed as a company of believers by the Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. 23 individuals signed the charter, including two who were baptized that afternoon. It was a exciting day for all!