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MSBC Media PlayerMedia Center
MSBCOC | In Remembrance
Reverend Robert T. Winn
1865 - 1923
Robert Thomas
Winn, son of Robert Thomas and Emily Winn, was born in York County, Virginia in
1865. He received an elementary education in York County and subsequently moved
to Baltimore, Maryland. As a youth, Robert joined Leadenhall Baptist Church
where he was involved in various endeavors.
After accepting the call to proclaim the Gospel, Reverend Winn set out to establish a church. Beginning in 1890, a small group of individuals regularly met in his home (at 909 Pierce Street) to listen to Reverend Winn set forth and explain the Gospel as the Lord gave him utterance.
At Reverend Winn's 1894 ordination service, twenty-seven of his followers were given letters and blessings from Leadenhall Baptist Church endorsing the transfer of their membership from Leadenhall to Morning Star Baptist Church. Thus, Morning Star became a full-fledged church rather than the mission established in Reverend Winn's home in 1890.
On December 20, 1915 Reverend Winn married Mary Frances Carter. Their daughter, Luvenia Winn, was born December 7, 1916 and died June 3, 1920.
Reverend Winn's Christian conduct, faith in God, kind words and beautiful personality influenced the lives of many. He was a true friend to humanity and looked for and expected the good in mankind whether saint or sinner, black or white, sober or inebriate; declaring that man is of God's creation. Reverend Winn's pastorate at Morning Star is marked with thirty-three years of successful work. Under his leadership the Prayer Meeting, Sunday School, choir and several clubs were formed. In 1913 the church moved to a newly erected building, in the 900 block of Saratoga Street, but soon outgrew this building. At the morning and evening services, all seats were occupied shortly after the beginning of service and people were standing in the aisles. Loving fellowship existed among the members and a lot of inspirational and constructive work was done in the church. The influence of Christian character was also felt in the community as the hungry were fed, the weak were comforted, the helpless found strength and those in despair were encouraged.
On September 23, 1923, after a short illness, Reverend Winn went peacefully to his eternal reward. His death was mourned by the community, city and public in general. Countless people from all walks of life had been sheltered, comforted and helped by this wonderful man who wanted nothing for himself but delighted in giving to others.
This month we take time to remember Reverend Robert Thomas Winn, the founder of Morning Star Baptist Church, and the mission as established by him over 118 years ago.
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