Grace Baptist Church (Cumberland)

In honor of Mary M. Robb, Grace Baptist Church established this scholarship upon its closure. Miss Robb was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church and served as its Music Director for over 40 years. Beyond her musical contributions, she also taught Sunday School across various age groups, directed Sunday School and Bible School programs, and ministered as Training Union Director.

A lifelong educator and gifted pianist, Miss Robb dedicated 32 years to teaching as the musical director at several Allegany County public high schools. She further demonstrated her commitment to education by serving on the Allegany County Board of Education for eight years, including two years as its President.

Founded in 1933 with Miss Robb as one of its original members, Grace Baptist Church flourished during its first three decades, growing from 69 charter members to over 300. To accommodate its growing congregation, the church constructed a new building on Greene Street in 1951, which was expanded in 1971. Grace Baptist faithfully served the West Side of Cumberland, Maryland, until its closure in 2022.

Upon closing, the church’s congregation chose to use part of the proceeds from the sale of its property to endow this scholarship. Recipients will join a long tradition of collegiate students, ministerial students, and missionaries supported by Grace Baptist Church, ensuring its legacy of service and faith continues to inspire future generations.

“Through successes and failures, joys and sorrows, depression and inflation, during prosperity and plenty, in times of unemployment and want, in times of marriage, birth, death, our bond of fellowship has been strong and strengthened. We have learned to share our happiness and our woes, and through sharing we all have been strengthened in spirit, and in character, and our lives have been enriched. Truly our church has been worth her motto: “The Little Church With A Big Heart”.” – Pastor W. Randolph Keefe, History of Grace Baptist Church Cumberland, Maryland 1933-1953