Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend Honored for Lifelong Dedication to Community and Faith

Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend served his Camden, New Jersey, church and community for over 40 years. Even though he worked hard at the Burlington County Community Action Program and was the pastor at St. John Baptist Church, Townsend helped many people who needed support, advise, or hope.

Townsend was born and raised in D.C. Music education was his major at Millikin University in Illinois. While there, he studied religion and decided to become a priest. He rapidly became Burlington County Community Action Program director after earning a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He focused on helping low-income families with housing, daycare, and senior care. This laid the stage for his comprehensive service.

St. John Baptist congregation was a little 100-person congregation when Townsend became pastor. Many watched services on a basement TV. Despite their financial situation, Townsend believed the community had great promise. The kind, close-knit society reminded him of his boyhood. He wanted a place where individuals might seek spiritual help and connect.

Townsend led many community-focused programs over the years. The Community Action Program taught him how to organize, so he started a daycare, after-school activities for youths, and a food bank. His leadership promoted a holistic goal that combined spiritual guidance with communal service.

Townsend cared beyond work. Despite working long hours at the CAP, he preached to his church on weekends, nights, and vacations. He gave both jobs his entire attention. He earned his Doctor of Ministry in 1998, demonstrating his dedication to helping others.

Townsend’s family and friends recall his work-life balance. Despite his busy schedule, Townsend never missed key family events, according to his daughter Lauren Jean. This made job, church, and family harmonious. He worked for the CAP until 2015, although he currently works at St. John Baptist Church. Leaders and youth of today and tomorrow will always be influenced by him.

Many of Townsend’s clients think his guidance and effort were the most impactful. Longtime churchgoers believe Townsend helped them realize their calling. Like Townsend, he is a headmaster and preacher. Isaiah Yeldell and other teens said Townsend helped them establish friends and grow. Being alone at COVID-19 made this crucial.

In honor of Townsend, Camden named the road outside St. John Baptist Church on September 21. This was held to recognize his life of service beyond the stage. Townsend says the prize shows his community-building efforts. Love, charity, and religion may change lives and inspire future generations.

Sources
NJ Advance Media – Coverage of Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend
St. John Baptist Church community records
Burlington County Community Action Program archives