“If God be for us, then who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Reverend Dr. Lewis N. Watson, a man of God and the humble Pastor of First Baptist Church of Salisbury, Maryland, has held this belief from the time he began preaching through this present day.

He was born in Selbyville, Delaware to Lottie Watson-Harmon and the late Lewis N. Harmon. His family relocated to Salisbury, Maryland when he was very young. After graduating from Parkside High School, Reverend Watson matriculated at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Princess Anne, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. Reverend Watson earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville, Maryland. Prior to graduating from UMES, Reverend J. Chappelle Mills, the Pastor of First Baptist at that time, ordained Reverend Watson in April 1982. Shortly thereafter, he became Co-Pastor of First Baptist Church. Once Reverend Mills passed away in October 1988, Reverend Watson was called to carry on the mission of First Baptist Church as Pastor on December 5, 1988.

Not only is Reverend Watson a dedicated and committed Pastor, he is also the husband of Lady Deaconess Talana D. Everett Watson, father of one son, Reverend Kenneth (Kanika), and two daughters, Amaris (Reverend Brandon) and Christina (Stephen), and grandfather of one grandson, Kaden, and four granddaughters, Alana, Grace, Lailah, and Karis.

Being an ambitious young man who had experience in the funeral industry, Reverend Watson fulfilled a dream and along with his wife established Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, P.A. in July 1986. With his marketing ability and vision, the business has grown over the years. Reverend and Lady Deaconess Watson are also the owners of Green Acres Memorial Park, Inc.

Not only has Reverend Watson grown professionally, but he has grown theologically in that he has attended St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, Maryland and Capital Bible Seminary, Lanham, Maryland, and earned a Master of Ministry Degree (M.Min.) from the Chesapeake Bible Seminary, Greensboro, Maryland, a Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div.) from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree (D.D.) from Virginia University, Lynchburg, Virginia, and an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min.) from The Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

Many projects and ministries have been implemented under Reverend Watson’s pastorate. In November 1994, a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of 700 was completed. He has led First Baptist Church to purchase several properties for the purpose of future economic development. In July 2002, Reverend Watson led First Baptist Church into the mortgage burning of the new sanctuary, a $900,000 project. On July 29, 2005, he led First Baptist Church in the erection and addition of a $2.5 million, 18,000 square foot Family Life & Cultural Center.

Other memberships include: National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors, under the leadership of Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Outstanding Young Men of America, Life Member of National Registry Who’s Who 1997, Maryland Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (where he served as past Chaplain), National Funeral Directors Association, The Watchmen with One Voice Ministerial Alliance (where he serves as President), and The Progressive Baptist Association of the Eastern Shore, Inc. (where he serves as Second Vice-Moderator). Reverend Watson is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Gamma Theta Boulé), where he serves as Sire Archon-Elect, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge Lamech #30.