THE HISTORY OF ST. MARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
The Saint Mary
Missionary Baptist Church was organized July 30, 1899 by Reverend R. Lowe,
J.W. Wells, and John Kennedy along with Sisters Tena Ferguson, Betsy Williams
and Erna Ferguson. This group of dedicated and faithful workers had held prayer
services in their homes regularly, which inspired them to organize the church.
The first church was a "brush harbor" until a frame structure was
built. Years later the present building was constructed. The Reverend
Lowe was chosen as the first pastor. Reverend Lowe served as pastor for ten
years and nine months.
The Reverend M.G. Green was called January 1911 and served ten years and ten
months. In 1922 Reverend L.L. Nelson accepted the pastorate and served until his death
in August 1924. In December 1924, the church chose the Reverend W.M. Rush as their pastor.
Reverend Rush served for one year and six months and resigned in June 1926. In July 1926, Reverend D.V. Martin became pastor and remained for 24 years
until his resignation in May of 1950. The Reverend Clarence Byrd became pastor in September 1950 and served until his
death in November 1964, after serving 14 years and two months. Reverend Lessel
Leonard accepted the call as pastor in July 1965 and served until February
1967. He resigned after one year and six months of service.
In
April 1967, Reverend Richard Hardy Jr. became the 8th pastor of St.
Mary Baptist Church and remained pastor for 47 years, longer than any other pastor
serving the church. On March 9, 2014 Reverend Hardy retired as pastor, and served as our first Pastor Emeritus.
Reverend
Ray A. Snow, a son of St. Mary Baptist Church, was called as pastor in May 2014
and led the church following the retirement of Pastor Hardy, but later resigned in
April, 2015. In December, 2015, Reverend Melvin R. Bates was selected as the 10th pastor
of St. Mary Baptist Church.
God has truly brought us from a mighty long way, and we believe the best is yet
to come!
To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done!
