In 1903, the members of St. Paul Missionary Baptist were blessed by Mrs. W. S. Roberts, who donated ½ of an acre of the northeast corner of her land to the church. The first sanctuary was built and organized on this lot in 1906 under the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Anderson.

​

 

SHEPHERDS IN SERVICE

​

Pastors who have served the St. Paul congregation include Rev. J.W. Anderson, serving for the first four years until 1910. He was followed by Rev. J.W. Cole, serving for the next two years. Rev. D.A. Miles was called to serve as shepherd of the St. Paul family for 32 years, from 1913 until 1946. The St. Paul family was under the leadership of Rev. L.A. Tillman for two terms, 1945 until 1950, and again from 1959 until 1963, for a total of nine years. From 1950 until 1959, leadership was provided by Rev. E.H. Walker. Following Rev. L.A. Tillman’s second term, Rev. Amos Odomwas called to serve for 5 years, from 1963 to 1968. Rev. S.M. Daniels served as pastor from 1968 to 1976, until his health prevented a longer commitment. Rev. Gerald Criswell was called to serve from 1976 through 1997. Rev. Marvin Buchannon served the congregation into the new century for nine years, from 1998 to 2009. Rev. Jerome Able was called in 2011 and served until 2024.

​

 

DEACONS IN SERVICE

St. Paul has had faithful Deacons working with the various pastors to provide service and spiritual support to the pastors and members.

Serving as St. Paul Deacons were:

• Firsts - W.L. Warren, J.C. Canty, March Steven, and E.D. Hicks (serving with Rev. C.H. Anderson)

• Embry McCray Sr. (service with Rev. L.A. Tillman, Rev. Amos Odom, Rev. Samuel Daniels, and Rev. Gerald Criswell)

• Nathan Daniels, Chester H. Allen, Frank Bryant, Walter Williams, Embry McCray Jr., Joel Allen, and Joel DeCoursey Jr. (serving with Rev. L.A. Tillman and Rev. Gerald Criswell)

• Larry O’Neal Michael Bryant (serving with Rev. Marvin Buchannon)

• Frank Bryant, Joel Allen, Larry O’Neal, Jerry DeBose (serving with Rev. Jerome Able)

• Current Deacons - Joel Allen, Joel DeCoursey, Jr., & Jerry Debose

​

GROWTH AND SERVICE OF MEMBERSHIP

 

“Well Done, Thy Good And Faithful Servant”

 

The faithful members of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church have worked through the years to serve the Lord and remain committed to being good stewards. In the first year of operation, the members paid 5, 15, and 25 cents in dues. That assessment grew to 50 cents during the leadership of Rev. D.A. Miles. The growth was positive, and membership grew to 157 persons.

 

Blessings were provided to add an annex to the back of the building when Rev. L.A. Tillman was recalled from 1959 to 1963. The steadfast efforts of the membership resulted in the building being completed during the leadership of Rev. Amos Odom.

 

The membership continued to be good stewards of the Lord’s house and purchased all new furniture between 1968 and 1976. There was a membership of 100 at this time. Progress did not stop, and a Fellowship Hall, P.A. System, new lights, and many other needed improvements were installed by the 118 members serving under the leadership of Rev. Gerald Criswell.

 

Services to god’s people continued under the pastorate of Rev. Marvin Buchannon, and the St. Paul family hosted many concerts and continued to provide physical improvements to the property by replacing the Fellowship Hall roof and installing Chandeliers in the sanctuary. Worship and service to the Lord remain primary to the St. Paul membership.

 

Under the pastorate of Rev. Jerome Able, some members have renewed their commitment to the Lord, a new marquee has been added to the front lawn, and breezeway #1 was enclosed. To date, breezeway #2 has been completed and protects from the elements, making travel between the sanctuary and fellowship hall comfortable. The dining room has been revived with fresh paint and window dressings. St. Paul continues to be blessed and will continue to be a blessing.