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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSt. Matthew Baptist HistorySt. Matthew Baptist Church History October 27, 1996 The - Saint Matthew Baptist Church rose to its humble beginning in the year of our Lord 1921, over seventy -five years ago, and now towers as a high oak tree in 1996. The organizer, Reverend S. Henderson had a vision that translated into action which resulted in the organization of the SMBC in August 1921 at the home of Sister Lizzie Wallace a total of eight members graced the first church roll. Realizing that no organization is complete without workers, Rev. Henderson who was only there organizer and supply Pastor, who served until the first pastor was called. The First Deacons were: 1. Wash Williams 2. Matthew Davis 3. Lee Burnham The First Officers were: 1. Church Clerk Azalee Thomas 2. Mission President Fannie Davis 3. Sunday School Supt Matthew Davis 4. Sunday School Secy Lizzie Wallace 5. Church Treasurer Bell Williams 6. Sunday School Treasurer. Alberta Burnham These loyal members held the Fort until re- enforcement's came. There was a sizable number of members on the church roll when the first pastor was called, namely Rev. P. E. Castle. Rev. Castle pastored for two years. Succeeded him was Rev. T. H. Henderson of Dallas, Tx. and after him came the Rev. W. M. Fennell of Hearne, under his leadership the membership greatly increased in number and spiritually. The fourth pastor was Rev. S. M. Murphy of Hearne, Tx. who had the honor of pastoring longer than any of his predecessors. Death drew the curtain of his illustrious ministry in 1960. Succeeding Rev. Murphy was Rev. M. L. Williams, who pastored the flock for `sixteen years. Succeeding Rev. Williams was Rev. M. E. Wells, who pastored four years. After Rev. M. E. Welts, the Lord blessed us with our Pastor Rev. M. O. Cooper who has been our Pastor for the past fifteen years. Under his leadership the congregation has grown in membership and many student have joined under Watchcare while attending Texas A & M. Also, under Rev. Cooper's leadership over fifteen preachers have been called to the ministry and over ten deacons have been ordained. In 1992, under Rev. Coopers leadership, the first Childrens Church was organized. Services are held each Sunday in the fellowship hall from 11:AM to 12:PM During Rev. Cooper's leadership we have also paid off our caferteria. Also, in October 1996, Rev. Cooper has been named as First Vice Moderator of th Central District Association, where he was serving as second Vice Moderator . Since the year 1921 GOD has blessed our union Spiritually and through Faith and His Grace we have prospered. We know in Him all things are possible, which is why one of our favorite verses comes the Proverbs ._ ___ - - which states " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lien not unto your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Pastor Chairman of Deacon Deacons Treasurer Secy Sunday School Supt. Youth Director Youth Minister Sr. Choir Pres. Sanctuary Choir Pres. Inspirational Choir Pres. Usher Board Pres. Food Comm. Chairman Pastors Aide Pres. Senior Mission Pres. Decorationing Chairman Sunshine Comm Chairman Announcing Clerk On this day October 27, 1996 the officers are as follows: Rev. M. O. Cooper Dec. Larry Johnson Dec. Clarence Britton, Jr. Dec. Arister Brooks /4 Dec. Fred Watson Dec. Willard Taylor Sister Billie Smedley Sister Saundra Watson Deacon Arister Brooks Sister Charlene Britton Rev. Kelvin Cooper Sister Clara Moore Sister Sharanda Williams Sister Jazzlyn Taylor Sister Willie Brooks Sister Nora Lee Peterson Sister Sharanda Williams Sister Esterlean Leaks Sister Lurl Watson Sister Irene Gibbs Sister Melba Madison WE THE MEMBERS OF SAINT MATTHEW BAPTIST CHURCH THANK GOD FOR ALL HIS MANY, MANY BLESSINGS.