Church History
Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church has a long and lucrative history. We were organized sometime in the late 1800’s in the woods off the Tenaha Highway by Bro. Wallace who was the association moderator at the time. Bro. Henry Hollands, Bro Edmond Pilot, and Bro. George Whitten were ordained as deacons.
The aforementioned persons called the church together and called Bro. Holmes as Pastor. Bro. Holmes and deacons called the church together a second time. They bought some land from Mr. Willie Walton and build a church on that location on Tenaha Highway in 1909.
The deacons and members of the church called a meeting to find and purchase land at a more convenient location. They then purchased the tract of land where this church now sits.
Bro. Holmes served as Pastor for some time. The church then called Bro. Roberts and he served 2 ½ years. Bro. Dick Richards was called and served for 2 years. Bro. R.T. Harris, who was the moderator for East Texas Mt. Zion Association, served as Pastor for a length of time. The church called Bro. Bradford who was followed by Bro. A.F. Black in 1932. He served as Pastor for 11 years. Rev. Black was followed by Rev. Robs, who served for 4 years. Bro. Riggans became Pastor and served for 2 years. Rev. F.B. Brown became Pastor and served for 7 years. Rev. S.G. Lilly became Pastor and served for 23 years. He was followed by Rev. Culverson who served for 2 ½ years. He was followed by Bro. Fred Smith, who served 2 ½ years. Bro. A.J. Jones became Pastor and served 2 ½ years.
On August 8, 1975, the church called Bro. Oran Johnson as Pastor. During his tenure the edifice in which we now worship was built. Rev. Johnson served as Pastor for 17 years until he went home to be with the Lord. During this time many accepted Christ and became members of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Thanks to God, his leadership, and the support of members: Mother Levincie Lister, Bro. Wendell Johnson, Bro. Johnny Lee, Bro. Bud McAdams, Bro. Alvord Singleton, Bro. Edgar Garrett, Sis. Beatrice Toombs, Bro. John Standley, Sis. Baby Lou Gardner, Sis. Betty Simon, Sis Eva Preston, and Bro. Joe and Sister Gretchen McNealy (just to name a few), this church was built and paid for during his tenure as Pastor.
In 1993, the Deacons and Church called Bro. F.D. Wilson as Pastor. Pastor Wilson has served as pastor, teacher, and evangelist. During his tenure, many have come to Christ.
He has set up ministries to advance the church. We have added a library and classrooms.
We have also purchased vans to transport members to and from church functions. In 2014, we purchased a new roof.
We acknowledge that we have come a long way thanks to God and his continued guidance.