OUR HISTORY

 

On April 10, 1957, we bought a two room framed house and two lots from John & Sarah Booker on Peach Tree St. for the sum of $1,600 and organized a church under the leadership of Reverend C.L. Jones. Trustees were deacons Harold Jackson, John Booker, Wilbert Bogans, and Jack Bradley. Rev. Jones served for about six months and left in 1958.

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In January 1958, we called Rev. Luddie Johnson and remodeled the two room house into a church and more trustees were added: Deacons A.T. Johnson, Albert Praither, R.W. Smith, John Gill, and J.D. Prout. Deacons at that time were Ronnie Johnson, Artia Johnson, Roy Lee Jackson, James Douglas, and Robert T. Jackson. Rev. Johnson served faithfully until his health failed and God called him home from labor to reward in 1969.

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On March 11, 1969, the church called Rev. Dewey D. Pinckney to be the pastor. Under his leadership the church note was paid off. In 1970, we purchased two lots from Howard Iglehart for $2,000 and built the current church building. The church became too small to accommodate the increasing membership and it was remodeled in 1972.

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In 1979, the church was remodeled again. The associate ministers under Rev. Pinckney were: Rev. A.T. Johnson, Rev. Raymond Mayes, Rev. Richard L. Cloud, Rev. Holland R. Summers, Sis. Emma Cox, and Rev. Emmitt Jones and the church steadily progressed. Pastor Pinckney served faithfully until God called him home in 1994.

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We began a search for a new leader and in 1996 we called Rev. Larry D. Courtney. Under his leadership, a new motto was established: “A Church on the Move for Christ”. The church was once again remodeled and a church van was purchased. A pastor’s study and finance room were added, and the Robert Hayden Estelle fellowship hall was renovated. We purchased two lots in the back of the existing sanctuary for the purpose of the vision of building a new edifice.

 

Many auxiliaries were added: Brotherhood, Jr. Brotherhood, Jr. Usher Board, Jr. Mission, two Drill teams, and two Expression Pantomime groups, Angel Choir, Pastor’s Aide Committee and C.H.R.I.S.T. (Christians Helping to Reach Incarcerated Souls Today).

 

Also, under Rev. Courtney’s leadership, several new deacons were added to the present deacon board that consisted of James Douglas, Albert Manigo, and Henry Majors, J.C. Smith, Robert Estelle, A.B. Holmes, Nathaniel Dickson, Robert Jordan, Kenneth Carter, and Tom Price.

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Under the pastorship of Rev. Courtney, Sis. Camille Mack announced her calling. We also purchased musical equipment; a drum set, a keyboard, a sound system, and a new piano. We were also blessed to hire a full time custodian.

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In July 2004, Rev. Julius Guillory Sr. and family joined the St. Mary’s church family. Also, in July 2004, Rev. Courtney announced his resignation, in which Rev. Guillory took over as presiding pastor. In September 2004, we extended our parking lot with the land we purchased.  On October 16, 2004, we were blessed with new musicians: Pianist, Nathan Bedford and Drummer, Joseph Bedford.

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In November 2004, we called Rev. Julius Guillory to be our new pastor. Under his leadership, we witnessed a rejuvenated spirit at St. Mary’s. We carry a modified version of the old motto: “A Church STILL on the Move for Christ”. We did minor remodeling to our bathrooms and foyer area and added a new sign in front of our church. Our Youth Dept. is continuing to flourish as we continue with our Drill team and Jr. Drill Team (JDT), along with Expressions and Jr. Brotherhood.

 

An addition to the youth ministries that have been made, the Jr. Deacons auxiliary was included. Pastor Guillory gave us a Mission statement to abide by and it is as follows: “Make a difference by witnessing to the lost, to win souls for Christ and equip them for service, so that we may worship as a family. Amen”

 

St. Mary’s family was actively seeking a pastor. In September 2006, renovations began in the sanctuary. New pews were purchased and installed, and the old carpet was replaced. The pulpit was expanded as well as fresh paint applied to the interior walls. In the midst of the continuous changes currently taking place with St. Mary’s, the faith and unity of the family grew at a tremendously supernatural pace.

 

Presently,  the St. Mary’s church family is blessed  to have an anointed  leader such as Rev. Gregory Fitzgerald Griggs, Sr. to serve as our pastor.  Since taking on the leadership role at St. Mary’s, Pastor Griggs has led many more souls to Christ.  In addition, our church has undergone several improvements consisting of painting the fellowship hall, replacing the sanctuary doors, and repairing the hot water faucets in both bathrooms, renovations to the pastor’s study and bathroom, along with a 10-camera high performance security system.

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Also, in the past year, we were blessed to purchase a new church van, participate in various charitable organizations such as providing meals for neighborhood children during the summer season, fund raising for Breast Cancer Awareness, providing children‘s garments and diapers to the Rainbow Room for clients of Child Protective Services, contributing care packages to our troops overseas battling foreign wars, and Toys for Tots for under-privileged children in our community.

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The church has been spiritually enhanced throughout the years. It has grown both in numbers and in spirit. St. Mary’s has been blessed to have the Word of God imparted into the  lives of its members and visitors alike. Rev. Griggs’ preaching and teaching style brings clarity with  understanding  and truth of the Word of God. His straightforward, uncomplicated method  of rightfully dividing the Word has propelled  the  St. Mary’s family to desire growth in their spiritual Christian walk and emulate Christ in their daily lives.

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Under his guidance, Rev. Griggs continuously encourage his flock to utilize their spiritual, God-given talents for the kingdom of God. He promotes unity as well as courage to boldly witness to others of their personal experiences with Christ.

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As we reflect over the past years and approach another, it is evident that the Lord has bestowed favor on St. Mary’s with increased membership and spiritual growth within our church family. While St. Mary’s continues to grow and prosper, we pray that the Lord will use each of us in increasingly dynamic ways to touch the lives of those who are lost, weary, and  perplexed by the world’s troubles and difficulties.  Let us remain mindful of God’s commission to us:  to witness to the lost, love as He loves us, and usher in lost souls to Christ.