St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church

OUR HISTORY

The St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1873 under the leadership of Rev. Brown along with the help of the Atkins and Newman families.  When the church was first organized they did not have a name for the church. After many collaborations they named the church after the oldest mother of the church who was named Mary.  It was proceeded with St. Mary and was named St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church.
The church was located on what was known as the cruise which is now the old St. Mary cemetery.
The families began rapidly moving into the community and it was decided and agreed upon to move the church building to its present location. Mr. Tave donated two acres of land for the church and school property.  The families that built the church from that point where the Mahone's, Matins, Neumanns, Tucker's, Petty's, Dorsey's, Russells, Harris, Royals, Smith, Acys, Curtis, Powell's, Brown's, Collins's, Sanders, Cooper's, Holloways, Dewberry's and Johnson's.
The church continued to grow spiritually, financially, physically and in membership.  Church programs were extended, a senior choir was formed, BTU became active and the church became involved in the East Texas Baptist Association.
St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church transitioned to being under the leadership of Rev White. During his leadership the present structure of the church was built. Reverend White and his family donated their pastor and wife anniversary offering to help pay for the building of the church. Pastor and First Lady White worked hard and faithfully to help pay for the church.
People said it could not be done. But the church building was paid off before time with many fundraisers. The church was completed in 1966. The Lord has blessed us to go from a one room dirt floor building to a nice bricked building.
Rev. GW Johnson was called on March 28, 1971 to become the pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church. His first sermon entitled “He got it all in his hands.”  Under Rev. Johnson's leadership we continued to grow spiritually and in membership.  With the increased growth and participation of the church members a decision was made at that time to go full time.  More choirs were added, different axillaries became more active and the church became more involved with the state and the national Baptist conventions.  Under Johnson's leadership the fellowship hall was built and he furnished all of the kitchen appliances.
St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church transitioned once again to a new leader Rev. C. R. McDuffie. Under his leadership the fellowship hall was remodeled, the parking lot was paved, successfully recovered the roof of the church, church van was purchased, remodeling was done to sanctuary and the church continued to grow spiritually and financially. Through Pastor McDuffie's leadership and dynamic teachings the church had taken on a new level.
In 2006 the church then called the Rev. Kedrick Graves who served for 6 years. Under his leadership the church grew spiritually.
The church then called Rev. Tyrone Gee. Under his leadership, three choirs became active, a foundation was laid for a new addition, a church van was purchased and two deacons were added.
In 2016 the church then called the Rev. Marcus K. Jones. St. Mary found themselves in a NEW SEASON. A Mass choir has been organized, new church signs have been purchased, the sanctuary bathrooms and entrance were remodeled and the church once again has become active in the OETBA all in a short time of his present leadership. The church is anticipating God to continue to bless in many tremendous ways. If we stick together and stay the course, the Lord will certainly smile upon us.
Several ministers that are products of St. Mary MBC: Rev. James Petty, Rev. Tucker, Sis. Mable Gaines, Rev. Robert Dewberry, Rev. Gusine Newberry, Rev. Joe Radford, Rev. Willie E. Davis.
Those that served as Deacons include: Bro. William Mahomes, Bro. Henry Adkins, Bro. William s, Bro. Bobby Brown, Bro. Finis Cooper Sr., Bro. Charlie Martin, Bro. Bose Adkins, Bro. Jesse Adkins, Bro. Jimmy Gaines, Bro. Walter Dorsey, Bro Sam Wilson, and Bro. H. L. Nicholas. 
To God be the Glory for the Things He Has Done!!!!!!