OUR STORY
1869 to the Present
We, the present members and relatives of some of the founding fathers, count ourselves blessed to witness this grand occasion. We have gathered together in spiritual love and harmony with God as our pilot through the leadership of our pastors. The church from which we came has many fond memories of days gone by.
Our church was organized in 1869 under the leadership of the Rev. H. Blevins; the First Pastor. Officers that served under Rev. Blevins were, Deacons Ephrain Penson, Virgin Moss and C.H. Williams. It was during Rev. Blevins’ administration that the Mr. Ararat Baptist Church was organized. Rev. Blevins served well from 1869 to 1890.
The Second Pastor was the Rev. P.T. Bowden. Under his administration, the church was remodeled in 1905. The present edifice was erected on the first foundation that was laid. Deacons under his administration were, Deacons W. Armstrong Jr., J. Harris, A.E. Burns, V Moss, C.H. Williams, H. Davis and A. O’Neal. During Rev. Bowden’ administration, the Love Benevolent Society was organized. Rev. Bowden served twenty-five years as pastor from 1900-1925. The Rev. L.W. Page accepted the call as the Third Pastor. He was an aid in the remodeling of the old church by putting electricity in the church. Also, Choir No. 1 grew at this time, and Usher Board No. 1 had its beginning. During Rev. Page administration the following deacons served: W. Armstrong, J. Harris, F. Peterson, A. E. Burns, V. Moss, H. Davis and A. O'Neal, R. Clark, M. Gresham, C. G. Blackmon, T. Smith, T. Mickles, C. Gibson, E. Williams and Deacon Woodson. Rev. Page served the church faithfully and well for more than twenty-five years.
The Fourth Pastor was the Rev. L.A. Warren, who served for nine years. Under his leadership deacons ordained: Brothers Ledger Rutledge, H. Williams, John W. Hall, and E. Brooks. Also, under his leadership Choir No. II was organized. Rev. Warren served from 1947 to 1956.
The Fifth Pastor was Rev. D. Garrett. During his administration, the work of renovating the church began. Under his leadership Deacon Robert Davis served devotedly. Rev. Garrett ordained three additional deacons to serve: Deacons H. Moore, I. Richardson, and W. Russell. He served faithfully from 1957 until his death on January 9, 1967.
The Sixth Pastor was Rev. J. Jackson. Under Rev. Jackson’s leadership many new organizations were started: Choir No III, The Nurses’ Guild, and the Brotherhood. The following deacons served during Rev. Jackson’s administration: Deacons Clarence Lee, B. Sharpe, Marion Ross, A. Mitchell, Freddie Jones, Robert Allen, Robert Davis, and M. Jackson. Rev. Jackson worked diligently to aid in establishing our new sanctuary. The church grew spiritually and financially Rev. Jackson served from 1967 to 1989.
In 1990 Rev. Darryl D. Moore accepted the call as the Seventh pastor of the Second Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Moore begins to work faithfully. The church became a full-time church. The following accomplishments have occurred under Rev. Moore’s leadership: The establishments of the Adult Choir, Male Chorus, Youth Choir and now the Combined Choir, the renovation of the fellowship hall, the pavement of the parking lot, two vans were purchased for transportation, the computer lab was established; computer classes for adults & children were begun, and Youth Ministry and church membership have grown tremendously. We have also been financially and spiritually blessed under Rev. Moore’s leadership. The following deacons have been ordained: Kenny Allen, Stanley Oliver and Cecil Smith. Truly we are grateful to God for sending us this Christian and Gospel preacher. Rev. Moore served from 1990 to 2018 until his death. Blessings to the Moore family.
In 2019 Rev. Davon M. Simpson became the Eighth and Present Pastor of the Second Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Davon Simpson shares in the reach history of SMBC as a child he was reared within this church prior to relocating. Rev. Simpson has launched a vision centered around growth, incorporating knowledge, unity and service. Since his leadership the church has undergone transformation, renovation and innovation to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to the 21st Century. In the midst of our increasing prosperity and rising membership,Rev. Simpson has incorporated new ministries that reach beyond our walls such as prison ministry, nursing home, grief recovery, Weekly International Prayer-Line, health and wellness and a social media presence. Since Rev. Simpson's leadership our sick and shut-in members receives a monthly stipend from the church to assist with their medical expenses. We are constantly up-grading, and making new additions to our campus in order to reach all in this modern culture.Our church has also become a head-quarter of training for ministries all around through the Naioth School of the Spirit to which Pastor Simpson introduced to the church to which has been functioning for several years. With his vision we have been able to assist many families that have been affected by the economic crisis that the local community incurred. We are moving steadily towards this vision of Growth as others are being impacted by our mission.