Over 150 years of faith journeys. That’s the legacy of Saint Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Right here before us stands a testament to enduring faith. From its humble beginnings near the Tennessee and Mississippi state line the church has a rich history. Originally named Galilee Missionary Baptist Church a division led to its transformation. Saint Rest Missionary Baptist Church and Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church were born.
The church relocated to Corinth and Purdy Road. This road connected Corinth Mississippi to Purdy Tennessee. C L and Rose Sanders sold the land for the first small frame building. In 1904 a change occurred. The state line moved south. Saint Rest was now in Tennessee not Mississippi. Rev Whit Hearnton was the earliest known pastor. Bro Bill Adams Bro A A Chambers and Bro Sam Johnson were the trustees. Bro Will Jennings Bro Elmore Chambers and Bro Demore Chambers served as deacons.
Rev C J Lowe of Corinth Mississippi became pastor. He served faithfully for many years. He was followed by Rev J Johnson. Deacons during this time included Bro Robert Bosman Bro J Brown Bro C Irons Bro George Warren and Bro Orlander Warren. Rev Lowe later returned to Saint Rest serving again for many years.
The early 1900s saw adjustments. Rev Brown Abbott became pastor. Deacons were Bro Frank Brandon Bro Ollie Chambers Bro Marshall Prather Bro George Warren and Bro Orlando Warren. Then in the 1940s Rev W H Ratliff arrived. He had a vision for the church. He revitalized it. Old members returned and many new ones joined. The first church Homecoming was celebrated. Deacons under his leadership were Bro Edward Avery Sr Bro George Barnes Bro George Dickey Bro Covie C Dilworth Bro Elzee Elliots Bro Joseph Irons Bro James Irons and Bro Dakota Simmons.
Many ministers followed. Reverends Ford Palmer and Montgomery all guided the church. In the early 1950s safety concerns led to a move. The church relocated to Highway 45. Bro Claude and Sis Everlina Mabry donated the land. A three-room block building was constructed. Rev L J Palmer returned as pastor serving until his death in 1957.
Rev W M Warren became pastor in 1959. He started a tithing program. He served for 14 years. In 1976 Rev J C Humphrey became pastor. The church underwent major renovations. A new sanctuary indoor baptistry heating system kitchen fellowship hall restrooms and classrooms were added. The dedication was in April 1977.
Rev Nollen Elzie served briefly from 1983-1984. He revived the tithing program. Rev Caleb Williams led from 1985-1997. A new building program began in 1995 adding a new sanctuary and office spaces. Rev O J Salters pastored from 1997-2013. In 2014 Rev Avence Pittman Jr took over. Finally Minister Brian J Ezell Sr was installed as pastor in January 2023. This is the story of Saint Rest Missionary Baptist Church a church of remarkable resilience and unwavering faith. A place where history and hope intertwine.