“We’ve come this far by faith!” Those words encapsulate the incredible journey of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. This church began as a prayer service in 1865. Mr. George Dancer felt inspired to lead these services in Brucetown.
Several souls found salvation. They were baptized into the fellowship of Pleasant Green Baptist Church. This led to the creation of a mission named Evergreen Baptist Mission.
In 1869, Evergreen Baptist Mission became self-sustaining. Pleasant Green Baptist Church then officially organized Evergreen Baptist Church. Historical records show Evergreen joined the General Association that year. It already had twenty members.
In 1872, Reverend John Morgan became the pastor of Evergreen. The congregation lacked a permanent worship space. They gathered in a house on North Upper Street. Ministers and deacons from other churches helped them. They acquired land from William Bruce on Market Street. Bruce owned Brucetown. A simple frame church was built there.
Reverend Morgan faced challenges and resigned. Reverend Strauss served for one year. The church was without a pastor for four years. In 1884, Reverend Tom Irvin became pastor. He won many souls for Christ. He started the first Sunday School. Brother Stephen Jackson served as the first Superintendent.
Reverends Morris Bell, Whitesides, Bigbee and Boone also pastored. Others were Johnson, Quarles, Allen and William Bell. Reverend Bell served for nineteen years. During his time, two brick buildings were constructed.
The church faced setbacks. The first building on this very ground burned down. Reverend J.H. Gilbert was called in 1926 and served until 1930. The church was again without a pastor for four years.
In 1934, Reverend R. H. Tolley became pastor. He was a kind and loving person. He served for ten years. During his time, all church debt was paid off. The mortgage was burned.
Reverend Tolley departed in 1945. Reverend C. E. Phillips arrived. He stayed for two years. Under his leadership, the church dug a basement. They installed a furnace and bought a parsonage.
Reverend G. M. Smith arrived in March 1949. He served until his death on April 1, 2009. Many souls were saved under his leadership. The church saw structural improvements. They remodeled and purchased nineteen properties.
On October 12, 2009, Reverend Prentice Bruton, Sr. became the next pastor. The church desires to move forward in God’s work. Their mission is to change lives. They want to embrace communities and discover hope in Jesus. Pastor Bruton wants to win souls. He aims to minister to the poor and empower the youth. Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church strives to fulfill the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore.” This call motivates their work today.
So as you pass Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church remember its long history. Remember the many leaders and faithful members who have made it what it is today. A beacon of hope. A place of community. A testament to faith.