A humble beginning. That’s what defines Christ Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church. Six souls gathered in 1958 at the Caperone Baptist Church. They dreamed of a church. A church that would last. Forever. Thus Christ Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church was born.
This wasn’t a grand cathedral. It started small. Very small. Their first service wasn’t in a dedicated building. It was at Green Grove Baptist Church on Quincy Avenue. Imagine fifteen people. A Sunday school offering of only two dollars. Their rent was fifty-five dollars a month. But they paid it. Every month. Faith. Pure faith.
The church found its first home at 863 Lakeview Road. Then in 1963 a move to 579 Eddy Road. This is where Christ Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church truly took root. They made improvements. Added a baptismal area. Bought the building next door. New doors a new floor. Even redecorated the women’s restroom. This was more than just a church. It was a community.
A testament to their perseverance came in 1977. The church held its first “Mortgage Burning” service. A debt-free church. An incredible feat for such a small congregation. But tragedy struck in 1980. A devastating fire destroyed everything.
Yet even in ashes hope remained. Neighboring churches opened their doors. Christ Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church found temporary homes. East Glenville United Methodist Church. Then St Aloysius Church. Finally they found a new permanent home in 1983. The baptismal was a gift. So were the American and Christian flags. Donations that speak volumes about their community.
Under the leadership of Pastor M L Smith and later Pastor DeWitt Chappell Jr the church thrived. Choirs were formed. A Mass Choir even released two gospel CDs. Community outreach grew. A nutrition program for seniors. A daycare. Even a building purchased across the street for future projects.
Christ Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church isn’t just a building. It’s a story of faith resilience and community. A story written in the hearts of those who built it. A legacy that continues to inspire. Their journey reminds us that even the smallest seed can grow into something magnificent. Something everlasting.