How about we step back in time to 1939? A small group of dedicated individuals gathered with a shared vision. They were ready to establish a place of worship and community. That place was the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church’s story began at 39 Waumbeck Street. Reverend Samuel H. Bullock Sr. and his wife Lucille Bullock were at the heart of this endeavor. They were joined by Mrs. Jennie Simmons Mr. Otis Simmons Mr. Harold Hill and Mr. Nathaniel Franklin.
As the congregation grew, they needed a larger space. Reverend Bullock led the charge to purchase land at 155 Humboldt Avenue. This is where the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church now stands. The cornerstone was laid December 14 1941. On Easter Sunday 1943, the partially completed building was dedicated.
The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church officially became chartered June 1 1944. By 1948, Pastor Bullock and the members proudly entered the newly completed sanctuary. They sang “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
Reverend Bullock was deeply committed to the community. The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church became involved in addressing juvenile delinquency. It also supported the educational development of young people. Reverend Bullock was a lifelong member of the NAACP. He extended his ministry to soldiers during World War II. He even initiated a weekly Sunday radio broadcast. This gained recognition for a congregation of color.
After 30 years of service Reverend Bullock passed away October 5 1969. In November 1970 the congregation called Reverend Boykin Sanders. He was a doctoral candidate at Harvard University. Reverend Sanders became the second pastor of the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church February 7 1971.
Reverend Sanders oversaw renovations to the church’s physical structure. The renovation proposal was approved January 13 1974. By the end of 1975 renovations were complete. New features included a new heating system and a baptismal pool.
The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church acquired property next to the church on Humboldt Avenue in 1989. Reverend Sanders served as pastor from 1971 to 1990.
In May 1993, Reverend Demetrius K. Williams became the third pastor. He had a vision for the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church emphasizing family and community. The church started the annual “Family Day” weekend and “Casual Dress Sunday” under his leadership. Reverend Williams left in 1996 for a position at Tulane University.
In June 1997, Reverend Miniard Culpepper became the fourth pastor. Rev. Culpepper was born in Boston. He is the grandson of the founder of the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Rev. Samuel H. Bullock, Sr. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1976. He graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1982. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity.
Reverend Culpepper had previously served as Associate Minister at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington D.C. since June 8 1997. He continues his grandfather’s legacy. With Christ at the head Pastor Culpepper continues to lead Pleasant Hill. Many inspiring accomplishments have occurred under his leadership. These include obtaining tax status 503C and installing a senior lift. There was also a building program for the Pleasant Hill Family Life Center.
The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church also paid off the church van. They honored community leaders for Black History. They also had monthly seminars and tape ministry. New ministries were started. There was a fellowship dinner after Communion. The church also adopted The White House Initiative on Children of Incarcerated Parents.
The Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church established a Theatre Arts Program and a Wellness Ministry. They purchased a second church van. They also chronicled his work with Boston area gang members.
Today the Blue Hill Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community engagement. It continues to be a beacon of hope. It is a place where all are welcome to find solace spiritual growth and a sense of belonging.