Look around you. Here stands Faith Missionary Baptist Church. This church isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to faith and community.
Faith Missionary Baptist Church is located in Dallas County. Its coordinates are N32.72314 degrees W96.82260 degrees. The church stands at an elevation of 554 feet above sea level. You can find it on the USGS topographic map Oak Cliff, TX.
But what makes Faith Missionary Baptist Church special? The answer lies in its history and the enduring spirit of its members.
Let’s step back in time. In 1913, the community recognized a need. They wanted a place to gather. They wanted to learn about God. They wanted their children to have access to education. To meet this need, they built a one-room log house. It was called Timberlake Hall. Timberlake Hall served as both a school and a place of worship.
Initially, church services happened every fourth Sunday. Sunday School was held every Sunday. This schedule continued until different ministers were invited to preach. Reverend Ernest Walker and Reverend George Alston were the first ministers. Brother John Harris served as Superintendent. Mary O. Green served as Secretary.
Timberlake Hall had several teachers. Mrs. Glennie Yarborough McKeathlean and Mrs. Lucy Yarborough taught there. The last teacher was Mrs. Louise P. Johnson. She taught for one year until consolidation. The community schools ended.
Timberlake Hall and Shady Grove Schools merged in 1931. The new school was named Franklin County Training School. It was later renamed Riverside High School. It became the largest school in the county. This lasted until integration in 1968.
Families continued to ensure their children received religious instruction. They also focused on education. They held activities like the school-closing program. This program started in 1916. Timberlake Hall was too small. Community members built a plank stage. They created a bush harbor for shade. The program included drills, singing, and plays. Everyone received a red stick of candy and a big red apple.
Another activity was the Annual Picnic. A guest minister gave a sermon. Tables were spread with food. Families such as Brother Charlie & Fannie Moss and Brother Jerry Cooke, Sr. organized these events.
In 1932, Reverend Ned Jones reorganized the church. The name changed to Timberlake Grove Baptist Church. The community worshipped there for many years without owning the land. Two sisters, Sister Mary B. Lewis and Sister Ora B. Cooke, knew the owners. In 1956, the Timberlake family gave an acre of land. But there was a condition. The church had to remain Timberlake Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
The church grew. Members took on more active roles. Under Reverend Jones, Sister Irene Cooke Keith and Mr. Charles Cooke helped the church move forward. Mrs. Halcy B. Evans organized a note choir. Sister Evans later organized a Sunshine Band. Sister Helen Brodie played the organ.
Reverend J. A. Watson became pastor. Sister Halsy B. Evans organized the Missionary Circle. She also organized the Usher’s Ministry. George Harris, Jr. became a dedicated Youth Leader. He stressed education. He sponsored church picnics at his home.
Reverend John Lee followed as pastor. Sister Pauline Brodie Clifton organized the Youth Choir. Morning worship extended to two Sundays each month.
Reverend John H. Barnes succeeded Reverend Lee in 1980. Under his leadership, the church added new features. They installed central air conditioning and a sound system. Sister Faye Neal directed the Music Department. The Youth was revitalized. The Male Chorus was founded. The Young Adult Choir became the Gospel Outreach Choir.
Three Deacons were ordained. Timberlake Grove added the word Missionary to its name. Reverend Barnes retired in 1995.
In October 1996, Reverend Alexander B. Herring became pastor. Worship services extended to four Sundays. In 1997, the Timberlake family donated another acre of land. It could not be used as a cemetery.
In 2005, the members decided to change the name. They chose Faith Missionary Baptist Church. The land breaking service was held on December 4, 2005. On December 3, 2006, they held their last service at Timberlake Grove. The Dedication Service at Faith Missionary Baptist Church was at 4:00pm.
Faith Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon. It is a place for community and faith. It is a testament to the enduring power of belief.