“Welcome to Little Missionary Baptist Church.” That’s what you might hear stepping through the doors. Little Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a welcoming place to worship the Lord Jesus.
Little Missionary Baptist Church is a Baptist church. It is located in Corona New York. The church extends a warm invitation. They invite all to join them in worship.
In 1883 Christian men and women saw the need for a place to worship. They organized a church initially named Zion Chapel Baptist Church. It was on Johnstown Road in Great Bridge Norfolk County.
Reverend Jacob Gaskins was the first pastor. After renting for three years the members purchased the present site on December 29 1886. Members felt the name Chapel related to a small church. As the membership grew the name changed. It became Little Zion Baptist Church in the early 1900s.
Deacon Jesse Saunders William Brooks and Casper Tillery were founders. African Walke and John Dozier also helped. Later deacons A. B. Crudup Johnnie Walke and Annias Reid joined. Moses Jarvis Nathaniel Stancil Jr and Early Ricks followed. Willie Sidney James Brooks and James Lamb were involved. I.W. Jarvis and Isaiah Miller also contributed.
Many ministers followed Reverend W.P. Jones. Reverend Mack Mahagony and Reverend Zachariah White followed. Reverend A.B. Askew and Reverend J.E. Mack came after. Reverend G.L. Parker and Reverend W.A. Baker followed them. Reverend James E. Childs and Reverend J.P. Williams continued. Reverend S.D. Shepherd and Dr. William H. Chatman also served. Reverend Johnny Henderson is the current pastor.
The building remained mostly the same until the late 60s. Stained glass windows were installed. A sidewalk was laid in front of the church. Men kept up the repairs. Women kept the church clean.
The church ran on biblical principles. It survived through the years. Everyone did what was necessary. Little Zion was blessed with outstanding women. Phyllis White Missouri Clemons and Betsy White were some of them. Georgina Saunders India Stancil and Mary Lisa Ballard also helped. Carrie Jarvis Ada Ricks and Corrine Welch also served.
Little Zion had several associate ministers. Reverends Charlie Griffin and Albert Green contributed. Reverend Ruth Pearson and Reverend Brenda Dyson served. Reverends Sheldon Davis and Bobby Fenner also ministered. A. Earl Parker Jan Wimbush and Trudy Dickens served. Willie Gibbs and Marcia Carter also helped.
Church membership continues to grow. This growth inspires new programs and services. These benefit members and the community. Missionary was added to the name. It is now Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
On May 1 2005 Reverend William H. Chatman became interim Pastor. He was installed as Pastor on July 9 2006. The Senior’s Ministry was started. The Men’s and Women’s Fellowship Ministry was re-organized. The Youth and Deaconess Ministries were reconstructed.
History was made under Pastor Chatman’s leadership. The church started its first Summer Youth Camp. They also started Family Fellowship Night.
In 2008 land behind the church was purchased. An organ was purchased. A new church van and a minibus were bought. They transport seniors. In May 2010 the pastor’s study was enlarged. It was completely renovated. In January 2011 the mortgage on the land was burned.
God continues to bless Little Zion. Minister Marcia Carter was ordained on May 27 2016. She is a valuable part of the Church Ministry.
Reverend Johnny Henderson was elected on September 26 2020. He serves as Senior Pastor.
The church is committed to fulfilling God’s purpose. They want to reach lost souls. They want to win them for His kingdom. They promote spiritual growth. They teach God’s Word. They assist members in establishing spiritual relationships.