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Saint Paul Missionary Baptist
Church History
Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church was birthed under a unique and Spirit-led situation. A group of believers gathered weekly to sing praises unto the Lord. After several months of fellowship, the idea was placed upon their hearts to organize a church. Through prayer, singing, feeding, and nurturing one another with the Word of God, the vision of a church began to take shape within the body of Christ.
The group met faithfully in prayer at the home of Sister Clifford Mills, located at 113 Orchard Street. As the vision continued to grow, the Holy Spirit moved mightily among them, making it clear that they needed a shepherd to lead the flock forward. Sister Clifford Mills was led by the Spirit to seek out a pastor, and she summoned Reverend Forest Adams. He accepted the call, and in what seemed like only a few hours, Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church was officially established. Tears of joy were shed by the founding members, whose hearts had long carried this vision.
The first worship service was held on January 15, 1965, at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of God in Christ, located at 158 Orchard Street, under the leadership of Reverend Adams. From 1965 to 1967, services were also held at the Volunteers of America and Faith Temple. In 1966, the members of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church purchased property at 402 Sullivan Street.
The original members included: Rosalie Ashley; Joann and Nathaniel Beal; Danny Biggers; Frankie Bonham; Pauline Herring; Pauline and Joann Horsey; Margie Hutchings; Katherine Geter; Marie and Alfred Lynch; Clifford Mills; Bernice Poole; Sarah Poole; Debbie Poole; Mary Price; May Richardson; Lillian Williams; Robert Richardson; Mildred and Early Washington. Early Washington served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, followed by Nathaniel Beal.
The church was also blessed by the leadership of Reverend General J. Jordan of Utica, New York, until 1968. During this time, Robert Richardson, Early Washington, Danny Biggers, and Mary Price served as Trustees. Mary Price also served as Treasurer, Alfred Lynch as Church Clerk, Margie Hutchings as Financial Secretary, and Marie Lynch as Chairman of the Music Department.
In 1968, Reverend Harry S. Morgan was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous growth and was instrumental in building the new sanctuary in February 1974—the same sanctuary where we continue to worship today. Reverend Morgan faithfully served from 1968 to 1994, shepherding a congregation that grew to 250 members.
In 1994, the church faced a challenging period and was without a pastor for a short time. Reverend Johnny Wilson later filled the vacancy, serving from 1996 to 1998.
God continued to provide, and in 1999, Reverend Johnny L. Vaughn was sent to lead the flock. Under his leadership, the church has been strengthened through powerful preaching, heartfelt prayer, and faithful teaching of God’s Word. Many have served under his leadership and have gone on to other congregations to continue the work of the Lord.
In 2011, Reverend Sheree D. Massey was ordained and continues to serve as a spiritual leader within the church.
Throughout the years, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church has remained steadfast, learning to wait on the Lord and be of good courage, trusting always in His divine guidance.
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