OUR HISTORY
South Liberty Missionary Baptist Church had its beginning in a humble dwelling house as a Sunday School under the leadership of Mrs. Laura Williams in February, 1914.
In 1915, under the auspices of Rev. J. C. Lambert, the Sunday school was organized into a church and named Liberty Street Missionary Baptist Church. This name was maintained until the membership split, and the original body named itself South Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.
During the early years Rev. J.W. Johnson served as pastor from September 1923 to April 1926. Rev W. L. Lambert served from April 1926 to June 1929, and Rev. H.J. Grant served from July 1929 to August 1930.
God continued to do his will, and in January 1931, Rev. D. S. Spann was elected pastor. Rev. Span served as pastor until August 1952. During his pastorate the small band of faithful members, which had greatly increased, erected two buildings. The first was a wooded structure and the second was the structure located at 3222 South Liberty Street, built of cinder blocks.
Years came and passed. There were hard times and good times. But God’s children kept the faith and continued to do the work of the Master.
In October 1952, the membership elected Rev. W. L. Jones as pastor. He served the membership of South Liberty Missionary Baptist Church until May 1961. Under the pastorate of Rev. W. L. Jones, the membership grew greatly. New pews and flooring were placed in the Sanctuary. A concrete floor was placed in the basement, and the church was liquidated of its lingering indebtedness.
Still trusting in God and determined to carry on His work, the church elected a man of courage, foresight, trust and persuasion to follow in his father’s footsteps. In September 1961, Rev. Q. L. Jones became the seventh pastor of the church.
Under the leadership of Rev. Q. L. Jones the church was completely bricked remodeled and air-conditioned. Two pianos, an organ a public address system, carpet, and new lights were purchased for the sanctuary. A nursery was organized and equipped. The kitchen and lower auditorium were refurnished. A baptistery was installed in the Sanctuary. The church’s budget more than tripled. Rev. Q. L. Jones’ pastorate came to an end in May 1977.
From mid 1977 until late 1978, Rev. W. J. Turner served as pastor. It was during Rev. Turner’s pastorate that the church bus was purchased, the pulpit furniture was up holstered, and the church voted to purchase the lot on the south side of the church for a parking area.
Again the pastorate of South Liberty Missionary Baptist Church changed. In January 1979, Rev. Joe Blackman became the church’s ninth pastor.
The accomplishments and progress of the church under the leadership of Rev. Joe Blackman continued. New lighting fixtures and curtains were placed in the lower auditorium. A fence was installed to protect the church property. The church’s lot was paid in full, and dirt and gravel were purchased to construct a parking area. The Sanctuary was re-carpeted, a new roof was placed on the church, and air conditioning units were installed in the Sanctuary and lower auditorium. New pews, a water cooler, hymnbooks, and mimeograph machine were purchased. New lavatory fixtures and an elevator were installed. A piano was purchased for the lower auditorium and a new organ for the Sanctuary. A new public address system, office and lounge furniture and a church van were purchased. The gravel parking area was paved. The kitchen and restrooms were completely remodeled. A new heating and air conditioning system were installed.
Annual trips to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education were made. In 1979 the Inspirational Choir was organized, and on March 19, 1980, the Beginners Choir was organized. In July, 1985 the Willing Workers Society was organized. The progress continued.
Rev. Joe Blackman’s pastorate came to an end on November 8, 1996.