FAITHFULLY FOLLOWING CHRIST IN FELLOWSHIP AND FAITH

157 YEARS (1866 - 2023)

Saint James Missionary Baptist Church has an illustrious history. Its history reflects the dedication, faithfulness, and untiring work of those who submitted to God’s will, accepted the challenge of a vision, and moved in faith until God brought it to pass. Saint James has the distinction of being the oldest Black Church in the city of Brookhaven, and the county of Lincoln. It was founded in 1866 during the reconstruction following the Civil War as a place of Worship and solace in a structure known as a “Brush Arbor by Reverend George Black. The first structure was located on South First Street (where the Seventh Day Adventist Church now stands).

In 1913 its location was moved to the corner of Minnesota and Second Streets and remained there until 1998. On March 9, 1998, a dedication service was held at the new location on East Monticello Street. Over its one hundred- and fifty-seven years of history, this church has been led by nine pastors: Reverend George Black, Reverend Sims Jordan, Reverend Jessie Jordan, Reverend W.L. Magee, Reverend William Creshon, Reverend P. T. Thadison, Reverend Clarence Coleman, Reverend Percy Dixon (all deceased), and Reverend Larry Jointer.