History :

Our church was organized in 1898, with eight members, who were: Reverend and Mrs. A.L. O'Briant, Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Broadus, Mrs. Henry Hicks, Mrs. H.W. McKay, Mrs. T.J. Manghum, and Mrs. N.K. McClannahan. This courageous little band purchased a lot, and within six years after their organization, completed their House of Worship. This church was located on the corner of First and Sharkey Streets, where the Woman's Club now stands. Four ministers served the church during these six heroic years. The pastorate of each of these noble men of God marks a very definite phase in the growth of the church . Revered A. L. O'Briant was our first pastor. He helped select a lot, and started the first church building. However, he didn't get very far before he was called to another field. Then came the Rev E. D. Solomon. The church building was finished under his ministry. He worked on it with his own; he got the eaves sticking out too far on another man's property, and of course the eaves had to be sawed off. It was while he was here that the church applied to the "State Convention Board' for financial help, and they gave us $40.00 per month on the pastor's salary. The first deacons were elected during his pastorate, and they were W. R. Ellis, Sr., Lome Lackey, Lonnie Walker and W. V. Jenkins. The Rev. J. R. White was our next Pastor. His pastorate was very short, then came Rev. J. E. Barnett who stayed several years. While he was here his home burned and practically everything in it, along with the church records that he had in his possession. Rev. W. A. Jordan followed Rev. Barnett. Mr. Jenkins remembered Rev. Jordan reading long sermons, and using vigorously a palm leaf fan in the pulpit while preaching. Rev. A. R. Bond came next. He was a brilliant orator and was well liked by all the members. Rev. C. T. Kincannon succeeded Rev. bond. He was a good preacher. It was through his efforts that our first pastor's home was built. He wrote letters to his friends in Virginia, Mississippi, and to big business firms in Memphis. He got the money where it didn't look like it was "gettable". He was a quiet, unassuming, consecrated Christian. The church moved forward under his leadership.