About the Church

Main Street Missionary Baptist Church

Last Updated (Wednesday, 11 February 2009 18:17) Written by Administrator Thursday, 11 September 2008 00:08

Where It All Began…

    The 18th century Christians was willing to accept Christ at heart and keep His commandments.  They were a devoted, yet, small group of people.  Being sincere minded and concerned, these Christians worked and engaged themselves in the service of the Lord.

    In 1905, a few Christians came together to organize a church.  Rev. W.H. Hillieth presided and a select few followed.  Co-workers who assisted were:  Bro. George Jones, Albrade Alexander, Robert Jimerson, James Bolton, William Randolph, J.T. Smith, Salmer Harris, and several missionary mothers, namely Sister Mary Robinson, Rosie Smith, and Annie Smith.    

    The Second Missionary Baptist Church, a wooden structure, was located on Main Street.  Through hard trials and perilous struggles, this band of Christians continued to worship and serve God, for He was with them.  They exemplified the fruit of the Spirit which is “LOVE”.  God gave them added strength to move onward.    

    In 1908, the church was renamed, Main Street Baptist Church, and it continued to progress tremendously.  The church’s heart was saddened by the resignation of the pastor, Rev. Hillieth, after 15 years of service.  God was with His people, and in 1920, The Rev. C.L. Lindsay was called to fulfill God’s plan as pastor with support from Bro. V.R. Chambers, Joe Battiest, Robert Powell, Robert Turner, and Thomas Hall.  The church became divided and for sometime, the willing-hearted Christians worked and toiled faithfully until their hearts were saddened again by the letter of resignation of Rev. Lindsay, after 14 years of service.    

    God stayed with them in all their endeavors.  In 1934, the Rev. F.C. Shumake, was commissioned to lead this flock with the aide of Bro. R.V. Chambers, Robert Powell, Thomas Hall, Robert Bradley, Joe Battiest, Robert Turner, Tim White, Howard Chambers, Edmond Howell, Clemon Hoyd, Wilson Green, Willie Preston, and Lawrence Lewis.  Sister Hattie Battiest served as a church clerk.    

    The church marched on, in 1937, an extra lot was purchased.  Plans were instituted for a new church in 1947.  The church was in the new block building and on the new lot.  “God was still with them.”  The members were saddened by the letter of resignation from Rev. Shumake who served 28 years.    

    The bands of believers were left without a shepherd, but through God’s love, mercy, and kindness, he touched the hearts of our Sister Sophia Jones, our Mother and Missionary Sister.    

    In September 1963, the Rev. Kenneth Haynes was commissioned to lead these wonderful people.  Being a God-sent man and devout leader, Rev. Haynes attracted people both near and far.  Rev. Haynes was not only a pastor; but a father, a friend, and a brother in Christ.    

    The church grew spiritually and financially.  Believers joined their hearts and hands together from coast to coast under the leadership of this dynamic man of God named Dr. Kenneth Haynes.  Deacons who were chosen under his administration were David Bradley, Clifton Nunley, A.J. Haynes, and Robert Beasley.    

    The church house improved immensely.  The main auditorium was expanded, and the baptizing pool was moved upstairs.  The church was remodeled adding a left wing which consisted of seven (7) classrooms and a pastor’s study.  A kitchen, air condition unit, heating systems, and a balcony on the back side of the church were added. The membership grew above 600.  The property of 844 Bradford Street was purchased and paid in full for the parsonage.  An addition of deacons was chosen: Howard Chambers, Lawrence Lewis, Oscar Lane, Edmond Howell, Clemon Hoyd, Tim White, Willie Preston and Robert Bradley.  Deacon Willie Preston was appointed Church Clerk.  The church family and choir followed Pastor Haynes near and far.      

    In 1975, Rev. Haynes truly saddened mankind with a letter of resignation.  He journeyed to Los Angeles, California after serving 12 years.  God stayed with us and our strength was renewed.  For Rev. Haynes administration, we were able to carry on.  Rev. Haynes worked with his people and because of his meekness and humbleness in serving mankind, he worked and toiled as God advised him to.  While pasturing, many souls came to Christ.  Deacon Curtis Cooper and Deacon Willie Carr were chosen to serve on the Deacon Board.    

    GOD IS GOOD!!  Yet many of us can confess God knows just how much we can bear.  Rev. W.C. Hale of New Orleans, Louisiana was called to pastor the flock.  The lot across the street from the church purchased and paid in full, the lot became an addition parking lot.  Working and striving for Christ in a humble way, Rev. Hale was soon stricken; in 1977 he had to resign due to his health.  Rev. Hale’s favorite song was I Left a Life Behind.  He came teaching and expounding on the word of God.    

    Christians, Deacons, Mothers, and Friends!  Yes, it has been a struggle, but with God all things are possible.  We were without a pastor.  In 1978, a devout Christian man came to us from God, namely, Rev. Robert Earl Coker.  God empowered us and filled our hearts with “JOY”.  The installation service for Pastor Coker was the third Sunday in June of 1978.  He proved to be not only a pastor, but a friend, a brother, a husband, and a father.  We thank God for him.    

    We were proud of our pastor, for the church was progressing under his administration.  He had serving with him devoted deacons and members.  Our membership was approximately 700 members (73 came to Christ and 47 were baptized).  Pastor Coker added these special features of our church family: the organizing of a male chorus, Bible class every Thursday night, junior deacons were chosen, purchased a new bus, brotherhood grew from 9 members to 34 members.  All of this can be accredited to God’s grace for it is sufficient.    

    Our church was more active now than ever before, for we participated in all local affairs, Shiloh District Association South MS, State Convention and the National Baptist Convention of America with Sister Susan Turner serving as President of the National Junior Women’s Auxiliary after 99 years of existence.  Mississippi had something to be proud of, but God was to be glorified.  Rev. Coker resigned in 1982.    

    We were without a leader until the Lord inspired the Church membership through prayer to call the Rev. Johnny Nelson Armstrong in February 1983.  He was installed as pastor March 1983.  Under his dynamic leadership and teaching, we were striving for higher heights.  Within three months of his leadership, a Junior Brotherhood was added.  New ideas were brought to our congregation, inspired by God.  Black suits and white gloves were added for ministers and deacons to wear while serving the Lord’s Supper.  In April, Brother Willie Sanders became Chairman and Saturday tutoring classes were coordinated by Sister Susan Turner.    

    The Lord blessed the Church to go full-time under the leadership of Pastor Armstrong.  Eight ministers added to the roster: Rev. Paul Beard, Rev. Curtis Cooper, Rev. Alonzo Bailey, Rev. Sylvester, Rev. Lesley Burney, Rev. Arthur Burney, Rev. Matthew Spikes, and Rev. Rodney Beard.  Four new deacons have been added to the church: Deacon Don Jones, Deacon Don Williams, Deacon Luther Fairley, and Deacon Arthur Burney.  We were blessed with air condition unit on the balcony.  A bookkeeper was added to church roster: Brother James Cox.  Rev. Arthur Burney and Rev. Luther Fairley were called by God to “Preach the Word”.     

    The church continued to support and fellowship with other churches.  We are strong supporters of Shiloh District Association, South MS State Convention, where Brother Wesby Sanders served as President of the State Brotherhood Union and the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.    

    In October 1989, Rev. Kenneth Haynes, Sr. of Los Angeles, CA by way of McComb, MS came back to us as a Pastor.  After much prayer and counseling, we do feel that God has smiled upon us through Pastor Haynes who came proclaiming “The Supremacy of god in the hearts, in the home and in god’s house.” The first six months, he worked hard feeding God’s people the word.  He put much emphasis on the Sunday School Attendance, Bible Study, and Tithing.  He added the following: Sister Patricia Ann Dukes as pianist, Brother Billy Saffold and Brother Earnest Higgs as Advisors to the Junior Brotherhood; Sister Susan Turner as Director of Christian Education and many leadership workshops have been conducted.  Rev. Bobby Beasley preached his first sermon April 8, 1990 and Rev. Carlton Jones preached his first sermon in June 1990.    

   
    The recreational activities are on the increase: basketball and softball teams for the youth were organized with Bro. Billy Saffold and Bro. Earnest Higgs and others recruiting, training, and teaching the players. “You don’t have to win first place to be a winner!”  Sister Patricia Burney organized a girl’s team and Sister Helen J. Lee organized the cheerleaders.  Many souls were saved.  Our youth department grew stronger, they represented Christ while playing ball and cheering.    

    From May 6, 1990 to the present time, Pastor Haynes followed the vision endorsed by God.  The Sunday school and Orientation classes grew.  We have the Word of God being taught in Bible Study on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m.  The 1st, 3rd, and 4th Monday nights at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday night’s prayer service & Teacher training classes, Friday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m.    

    A new P.A. system and new telephone system was installed.  Secretary’s office was remodeled with new furniture, computer, and copy machine.  Pastor’s wife office was fully remodeled with new furniture.  “To God be the Glory Great things he has done!!!”    

    In 1991, our church began to progress.  A mini-bus was purchased and paid in full, and a new awning was installed on both sides of the church.  We purchased another lot across the street for parking and we are claiming a new sanctuary for the church soon!    

    We are blessed to have workshops and training seminars for our leaders and the entire church family, regularly, so we might be better prepared to serve and lead God’s people.    

    The Choirs “names” have been changed. It is not in the name, but who you represent.  Children of God representing Jesus Christ, lifting up His name in songs in our choirs are: Youth Choir, Chancellor Choir, Male Chorus and Sanctuary Choir.  Sister Deborah Murray was added to the church as a pianist.  All Missionary Societies and Brotherhoods meet once a monthly (2nd Monday night at 7:00 p.m.)  All Choirs and auxiliaries were combined…one annual Choir Day, all Missions and Brotherhood Day, Men’s and Women’s Day.    

    Pastor Haynes recognizes we are “Great People”.  His prayer is that God gives us the vision to see as He sees.  We can move together and accomplish God’s purpose.    

    In January 1992, ten men were chosen due to good report, Full of the Spirit and Wisdom” capable of using the office well, were set apart publicly to the office and work of deacons.  Candidates for deacons were: Brother Earnest Higgs, Brother Vernon Jackson, Sr., Brother Lonnie Marshall, Brother James Price, Brother William Saffold, Brother Wesby Sanders, and Brother Phillip Woods.    

    God blessed us mightily on December 14, 2004.  We marched into our new sanctuary, new classrooms, and conference center.  Just look where God has brought us from!  We are truly grateful!    

    We don’t want a “full” house of people with “empty” lives and black hearts.  For Hosea 4:6 voices His feelings: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt not be priest to me: Seeing thou hast forgotten the laws of thy God.  I will also forget thy children-He believes, if we return to God’s law and God’s way, God will bring our sons and daughters off the streets and out of the night clubs.  The only way back is through His Word (God’s Word).    

    Pastor Haynes, we are inspired, touched and we benefit from your teaching and the strong leadership you give.  It gives us courage to live a more serviceable and fuller life for Christ.  We thank you Pastor Haynes and give all honor and praises to God for the many souls who’ve come to Christ!    

    On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina came ashore and destroyed much on the Mississippi Coast and parts of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Our church sustained great damage.  Through it all, we will come back stronger than before with God’s grace.    

    Even after Hurricane Katrina, believers continued worshipping the Lord.  The sanctuary was highly damaged; therefore, worship service was held outside in front of the church under tents.  Many came to praise the Lord, for the Word and life necessities such as food, clothing, etc.    

    Within weeks, our worship service moved inside on cement floors and tin chairs.  God blessed us with many church volunteers and organizations that prayerfully helped us by donations and by repairing our sanctuary, classrooms, offices, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.  Our pews and other items were given to this church by Cross Gate Baptist Church in Brandon, MS.    

    Pastor Kenneth Haynes and First Lady Bobbie Haynes were featured in Jet Magazine in the exclusive publication on September 26, 2005 titled Katrina Aftermath: Blacks tell their stories of courage and survival ‘We have hope.’  The couple was noted for their efforts of helping their community and discussed the slow response time of FEMA assistance.    

    We are continually blessed by God to continue our theme: Gain them, Retain them, Constrain them, and Train them (Matthew 28:19, John 15:16-17, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Ephesians 4:12) by spreading this ministry outside of these walls.  Our Pastor, Kenneth Haynes, has preached the Word in different churches where many souls have been saved.  He teaches daily Bible classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9-10 a.m. and Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.  Youth bible classes are Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. under the direction of our youth director Sister Leslie Higgs.  Sunday school is held each Sunday at 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Super Mega Sunday under the direction of Sister Ruth Sanders, was held in July 2004.  She met her goal with approximately 400 in Sunday school. 

    Main Street Missionary Baptist Church was featured in the Sun Herald titled, “And they marched for seven days in Biloxi/Coast congregation strives to win souls within the community”, written by Marquita Smith.  The Biloxi/Coast congregation created their own Jericho March.  They did not have a trumpet player, but they had a saxophonist.  The march was walked through the neighborhood streets, not the city.  Their task was to reclaim their neighborhood.  The march was a silent protest against anything the church considers morally wrong, whether in the world or within the church said Pastor Haynes.  The article stated they marched in the humid temperatures two-by-two with Bibles, a cross and signs that read “War against gambling, Vote for Jesus-He’ll Save You and other signs decrying vices that can divide a community.”

    Deacon Curtis and Sister Lina Cotten along with others are bringing young men to Main Street Missionary Baptist Church on Monday nights for Bible Study, teaching and training them according to the scripture of the bible as a part of their Youth Brotherhood Outreach Ministry.  The street ministry continues under the direction of our Pastor, Reverend Kenneth Haynes, Reverend Thomas Ruffin, Evangelist Catherine Jones, and Evangelist Patricia Kemp on each fourth Saturday of the month.

    January 2007, Reverend Kenneth Haynes served for the time as Grand Marshall in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in the city of Biloxi, Mississippi.  February 2007, new additions were added to the church, such as an elevator.  On March 4, 2007, was a dedication and unveiling of “The Plaque” a stone on the outside wall of the church with a list of the clergymen and the staff members.  On April 16, 2007, was a dedication and ribbon cutting by Reverend Kenneth Haynes, Brother James Cox, and Brother James Taylor for a new youth game room.

    Main Street Missionary Baptist Church is still on the move for Christ working to fulfill God’s commission for the body of Christ. With God’s help, we will reach our destiny.

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