The History of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church

4602 Eli St., Houston, Texas 77007

 

In the early part of 1919, a group of settlers moved into what is now known as the West End Section of the City of Houston. There were few houses and one Methodist Church in the area at the time. Two settlers, Bro. John Dixon and Bro. George Stubberfield, appealed to Rev. W. M. Jones, a pastor at Mt. Sanai Baptist Church and Vice Moderator of the Independent District Association, to assist them in organizing a Baptist church. After an initial meeting, the church was named St. Mary’s Baptist Church.

 

Rev. R. J. Jordan, an energetic soul- stirring minister associated with Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, was selected as the first pastor of the newly organized church. Initial officers were chosen and, after three months meeting at the foot of Patterson St., the church relocated to 1901 Patterson St. Rev. Jordan served as minister of St. Mary’s for 12 years before being called to pastor a church in San Antonio, Texas. During Rev. Jordan’s tenure, the membership grew.

 

Two ministers briefly succeeded Rev. Jordan as pastors of St. Mary’s MBC: Rev. M.J. Steward of Kansas City, Missouri and Rev. J. L. Lampley of Houston, Texas.

 

Rev. M. H. Hunter succeeded Rev. Lampley and served as pastor for 12 years. During that time, membership continued to grow, the church’s original indebtedness was paid off, and many improvements were made to the building.

 

In 1942, Rev. J. B. Norman was selected as pastor. The church continued to thrive and purchased land to build a sanctuary large enough to accommodate its growing membership. Rev. Norman ordained several ministers and led St. Mary’s for 10 years, before relocating to Beaumont, Tx. Rev. and Mrs. Norman were great spiritual leaders who strived for a program ordained by the Lord.

 

In 1953, Rev. C. S. Gunnells was called to pastor St. Mary’s. In 1964, under the leadership of Rev. Gunnells, the church built and moved to its current location on Eli St. Rev. Gunnells presided over legions of baptisms, weddings, and eulogies, and his legacy includes the training and/or ordainment of numerous ministers, including our current pastor, Rev. Charles C. Davis. Rev. Gunnells served faithfully for 45 years before retiring and joining the church as a member. During that time, he left a lasting impression on hundreds of families in the city of Houston and beyond.

 

Rev. Charles C. Davis was elected as pastor in April, 1999, and humbly continued to strive toward the spiritual growth and development of the church. Progress was been made, members were added, and the Choir, Mission, and other auxiliaries were established. Rev. Davis believes the church should be of service to the community at large. For more than 22 years, he participated in numerous baptisms, weddings, and Homegoing services and made himself available as a mentor to aspiring ministers and to those in need. His mottos were “Is It Well With Your Soul?” and “I Will Trust In The Lord”.

 

In May of 2022 Rev. Charles L. Washington, Sr. was called to serve as pastor of St. Mary's. Rev. Washington is known for his exemplary teaching and preaching. He has a heart for God and God's people. His leadership and vision will continue the legacy of St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, by fostering relationships between the church and community while building the body of Christ.

 

We have come this far by faith, and, although the West End has faced the challenge of gentrification throughout the last three decades, we pray that St. Mary’s, here on the corner of Eli and Fowler, will continue to thrive and serve as a beacon of light to the West End and the community at large.