About Us
The history of St. Paul Baptist Church
The St. Paul Baptist Church was established in the year of our Lord, 1893, with the late Rev. Arthur Burnett as the first pastor. He served until his death on November 11, 1928 with thirty five (35) years of dedicated service.
After the death of Rev. Arthur Burnett, his son, the late Rev. Frederick Burnett became the second pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church. He served for a while until the third pastor, the late Rev. Wash Adams was elected. Rev. Adams served until his death in 1950.
In 1950, the late Rev. Morris Stephens was elected the fourth pastor of the St. Paul Baptist Church. On July 16, under Rev. Stephens’ leadership, a new building was erected on St. Paul Road. It was completed and dedicated, to the Lord, in 1962. Rev. Morris Stephens was pastor for twenty three (23) years.
After the death of his father, Rev. Ulysse Stephens served the St. Paul Baptist Church as acting pastor for one year. He was elected the fifth pastor on January 5, 1975. The St. Paul Baptist Church was incorporated as a non-profit organization during his administration. Rev. Stephens reign as pastor for nine (9) years.
The sixth pastor was Rev. Samuel Singleton Jr., who was elected on June 28, 1983. The St. Paul Baptist Church had taken tremendous strides, both spiritually and financially. After the procurement of the property for the new church site, construction and completion was in April 1992. Rev. Singleton served until illness befell him. Rev. Singleton was called home on January 24, 2004.
On April 13, 2004, Rev. Roosevelt McMeller, Sr. became the seventh pastor of the St. Paul Baptist Church. Under the 5 year leadership of Rev. Roosevelt McMeller the church’s mortgage was paid off and the note burned. Because of his guidance the church van was purchased, the Samuel Singleton, Jr. multi-purpose building was erected and the property adjacent to the church was purchased.
On October 3, 2010 Rev. Raymond A. Williams, Jr. became the eighth pastor of the St. Paul Baptist Church. Rev. Williams’ vision was to continue to grow St. Paul to a level of spirituality and excellence pleasing to God. He spent a year (1) and six (6) months with us at Saint Paul Baptist Church.
On June 3, 2012 St. Paul Baptist Church was blessed by divine favor with its ninth and present pastor, Reverend Lauthaught Delaney, Jr.
What We Believe
We Believe in God
We believe there is only one true and living God. He is immutable, indefatigable and infinite. He is an intelligent Spirit, reality and creator of all. He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We Believe in Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus is Savior, Lord Christ, and the incarnate reality of God. He is the walking revelation of God's love to humanity. He embodied grace. He died on the cross for the redemption of God's creation, and He got up on Easter morning to confirm to the world that God is still in control of heaven and earth.
We Believe in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is Christ in present tense empowering the believer, energizing the church and encouraging Christians that God is still with us. He convicts of sin. He points us to truth. He leads us into righteousness.
We Believe in the Church
We believe in the church. The church is the prolonged incarnation of Jesus Christ; His body, bride and building witnessing to the world through word and sacrament. The church is a fellowship of regenerated men and women called out to live together in community life.
We Believe in the Holy Scriptures
We believe that the scripture is God's word. It is His written authority for the Church. The scripture was given to ordinary men through inspiration. The scripture is inerrant in principle and infallible in content.
We Believe in Humanity
We believe man was created in the image of God. God breathed His life into man; man voluntarily rebeled against God and fell from a state of perfection, thereby experiencing separation from God; consequently, all men are sinners. By choice, man is redeemable through Jesus Christ in his only hope to experience the peace of God.
We Believe in Salvation
We believe in God's saving grace. The blessings of salvation are free to all through the Gospel. The requisite of acceptance is a thankful, penitent and obedient faith. Nothing interferes with the salvation of the sinner except his refusal of the Gospel. Therefore, man's disbelief is his condemnation.
We Believe in Justification
We believe that justification is being brought into a right relationship with God. His position is accomplished without consideration of good works (of righteousness). Justification is the pardoning of sin, the gift of eternal life displays God's love for human-kind; and that by faith in the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ His righteousness was given to us.
We Believe in the Lord's Supper and Baptism
We believe baptism is an ocular demonstration of God's inward renewal in the life of the believer. In baptism, our names are changed. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are placed under the authority of God's power and protection. It is the symbol of Christ's death, burial and resurrection to a new life. It is a prerequisite to the privileges of the church in relation to the Lord's Supper. Jesus Christ took bread and wine and established them as the imperishable symbols of the church. The Lord's Table is open to all people in the faith who desire to fellowship with Him.
We Believe in the Virgin Birth
We believe in the Virgin Birth. Mary, mother of Jesus, conceived Him by the Holy Spirit. He is without sin. He was born of a virgin as no other man in the past or in the present can ever be born. He is both the Son of God and God the Son.
