MISSIONARY SOCIETY

Growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord (II Peter 3:18)

 OFFICERS

HISTORY OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY

The first missionary society was organized in 1866 under the leadership of Rev. Prince Murrel. Mrs. Dena Barnes served as its first president and Mrs. Susan Watts served vice president. A sick committee was established during this early period that functioned as an effective area of the missionary society. Pioneering members of the committee were: Mrs. Nancy Little, Mrs. Louisa Anderson, Mrs. Harriet Baker, Mrs. Ann Crawford, Mrs. Nancy Lawson, Mrs. Millie Venable, Mrs. Susan Vandick, Mrs. Frank Frison, Mrs. Mary Lee, Mrs. Louisa Ballum, Mrs. Felix Baker, and Mrs. Andrew Baker. Mrs. Lucy Medlock served as one of the early presidents of this committee.
 

Rev. James Mason organized the first Burial Society called the Christian Aid Society. Mrs. Dean Barnes served as president, Mrs. Cassie B. Moore as secretary, and Mrs. Mary Combs as treasurer. Later in the 1900s, the Missionary Society was reorganized under the administration of Rev. J.H. (Jake) Smith with Mrs. Annie Robinson serving as president. Under Rev. I.T. Simpson, the two organizations were merged (Westside and Eastside) to form the Women’s Missionary Society.
 

Rev. R.W. Coleman introduced the Young People’s Department into the church. Prior to that, the Sunbeam Band was an auxiliary of the Junior Mission and at that time it was the only organization of the church that served the youth. The Junior Mission progressed under the leadership of Mrs. Blanche I. Freeman, who was also State Supervisor of the Alabama Baptist Women’s Department.
 

The “Circle System” was organized so members would not have to travel too far to function in the church. Each circle was intended to serve the members in the geographical section in which it was located. The East End Circle served the members in the eastern section, the West End Circle served members in the western section, and the Good Neighbor Circle served members who lived in the vicinity of the church.
 

Each circle had its officers and met on a regular basis for Bible discussions. Meetings were held in the homes of the members during the week.
 

Each month all circles met at the church and made a report to the General Mission.
 

The Lott Carey Circle was organized November 6, 1961 at the home of Miss Lucy Hargrove.
 

The missionary society was committed to working with the youth. Mrs. Clemmie Coleman, Mrs. Narcissa Turner, Mrs. Katherine C. Bertrand, Mrs. Emma DeVelle, and Mrs. Verdell Prince served diligently as Counselors for the Sunbeam Band. Mrs. Katherine C. Bertrand was one of the early organizers of the Crusaders, a group dedicated to mission work for young men. Innovative women of the church such as Mrs. Susie Summerville, Mrs. Clara Jordan, and Mrs. Estella Veasey organized the Children’s Club.
 

Mrs. H.M. Gibbs organized the Matron auxiliary into the church under the ministry of Rev. William B. Shealey.
 

The YWA was organized for young women in the in-between age bracket. These young ladies were neither Senior Red Circle nor Young Matrons.
 

The Brotherhood was organized under the administration of Rev. Grady Bennett Jr., and Mr. Henry Winston was the first president. Mr. W.T. Bobo and Mr. Henry McCoy also served as president.
 

The Missionary Society continues to function within the church. The society includes 10 missionary groups, with 3 dedicated solely for the youth. The General Mission meets every 2^nd Sunday of the month. Programs are designed that richly enhance the goal of mission work. The chief aim of the Missionary Society is the saving of souls at home and abroad.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICES IN A MISSIONARY SOCIETY 

1.                  It provides opportunities to obey Christ’s commission to all Christians.

2.                  It provides opportunity to pray unitedly.

3.                  It offers an opportunity to study mission fields.

4.                  It gives an opportunity to help save the world.

5.                  It provides an opportunity to give according to one’s ability.

6.                  It provides opportunity for Christian fellowship.

7.                  It provides opportunity for community missions.

8.                  It provides an opportunity to share Christ’s presence.

The Missionary Society is the greatest auxiliary in the Church. “It is the soul winning Agency.” It calls for the consecrated efforts of trained leaders. 

FUNDAMENTALS

 WATCHWORD
I can do all things through Christ which strenghteneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

 SONG
Keep on Believing 

CHIEF AIMS

•         Individual and United Prayer

•         Bible Study

•         Soul Winning

•         Systematic Giving

•         A Prayer Group in every society, gathering before regular society meeting hour

•         To observe the first week in January as the week of prayer

•         We must study the Bible if we would know the authority of all missionary endeavors.

REMEMBER
The chief aim of all Christian work is the saving of souls, Let us help actively,
therefore, in the evangelistic work of our churches and strive individually
to win many souls to Christ. 

OUR SLOGAN
A Missionary Society in every church, every woman a working, praying, contributing member.

 THE MISSIONARY PLEDGE
True to the faith which I possess, that the Lord Jesus Christ desires Christians to be an essential factor in the elevation of fallen humanity,  and that she should render a reasonable service in the salvation of lost souls by giving of her time, talent and her means, I hereby promise to be faithful and punctual in attending the meetings of the Woman’s Baptist Home and Foreign Mission Society, to take part in same, to perform cheerful the duties of saving souls and bring someone to each meeting as far as possible for me to do so, to contribute of my own money for missionary work in the home and foreign fields, to read the Bible daily and continue steadfastly in prayer for the success of missions, both at home and abroad. 

SUNBEAMS 

President                                          TeLeah Byrd
Vice President                                   Taylor Long
Secretary                                          Miracle Lawson
Devotional Leader                              Tameron Long
Devotional Leader                              Matthew Brown

Supervisors:
Sis. Bernida Byrd
Sis. Linda Carter
Sis. Irene Smith
Bro. Michael Brown

COLORS
Yellow and White 

WATCHWORD
Jesus Loves Me. This I Know 

SLOGAN
All the Children of the World Shall Be Taught of the Lord and There Shall be Peace
(Isaiah 54:13) 

PLEDGE
“I Joyfully Pledge to Do What I can For Jesus, Who Loves Me: I will Give Of My
Money, Time, Talent and I Will Pray That All May Know God is Love.” 

MOTTO
“God Is Love” 

OBJECTIVE
To do loving service for Jesus everywhere all the time to all folks everywhere

CRUSADERS/YMA

Crusader Chief                                  Kalon Carter
First Assistant Chief                          Jerome Martin
Second Assistant Chief                     Michael Brown
Third Assistant Chief                         Reginald Bell
Devotional Leader                             Wynton Kemp
Parliamentarian                                Wynton Kemp
Chapter Recorder                              Jonathan Edwards
Chapter Recorder                              Christopher Moss 

COUNSELORS
Sis. Gladys Stringfellow
Bro. Terrell Byrd

MOTTO
Once a Crusade, Always A Crusader

CRUSADER’S CREED
I would be true for there are those who trust me!
I would be pure for there are those who care;
I would be strong for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave for there is much to dare;
I would be friend to all, the for, the friendless;
I would be giving and forget the gift;
I would be humble for I know my weakness;
I would look up and laugh, and love and lift.

RED CIRLCE/YWA

President                                         Crystal Bell
Vice President                                  Valerie Boddie
Secretary                                         Tiffany Long
Treasurer                                          Briana Bell
Chaplain                                           Kara Bell
Special Projects                                Keira Ellis 

COUNSELORS
Sis. Audrey Ellis
Sis. Debra Bell

 OUR MOTTO:
To give my best to the Master by serving Him daily, and to do my best to bring others to Him.

 A YOUNG CHRISTIAN’S PLEDGE:
As a young Christian, I believe in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Holy Bible and the tenements of the Baptist Doctrine. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of my life and as my Savior. I will strive to give Him first place in my life, my thoughts, and in my actions. I will strive to represent Him and please Him in work, play, and in my relationships with others. I will work hard to develop my talents, my mind, body, and spirit so that my life may be a blessing to both God and man. 

I pledge to seek divine help in discovering God’s purpose for my life through daily worship, work, and the study of God’s Word. I will seek to support the cause of Christ, His church, and His ministry; and to enlist others to emulate Him and be led by His Spirit. 

OUR AIM
To unite the young people of all Baptist churches into permanent Missionary organizations, and to enlist and teach them that we may attach to heart and life to the “True Vine,” to build a Missionary minded generation, and lead them to Christ. 

MATRONS 

Chairperson                                                 Sis. Vera Key
Assistant Chairperson                                  Sis. Linda Carter
Secretary                                                    Sis. Bernida Byrd
Assistant Secretary                                     Sis. Irene Smith
Financial Secretary                                      Sis. Jessie Martin
Chaplain                                                      Sis. Mary Kemp
Bible Teacher                                               Sis. Lillie Lawson
Benevolence                                                Sis. Brenda Bell

COUNSELOR
Sis. Laura Cameron

MOTTO
Brightening up the life of someone else will put a fresh shine on your own.

SLOGAN
Help us to keep our lives focused on Thee

MATRON’S PLEDGE
Keep us O God from pettiness; Let us be large in thoughts, in words and in deeds.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking. 

Let us dedicate our talents and give of our time, influence and means of
teaching or spreading the Christian religion at home and abroad. 

To put into action our better impulses, toward our fellowman. To read the Bible and
continue in prayer. To these ends we pledge to devote ourselves and seek divine aid
and guidance daily—that we may become a living witness and a bright shining light
for the Lord.

LOTT CAREY CIRCLE

Chairperson                                                Sis. Ora Wells
Recording Secretary                                    Sis. Willa K. Goodson
Assistant Secretary                                     Sis. Myrtle I. Gray
Financial Secretary                                      Sis. Myrtle I. Gray
Devotional Leader                                         Sis. Myrtle E. Gray
Devotional Leader                                         Bro. L.V. Hall
Bible Teacher/Treasurer                                Sis. Minnie Washington

WEST END CIRCLE 

Chairperson                                                 Sis. Deborah K. Bush
Assistant Chairperson                                  Sis. Janice Cotton
Secretary                                                    Sis. Mildred Knox
Devotional Leader                                         Sis. Mary Smith
Bible Teachers                                             Sis. Vera Key
                                                                   Sis. Frances Martin
                                                                   Rev. Don Key

GOOD NEIGHBOR CIRCLE 

Chairperson                                                  Sis. Betty Lawson
Vice Chairperson                                           Sis. Fannye Gray
Secretary                                                      Sis. Ann Crawford
Treasurer                                                      Sis. Susie F. Jackson
Devotional Leader                                          Sis. Christine McCoy
Bible Teacher                                                Sis. Beatrice Pearson

 EAST END CIRCLE

Chairperson                                                  Sis. Willie Carter
Vice Chairperson                                           Bro. John Stringfellow
Secretary/Treasurer                                       Sis. Gladys Stringfellow
Bible Teacher                                                Sis. Audrey Ellis

NURSES GUILD 

President                                                      Sis. Myrtle I. Gray
Vice President                                               Sis. Linda O’Rourke
Secretary                                                      Sis. Elizabeth Hargrove
Assistant Secretary                                       Sis. Susie Green
Treasurer                                                      Sis. Mary Kemp
Chaplain                                                       Sis. Wilma O’Rourke
Bible Teacher                                                Sis. Lillie Lawson
Assistant Bible Teacher                                 Sis. Lucy Crummie

 THE CHURCH NURSES PLEDGE
I solemnly pledge before God and in the presence of my fellowman, to pass my life
in purity and practice my Christian living faithfully. I will abstain whatever is deleterious
and mischievous: will not knowingly administer hard to my fellowman. 

I, will do all in my power to maintain and elevate my Nursing Ministry Calling and will
hold in confidence all personal matters committed to keeping in my Church,
District, State, and National Affairs. With loyalty, I will endeavor to aid and devote
myself to the welfare of those I come in contact with. Thru Jesus Christ our Lord,
we pledge.  AMEN.

 THOUGHT
A heathen Chinese gave a gift Bible back to the Missionary.
“Every time I read it” he said, “it kicks me.” 

PORTRAIT OF A NURSES’ GUILD 

N         Naturalness as it relates to action and deed
            Caring for the sick and consoling the bereaved 

U         Uniquely she goes out with a helping hand
            Responding to the call of duty all over this land

R         Religiously rendering aid to all in need
            Regardless of race, color, or creed

S          Sowing seeds of kindness—duty wise she goes
            Giving praises to God, from whom all blessings flows

E          Enthusiastic example of Christian Womanhood
            Exemplary in her deportment, going about doing good

S          Sharing with others whatever be tide
            Spreading the mission spirit far and wide

G         God’s beautiful love on display
            Demonstrated by her works day after day

U         Uniform of distinction sets her apart
            As she performs daily, with an understanding heart

I           Immeasurable services for her fellowman
            Always standing ready to do what she can

L          Liberal and loyal on call anytime
            Administering God’s love to all mankind

D         Dedicated, devoted with strong determination
            To carry out God’s plan—pictorial representation
 

 DAILY PRAYER 

MONDAY: Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all selfishness and vanity, so I may see
you with perfect humility through the week ahead 

TUESDAY: Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me to iron out all of the wrinkles of prejudices I have
collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others. 

WEDNESDAY: Mending Day
Oh God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others. 

THURSDAY: Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults that I have been
hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

 FRIDAY: Shopping Day
Oh God, Give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal
happiness for myself and all others in need of love. 

SATURDAY: Cooking Day
Help me my Saviour to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve
it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

SUNDAY: The Lord’s Day
Oh God, I have prepared my house. Please come into my heart as my honored
guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

MINISTERS,’ DEACONS,’ TRUSTEES,’ WIVES 

Chairperson                                                 Sis. Gladys Stringfellow
Co-Chairperson                                            Sis. Minnie Washington
Recording Secretary                                     Sis. Georgia White
Assistant Secretary                                      Sis. Emma J. Melton
Treasurer                                                     Sis. Laura Cameron

PLEDGE
(Deacons’ and Trustee’s Wives
Deaconesses and Trustees Pledge)

I pledge whole heartedly in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior:
            To make myself a living sacrifice for God; 
            To serve humanity when and wherever needed;
           To be a consecrated Christian Deacon’s and Trustees’ wife, Deaconess and Trustee by living a Christ centered life daily,
            To be a willing servant to serve,
           To strive to posses the stewardship qualities needed and required of a Deacons’ or Trustees’ wife, Deaconess and Trustee,
            To reach out and encourage the unsaved ones to become saints of God and witnesses for him, to unite with other Deacons’ wives and Trustees’ wives, Deaconess and Trustees and Trustees’ wives, and witness the call of Jesus Christ through unified efforts; 
            I shall sincerely endeavor to be ever mindful of this pledge and let it serve as a guide to all Deacons’ and Trustees’ wives, Deaconess and Trustees.

DEACONS’ AND TRUSTEES’ WIVES PLEDGE

I pledge alliance to the God of my salvation, by His grace I will stand, one soldier of the cross telling the good news of Jesus with faith and prayer for all. 

MOTTO
If you know – help someone else to learn
If you have – help someone else to get
If you did – help someone else to do
If you see – help someone else to look 

THEME SONG
I Surrender All

 All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live. 

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow.
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now. 

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee.
Fill me with thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall one me. 

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation,
Glory, glory to His name.

 I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee,
My blessed Savior,
I surrender all.