Our History
At the time when the world was in the midst of turmoil, faced with strife, war, and when ideas were crumbling, the beginning took place with a small gathering of children attending Sunday School conducted by Mrs. Lillie Murray Clark. Due to the large number of children and adults attending Sunday School, Rev L. H. Hendricks and Deacon Johnny Murray decided to organize a church. They solicited help from Rev. Green Hood, Rev. Plese, Deacon Frank Glenn, Deacon Sam Jackson, Deacon Sam Ivory, Deacon Van Murray, Deacon Alex Fields, and Mrs. Mattie Ivory.
Our Legacy of Leadership
Rev L. H. Hendricks 1921-1935
Rev. L. H. Hendricks served as pastor with dignity and pride for 14 years, from 1921 to 1935, during which time King Hill Missionary Baptist Church had its origin. Deacon Johnny Murray served as the first Superintendent of Sunday School, followed by Deacon John Myles as the second superintendent, Brother Jerry Davis as the third superintendent, and Deacon Henry Hardin as the fourth superintendent. The Senior Choir was organized, and Sister Lillie Murray Clark was elected as the first president. She was followed by Sister Mary Glenn Kinds, who served as the second president for 32 years. Sister Annie Derico then served until 1963, when she moved away. She was followed by Sister Fannie Mae Hall and Sister Margaret Burch, who served for nine years. The Senior Usher Board was founded in 1923, with Deacon Sam Jackson serving as the first president. Subsequent leaders included Sister Mary Robinson, Sister Eliza Humphary, who served as president emeritus, Sister Lela Hamilton, and Sister Mary Anderson, who also served as president emeritus. In 1923, Deacon Van Murray purchased the first Communion Table, which is currently located in the back foyer of the church. The Missionary Society was founded by Sister Maggie Pea in 1925, who served faithfully for 40 years. She upheld the mission with dedication, focusing on prayer, singing, outreach to the lost, visiting and aiding the sick, and giving to the poor. The BYPU, later known as the Baptist Training Union (BTU), was organized with Sister Mary Glenn Kinds serving as the director. She was later followed by Sister Willieola Lewis Blair and Sister Josephine Bullock, who also served as directors.
Rev J. W. Lamdon, Rev. J. H. Boswell, Rev Hall, Rev R. B. McTier 1935-1981
In the 1940s, the light of the church shined brighter when Sister Alberta Williams gifted the church with electric lights at a cost of $18.00. In the 1950s, Brother Clifford Laws became Minister of Music and served faithfully for more than 50 years. He was spiritually gifted as both a pianist and organist. Rev. George W. Bozeman was elected pastor in 1958 and served in that capacity for 23 years until his departure in 1981. Under his leadership, church membership grew from 80 to 262 members, and the church was enlarged and completely remodeled, including the addition of a kitchen. During this time, all church debts were paid, the gospel was preached, and programs were established to meet the needs of the congregation. Rev. Bozeman’s guiding slogan was, “Cooperation is like tiny drops of rain; each falling by itself does very little good or harm, but when they come together, they can overflow the Mississippi River.” Usher Board No. II was founded, with Sister Sylvester Salter serving as the first president. Later, the organization functioned as Matrons under the supervision of Sister Frances Robinson. With continued growth and the need for additional space, land was purchased in 1977 to build a new church, followed by the purchase of additional land in 1978. During this period, the position of Church Secretary was established, and Sister Mattie Ivory was elected to serve in that role.
Rev. Bobby Howard 1981-1996
In April 1981, as the church continued to grow, Rev. Bobby Howard became pastor and served faithfully for 15 years, from 1981 to 1996. Under his leadership, church membership increased tremendously. On July 3, 1983, a historic march was held from the old church to the new church, followed by a dedication service. In 1995, Rev. Howard developed the “Gang Escape Plan,” a program designed to help teens and youth who wanted to leave gang involvement. Through this initiative, several young people received assistance and relocated out of state for a fresh start. That same year, the Family Life Center was completed, and a dedication service was held in March 1995 to celebrate its opening.
Rev. Eddie Jasper 1997-1999
Rev. Eddie Jasper served as pastor from October 1997 to October 1999. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Children’s Church Ministry and launching the monthly church newsletter. Sister Katherine Johnson assisted Rev. Jasper with the writing and editing of the newsletter. In January 1998, the Senior Citizens Outreach Program was founded by Sister Maliscie Kirk and Sister Hattie Casby. As a direct result of this outreach initiative, a clothes closet was established and supervised by Sister Ruby Washington and Sister Virgie Mae Stewart.
Rev. Dennis B. Bennett 1999-2004
On October 10, 1999, Rev. Dennis B. Bennett became the next pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist Church. His installation service was held on December 13, 1999. During Rev. Bennett’s first year, the church experienced many improvements, changes, and accomplishments, including the purchase of a new computer system, a new public address system, the formation of a Pastor’s Aide Committee, the acquisition of a new organ, and the establishment of a tape ministry. During this time, the King Hill Inspirational Singers were formed, and a Youth Fellowship Program was initiated by Sister Mary Ann Myles. The church also held its first Annual Spiritual Enrichment Conference in February. In March, Rev. Bennett and church members traveled to Selma, Alabama, to participate in the Bloody Sunday reenactment. The Coalition for Community Improvement was formed through a partnership between King Hill Missionary Baptist Church, the King Hill Community Center, and other neighborhood churches. Sister Mary Ann Myles became president of the Coalition. The church became incorporated, and Rev. Bennett implemented Leadership Enrichment Meetings and Breakfasts. King Hill Missionary Baptist Church held its first annual Valentine’s Day Banquet at the Governor’s House Hotel. On February 18, 2001, an ordination service was held for seven deacons and one minister. Renovations to the pastor’s study, secretary’s office, and finance office were completed by Brother Donald Favor. The church also purchased four duplex apartments in the King Hill neighborhood. Ministers Tyrone Ware and Cheryl Owens, the first woman ordained by Pastor Bennett, were ordained, along with Brother Eric Scott as a deacon. Minister Ware was appointed Youth Minister and focused on the Crusaders, biblical activities, youth seminars, and sports programs. In later years, Minister Ware was blessed with his own church in Greenville, Alabama. Sister Tara Fair organized the first Youth Spiritual Dance Team for ages 12 to 18 and recruited an additional team for children ages 3 to 8. Deacon Eric Scott, Deacon Bobby Sledge, Brother Sam Frazier, and Sister Katherine Mitchell were later ordained as ministers. In May 2002, a church van was purchased through pledges made by members as part of a fundraiser for the 81st Church Anniversary held in March 2002. This marked the beginning of the Transportation Ministry, with Deacon James Myles and Sister Karen Matthews serving as drivers. In 2003, the church sponsored a basketball team through the YMCA League, coached by Brother Chester Mumpfield and Sister Deborah Benton. Later that year, Pastor Bennett formed the Evangelism and Assimilation Ministry to help new members understand church functions and become actively involved. The Food Ministry was also implemented, allowing Deacon James Myles to collect food from the food bank and distribute it to those in need. Sisters Virgie Mae Stewart, Mary Anderson, and Mamie Faulkner assisted with this ministry. In July 2004, Rev. D. B. Bennett resigned as pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Eric C. Richardson 2005-2010
On February 5, 2005, Rev. Eric C. Richardson preached his first sermon as the full-time Pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist Church. During his leadership, the church’s vision and purpose statements were clearly defined and implemented. In 2005, the Prayer Ministry was established, with Sister Mahalia Kirk selected as its leader, and the Stewardship Ministry was also formed, with Sister Gloria Derico serving as president. Rev. Richardson introduced the Noon-Time Spiritual Break, held every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., providing a dedicated time for prayer and reflection. During this period, the church also organized its first Male Chorus.
Rev. Jeffrey H. Owens, Sr. 2010-present
On May 2, 2010, Rev. Jeffrey H. Owens, Sr. was installed as Pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the Men’s and Women’s Ministries were revamped and have become a strong presence for the Pastor, Associate Pastors, members, and the community. The Men’s Ministry is under the leadership of Brother Thaddeus Coles, and the Women’s Ministry is led by Minister Karen Matthews. Church members and the community also participated in the Thanksgiving “Turkey Day Parade” for the first time in decades, an event coordinated by Sister Ulonda Casby. With the help of the Community Development Corporation, coordinated by Sister Mary Ann Myles, the church established a community garden, launched an annual May Fest Day with food and games for the community, and hosted conferences focused on health and wellness. The Youth Department was put in place to ensure that all youth are educated through the Bible, participate in church activities, attend other programs within the district, and remain physically active through the athletic department, chaired by Deacon Chester Mumpfield. From 2020 to 2023, in order to continue serving the Lord during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Owens made it possible to hold parking lot services, Zoom and Facebook services, and in-person services in the building while following safety guidelines set by the CDC.