The Lighthouse on the Hill
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.
Rev L. H. Hendricks 1921-1935
Rev L. H. Hendricks served as the pastor with dignity and pride for 14 years from 1921 - 1935, and thus, the 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 second superintendent, Brother Jerry Davis as third superintendent, and Deacon Henry Hardin as fourth superintendent.
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The Senior Choir was organized and Sister Lillie Murray Clark was elected and served as the first president. Sister Mary Glenn Kinds (2nd president) served for 32 years, Then Sister Annie Derico served until 1963 when she moved away, Sister Fannie Mae Hall and Sister Margaret Burch (served 9 years).
The Senior Usher was also was founded in 1923 and Deacon Sam Jackson served as the first president. Later, Sister Mary Robinson, Eliza Humphary (president emeritus), Sister Lela Hamilton and Sister Mary Anderson (president emeritus).
In 1923, Deacon Van Murray purchased the first Communion Table which is currently in the back foyer of the church.
The Missionary Society was founded by Sister Maggie Pea in 1925 and served for 40 years. She held a bright light for its principle, singing and praying for the loss, visiting and aiding the sick and giving to the poor.
The BYPU, later known as Baptist Training Union (BTU), was organized and Sister Mary Glenn Kinds served as the Director. Later Sister Willieola Lewis Blair and Sister Josephine Bullock served as directors.
Rev J. W. Lamdon, Rev. J. H. Boswell, Rev Hall, Rev R. B. McTier 1935-1981
In the 1940’s, our light shined brighter as the church was gifted with electric lights by Sister Alberta Williams for a cost of $18.00.
In the 1950’s Brother Clifford Laws became the Minister of Music and served over 50 years. He was spiritually gifted as the pianist and organist.
Rev. George W. Bozeman was elected pastor in 1958 and he served in this capacity for 23 years until his departure in 1981. Under his leadership, the membership grown from 80 to 262 members, the church was enlarged and completely remodeled with the addition of the kitchen.
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All debts were paid. The gospel was preached and a program was put in place to serve our needs. Rev. Bozeman slogan was “Cooperation is like the tiny drops of rain; each falling to itself does a very little good or a very little harm. But when they get together, they will overflow the Mississippi River”.
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Usher Board No. II was founded and Sister Sylvester Salter served as the first president. Later, the organization worked as Matrons under the supervision of Sister Frances Robinson. With continued growth and need for more space, in 1977, land was purchased to build a new church and in 1978 additional land was purchased. The Church Secretary position was established and Sister Mattie Ivory was elected.
Rev. Bobby Howard 1981-1996
April 1981 - Still growing, Rev Bobby Howard became pastor and served 15 years from 1981 – 1996. Under his leadership, the membership increased tremendously. On July 3, 1983, a march from the old church to the new church and a dedication service was held.
In 1995, Rev Howard developed the “Gang Escape Plan” for teens/youth who wanted to get out of the gangs. Several youths received help and moved out of the state through this plan for a fresh start. The Family Life Center was built and the dedication service soon followed upon its completion March 1995.
Rev. Eddie Jasper 1997-1999
Rev. Eddie Jasper served as the pastor from October 1997 to October 1999. He was instrumental in establishing Children’s Church Ministry and the monthly church newsletter. Sister Katherine Johnson assisted Rev. Jasper in writing and editing of the newsletter.
In January 1998, The Senior Citizens Outreach Program was founded by Sisters Maliscie Kirk and Sister Hattie Casby. As a direct result of the Outreach Program, the clothes closet was put into place and was 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. Installation service was held on December 13, 1999. During Rev. Bennett’s first year, the church was blessed with improvements, changes, and accomplishments such as: a new computer system, a new P.A. system, pastor aide committee, new organ and tape ministry.
The King Hill Inspirational Singers were formed. A Youth Fellowship Program was initiated by Sister Mary Ann Myles. The church 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 re-enactment.
The Coalition for Community Improvement was formed among King Hill Missionary Baptist Church, King Hill Community Center and other neighborhood churches. Sister Mary Ann Myles became the president of the Coalition. The church became incorporated and Rev Bennett implemented the Leadership Enrichment Meetings/Breakfast.
King Hill Missionary Baptist Church first annual Valentine Day Banquet w as held at the Governor’s House Hotel. On February 18, 2001 ordination service was held for seven deacons and one minister.
Renovations to the pastor’s study, secretary’s office and the finance office were completed by Brother Donald Favor.
Four (4) Duplex apartments were purchased in the King Hill neighborhood by the church. Ministers Tyrone Ware and Cheryl Owens (first woman to be ordained by Pastor Bennett, Brother Eric Scott was also ordained as a deacon. Minister Ware was appointed the Youth Minister and focused on the Crusaders, biblical activities, youth seminars and sports activities. Later in the years, Minister Ware was blessed with his own church in Greenville, AL.
Sister Tara Fair organized the first youth Spiritual Dance Team for ages 12 – 18 and recruited a team for the ages of 3 – 8. Deacon Eric Scott, Deacon Bobby Sledge, Brother Sam Frazier and Sister Katherine Mitchell were ordained as ministers.
May 2002 a van was purchased through pledges made by members of the church as a fundraiser for the 81st Church Anniversary in March 2002. Thus, this was the beginning of the Transportation Ministry. Drivers were Deacon James Myles and Sister Karen Matthews.
In 2003, the church sponsored a basketball team through the YMCA League. Brother Chester Mumpfield and Sister Deborah Benton were the coaches. Later in 2003, Pastor Bennett formed the Evangelism/Assimilation Ministry—a ministry for new members in regards to the church functions and helping new members become active in the church.
The Food Ministry was implemented which allowed Deacon James Myles to pick up food from the food bank and distribute to those in need. Sisters Virgie Mae Stewart, Mary Anderson, and Mamie Faulkner assisted with the ministry.
In July 2004, Rev. D. B. Bennett resigned as the Pastor.
Rev. Eric C. Richardson 2005-2010
On February 5, 2005, Rev. Eric C. Richardson preached his first sermon as Pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist as a full time Pastor. The vision and purpose statements were defined and implemented. The Prayer Ministry was formed and Sister Mahalia Kirk was selected as leader in 2005. The Stewardship Ministry was also formed and Sister Gloria Derico serves as President. The Noon-Time Spiritual Break was held every Wednesday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm by Rev Richardson. The first Male Chorus was formed.
Rev. Jeffrey H. Owens, Sr. 2010-present
On May 2, 2010, Rev Jeffrey H. Owens, Sr. was installed as the Pastor of King Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
The Men and Women Ministries were revamped and have made a strong presence to the Pastor, Associate Pastors, Members and the Community. Men Ministry is under the leadership of Bro. Thaddeus Coles and Minister Karen Matthews is the leaders of the Women’s Ministry.
Church members and the community participated in the Thanksgiving “Turkey Day Parade” for the first time in decades, Sister Ulonda Casby coordinated the event.
With the help of the CDC, which is coordinated by Sister Mary Ann Myles, the church formed a community garden, annual May Fest Day with food and games for the community and conferences on health and wellness.
The Youth Department is put in place to ensure that all youth are educated by the Bible, participate during church activities, attend other programs in the district, and keep their bodies active during physical activities with the athletic department, chaired by Deacon Chester Mumpfield.
From 2020–2023, to continue to serve the Lord with COVID guidelines that affected the coming of church members to meet. Rev. Owens made it possible to have parking lot, Zoom, Facebook, and face-to-face services in the building by following the safety guidelines set by the CDC.
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