St. James celebrates 103 years of worship/successful VBS

By Haley Mitchell Godwin

St. James Missionary Baptist Church marked a significant milestone June 23, celebrating 103 years of praise and worship. The celebration was attended by approximately 75 congregants and featured Reverend Richard Russell from Promise Land Baptist Church in Millbrook as the guest speaker.

In addition to the anniversary celebration, St. James held their annual bible school July 8-12. A cherished tradition, this year’s theme was “Shine”. The culmination of the Bible school saw 24 youth enjoying a day at Water World in Dothan. A 14-year-old church member, Chelsea Owens, expressed her pride and hopes for the future of the church.

“Our youth group is important because you get more in depth with the church and it brings you closer to God in a way that you may love,” Owens said. “When you shine it means to let your light come out from within and use that light to be an example and guide others to Christ. Being a part of such a historical church is exciting and makes me feel included, because I will soon be history as well and you never know, maybe one day a very important part of our church history.”

Founded in 1921, St. James Missionary Baptist Church began as a simple one-room structure following the brush arbor days, a period that was a true testament to the resilience and faith of the congregation when services were held in rudimentary shelters made of pine poles and rooves fashioned from brush, branches or hay.

In 1946, the St. James Baptist Church Colored School was built on church property. Under the leadership of Professor Horton Williams, the school served grades one through six. The school operated until 1956 when closed by order of the Crenshaw County School Board with 67 students enrolled.

The original church was a “T” shape to symbolize the cross of Jesus, the design retained in the 1967 rebuild.
In the 1920s, St. James was a haven for African Americans working for meager wages in farming, a place where children received education from elders with teaching degrees, learning basic life skills, important curriculum and the value of respect.

The church’s philosophy has been upheld since the church’s inception. According to church member Betty Dawson it continues to serve as a place of solace, peace and security for the community, offering spiritual guidance and social gathering opportunities where fellowship abounds.

“They also receive education on the history of blacks’ struggle for equality and voting rights,” Dawson said. “They learn how to speak in public and put on plays for different holidays and special occasions. There are basketball goals and picnic tables for them to enjoy physical activities.

“Our scholarship program, established in 1992, is a source of pride for the entire church. We assist our children who go to college or technical school with funds each semester. We also allow others in our local school system to apply for the Shermaine Foster Scholarship. We pray that they will return to the community and encourage others to pursue their dreams and goals.”

The church offers an incentive program to reward children graduating from kindergarten, sixth grade and twelfth grade as well as a scholarship program that has flourished under the current pastor, Reverend Samuel Lowery.

Johnnie Dillard, the oldest member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church at 93 years old, attended the old church school and is the widow of Nathaniel Dillard, one of the founding fathers.

“This church was all about getting an education and learning how to be a good Christian person,” Dillard said. “We learned good manners as well as learning our lessons, and our church continues this tradition today.”

Next on the calendar of events for St. James Missionary Baptist Church is a kickball tournament that will be held July 27 starting at 9 a.m. at E.L. Turner Park. For more information on the tournament call 334-304-0473.

Morning services are held every Sunday at 11 a.m. with additional services offered. For more information on services, contact Pastor Samuel Lowery at (205) 299-9695.

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