Our History

Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in 1965.

Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in 1965.


     On February 12, 1915, a group of ardent followers of Christ assembled and agreed to organize a church to worship God and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church was named Thankful Baptist and located on West Russell Street.  Charter members included Sis. Lizzie B. Graham, Minnie Benyard, Laura Delaney, Dea. and Mrs. Carley, Dea. Evans, and Dea. Orr.   Rev. J.W. Edwards was called as pastor. 


     In August 1965, under the leadership of Rev. E.D. Brooks, the church was rebuilt and moved to its present site.  Over our history a total of 13 ministers have served at the helm of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church and led the members in purchasing a parsonage, renovating the present sanctuary, and adding the J.W. Williams Educational Building in honor and now in memory of our late pastor, Joseph W. Williams.  


     We have two vans available for transport and the adjacent carriage house and a classroom annex on Bolton Street plus additional property which now gives us Thankful Square, two parking lots, and a television ministry viewed on Cable Channel 17 at 6:00 o'clock each Sunday evening.  Thankful is now under the leadership of Dr. Frederick Alan Fearbry, who was installed on May 2, 1999.  Under Pastor's inspired vision, the church is reaching even greater heights in the service of the Lord.