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Message
from The Pastor
Welcome to Owens Chapel Missionary Baptist Church! We feel that it is by the providence of God that you
are here with us. You bring to our church special gifts and talents that only you possess to be used for the glory of God in this congregation. As you prayerfully consider your place in the ministries that we have, be mindful that it is the Holy Spirit who leads, guides and directs us in the way that He would have us to go.
As Moses said to his father-in-law in Numbers 10:29, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good...". It is our earnest desire that you will be a part of the ministries of Owens Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. In this brochure listing the ministries of our church, it is our hope that you will find many opportunities to serve God by helping to advance His kingdom here on earth.
We are striving to minister to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the body of Christ, beginning in this local assembly and reaching out to the entire world, as God directs. Our main goal is to carry out the great commission as stated in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost...".
We look forward to your being involved in everything that we do as a church family. For we are the church where, "The Word of God is Preached, And The Love of God is Practiced." May the rich blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you and your family as you begin this journey with us.
Dr., H. Wendell Thompson, Sr., and Wife JoAnn
Our Church History
The church was organized in 1912 by Reverend G. W. Owens as the Darwin Street Missionary Baptist Church and was later renamed the Owens Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
In the mid 1920's, Sister Odell Fletcher, a member of the church since 1914, desired that the congregation formulate programs like those held at larger churches. Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and the Missionary Society became functional during that period. Also during that time, a communion set was purchased, replacing the jelly glasses and tin pan that had been used.
In the late 1920's, music was added to the worship service. A used organ was acquired along with the services of Sister Bessie Roper as organist on a part time basis. New furniture was also purchased for the church in the late 1920's. Two pieces of that furniture (a desk and chair) are still in use today and are located in the Church's Usher's Lounge.
Past Pastors that have served our congregation include:
Reverend George Gains (1917-1919)
Reverend Maylon Lanier (1920-1951) The church is credited with its greatest progress under the leadership of Reverend Lanier. In the mid 1920's, Sister Odell Fletcher, a member of the church since 1914, desired that the congregation formulate programs like those held at larger churches. Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and the Missionary Society became functional during that period. Also during that time, a communion set was purchased, replacing the jelly glasses and tin pan that had been used. In the late 1920's, music was added to the worship service. New furniture was also purchased for the church in the late 1920's. Two pieces of that furniture (a desk and chair) are still in use today and are located in the Church's Usher's Lounge.
Reverend William Gwinn
(1952-1954)
Reverend A. R. Ratliff (1954-1957)
Reverend James Irvin McGahee (1958-1969) Under Reverend McGahee's leadership the church was relocated and renovated at Lowry Street.
Reverend Edward E. Morton (1970-1976)
Reverend Herbert W. Thompson (1977-1990) Under Reverend Thompson's 1st leadership the membership increased to about 200 and tithing became a reality.
Reverend Wallace D. Steele (1990-1995) Under Reverend Steel's leadership the mass choir and the trustees board were reorganized. Also under Reverend Steele's leadership the church realized a ten-year dream foreseen by Reverend Thompson to construct a new church facility. The construction of the new church on Elton Road was completed in February of 1994.
Reverend Robert J. Brown, Jr. (1995-2001)
Reverend H. Wendell Thompson, Sr. (2002-Present) Since the re-election of Pastor Thompson, new ministries have been formed and are actively working. Under Pastor Thompson's leadership the church facility has been enhanced; new chandeliers have been added in the sanctuary and portable classrooms have been added to the property.
