Our History

"Put GOD First!" The theme of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The word "history" from the Church's perspective and the Bible's depiction is "HIS" story! God has been writing HIS story here at St. James Missionary Baptist Church and for that we give God all Praise due to HIS Holy Name. God gave the late Rev. Cecil Hawkins a vision to organize and build a Church. Rev. Hawkins was obedient and carried out the mission and was the first Pastor of this Church. On August 10, 1985, a meeting was convened at the home of Rev. Cecil and Thelma Hawkins to organize the Church. Present at the initial meeting were Sister Evelyn Byrd, Sister Lilly Herring, Sister Jorene Murray-Coleman, Sister Gale Cody, Sister Virginia Livingston, Brother Johnny Byrd and Deacon Donald Reese.  After prayer seeking GOD's guidance, the preamble and constitution were read and adopted. In this meeting St. James Missionary Baptist Church was organized.

God had given Pastor Cecil Hawkins a vision to erect a sanctuary on property that he personally owned. That property would be 5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia. Rev. Hawkins was determined to carry out the vision God gave him and expeditiously began construction on the property in May 1986. The Dedication service of the Church was held on December 28th, 1986.

Residing Minister was Rev. Alex Williams, Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church. Brother Brad Murray, the son of Sister Jorene Murray Coleman was the first member to be baptized at St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Cecil Hawkins was at the initial sermon on the 3rd Sunday in January 1987 became terminally ill very shortly after the completion of the edifice and stated that GOD shared with him that Rev. Ralph W. Huling would be the one to carry out the mission that GOD assigned him. Rev. Huling was summoned to be the Assistant Pastor two weeks after his initial sermon by Rev. Cecil Hawkins and St. James Missionary Baptist Church. After a lengthy illness GOD called Rev. Cecil Hawkins from labor to reward on May 22, 1987. The church mourned the loss of their splendid and business-like organizer for 90 days, then by majority vote called Rev. Ralph W. Huling to become the second Pastor of the church.

The Church has undergone numerous projects to enhance its overall appearance, upkeep and growth. God has truly been good as HE writes "HIS" Story at St James! The church has been blessed to participate in all Baptist Conventions including local, state, national and even international levels. The members of St. James were able to achieve two significant milestones; one being a mortgage burning service and the other was paying the final notes on the church bus.

With Pastor Huling's continue quest for knowledge and experience speaking and teaching the word of God, locally, regionally and nationally along with his strong spiritual leadership St. James Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed through the years. This is GOD's History at St. James, and we are grateful to be HIS Stewards over the many Blessings He has bestowed upon HIS Church as it continues to grow by the grace of God and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
  

  • Oct

    11
    Worship Service
    Time: 11:00 a.m.
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  • Oct

    7
    Bible Study
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
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  • Oct

    7
    Youth Bible Study
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
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  • Sep

    21
    40TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
    Date: September 21, 2025
    Time: 11:00 a.m.
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  • Sep

    15
    THE SONS OF THUNDER MT. CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION LAYMEN AUXILLARY
    Date: September 15, 2025
    Time: 7:00 p.m.
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  • Sep

    28
    SJMBC ON PROGRAM @ MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH
    Date: September 28, 2025
    Time: 2:00 p.m.
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