History of Mildred Baptist Church
Mildred Baptist Church was founded in 1913 by the late Rev. L.R. Jones in Mildred, NC. However, according to our former church elders, the deed dates back to 1910. Worship services were initially held once a month on the third Sunday morning at 11:30 AM. The wooden church building, located on what is now known as Manning Road at the corner of Highway 64, served as the sanctuary. It was equipped with a “potbelly stove” that used coal as a heat source for the church.
Over time, the wooden structure required severe repairs. Under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Knox, it was decided and approved by the members to rebuild the church. The new sanctuary was constructed with cinder blocks. The church continued to expand with the addition of a dining room in the late 1960s under the leadership of Rev. James Walston.
Membership contributions, initially 25 cents, increased to $2.00 and later grew to full tithing as the congregation prospered. In October 1973, Rev. Walter Cherry, Jr., from Battleboro, NC, was elected and accepted as pastor of Mildred Baptist Church.
During his tenure, the Lord gave Rev. Cherry a vision to build a new sanctuary. When members asked, “Where?” Rev. Cherry instructed the Deacons and Trustees to search for land. The first search, led by Deacon Ernest Vick and others, was unsuccessful. However, after being urged to look again, the Deacons returned with good news. The church purchased land located on South Shiloh Farm Road.
With loans approved, the construction of the new sanctuary began and was completed. On the second Sunday, November 10, 1991, the sanctuary and its contents were dedicated. Rev. McNair of Plymouth, NC, provided invaluable assistance during the construction process and preached the dedication sermon at 4:00 PM.
The farewell march from the old church, located just across the railroad track, began at 10:45 AM. Congregants sang the hymn, “Just Look at the Blessing,” as they celebrated the Lord’s provision. The first worship service in the new sanctuary took place on the third Sunday, November 17, 1991, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Walter Cherry, Jr. delivering the sermon.
On January 25, 1992, the church held its first baptism in the new sanctuary, with Sis. Kiya Hyman as the candidate.
Today, 33 years later, we celebrate 114 years of faith and service in the Lord’s name. So, up until today, the Lord has done great things, for which we are glad and very grateful. Our mortgage was paid off in July 1997, and we hold the deed to Mildred Baptist Church.
On the 2nd Sunday, November 9, 1997, at 4pm, we burned our mortgage in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, believing that we must continue working to the Glory of God.
Under the leadership of Rev. Walter Cherry, Jr., we, the members, accepted and began a new project in 2009 to expand our dining room into a Fellowship Hall. The new Fellowship Hall, which seats nearly 300 people, was completed, and we celebrated our 100th Church Anniversary on December 16-17, 2010. The Fellowship Hall was dedicated and named in honor of our former Pastor (The WC Fellowship Hall). Our mortgage burning for the new WC Fellowship Hall was held on March 18, 2018.
Today, November 17, 2024, we celebrate 114 years. We give honor to our past and late Pastors, Ministers, Deacons, Trustees, Mothers, Ushers, Secretaries, and Church Clerks who helped pave the way for our foundation.
We also pay tribute to our former Pastor of 51 years, Rev. Walter Cherry, Jr., for his insight, grace, and ability. On June 5, 2024, the Lord called him home from labor to reward, and he was laid to rest on June 15, 2024.
Rev. Garry Bryant served us on 1st Sunday mornings for over 20 years, beginning in 2003, alongside Pastor Shirley M. Hill (daughter of our church), until the Lord called her to Pastor The Glorious Tabernacle of Faith Church in Tarboro, NC.
Now a new chapter has begun at Mildred following the passing of the late Rev. Walter Cherry, Jr. The church came together once again in unity, facing the void of needing another shepherd to lead our flock. With prayerful consideration, guidance, and the stamp of approval from our former Pastor before his death to move forward, our task of finding another Pastor became an easier transition. The membership met to cast our vote for a new leader on July 21, 2024. The membership unanimously voted for Rev. Garry Bryant. Upon his acceptance, an installation service was held on August 11, 2024, at 3pm, and now Rev. Bryant serves as our current Pastor of Mildred Baptist Church.
Furthermore, we now recognize our current Pastor, Deacons, Mothers, Trustees, Ushers, Finance Secretaries, Recording Secretary, and our Church Clerk.
Now, as we reflect on our past roots to the present, we can truly say, “The Lord is good, and His mercy endureth forever.” As the visions became a reality, our unwavering faith has helped strengthen both the young and older Christians.
This is the history of our 114th Church Anniversary of Mildred Baptist Church.
Pastor: Rev. Garry Bryant
Officers of Mildred Baptist Church
Current Pastor:
Reverend Walter Cherry, Jr., serving faithfully for 46 years.
Current Officers:
- Church Clerk:
- Recording Secretary:
- Sister Yvonne Brown
- Sister Linda Bryant
- Financial Secretaries:
- Sister Peggy Coffield
- Assistant Financial Secretary:
- Sister Yvonne Brown
- Recording Secretary:
Mother Board:
- Mother Edith Worsley
- Mother Christine Newton
- Mother Doris Cherry
- Mother Mary Jones
- Mother Aldean Lyons
Past Officers (Some Deceased):
- Church Clerks:
- Deacon Demius Pittman
- Deacon Wilbert Williams
- Deacon Lorenzo Whitehead
- Financial Secretaries:
- Sister Bonnie Harrison (1925–1954)
- Past Recording Secretaries:
- Mother Beatrice Williams (1954–1989)
- Sister Mattie C. Harrison
- Sister Bonnie Harrison
- Sister Rosa Everette (1954)
- Minnie Pearl Jones
- Pastor Shirley Hill
Construction of the New Sanctuary
In 1990, our pastor, Reverend Walter Cherry, Jr., received a vision from the Lord. Under his leadership, and with the obedience and cooperation of the congregation, construction of our new and current sanctuary began. By September 1991, the sanctuary was completed.
The Church Dedication Service was held on November 10, 1991, at 4 PM, with Reverend Eddie McNair of Mt. Gileone Baptist Church, Plymouth, NC, as the guest speaker.
In November 1996, we celebrated the Mortgage Burning Ceremony of our sanctuary, a testament to God’s blessings and the dedication of the church members.
Celebrating 114 Years
As we celebrate 114 years of God’s faithfulness, we honor our present leaders:
Deacon Board:
- Deacon Augustus Exum
- Deacon Lorenzo Whitehead
- Deacon Herman Holley (Chairman)
- Deacon Samuel Vick
- Deacon Fran Knight (borrowed from Batts Chapel)
Trustee Board:
- Trustee Dorothy Holley
- Trustee Jessie Harris
- Trustee Jeffery Worsley
- Trustee Donald Worsley
- Trustee Marian Exum
- Trustee Dennis Purvis
- Trustee Clifton Everett
- Trustee Alton Williams
Mother Board:
- Mother Dorothy Holley
- Mother Linda Knight
- Mother Thelma Harrison
- Mother Marian Exum
Ministers Called from Mildred Baptist Church:
The Lord has blessed Mildred Baptist Church by calling ministers from among its members. They are as follows:
- Reverend John McNair (Deceased)
- Reverend John H. Williams (Deceased)
- Reverend Bobby D. Williams (Deceased, son of the late Rev. John & Beatrice Williams)
Mildred Baptist Church History
Mildred Baptist Church was founded in 1913 by the late Reverend L.R. Jones. Following Reverend Jones, ten ministers served as leaders of the church:
- Reverend L.R. Davenport
- Reverend Julius Freeman
- Reverend C.B. Branch
- Reverend Charlie Bellamy
- Reverend J.H. Knox
- Reverend Leroy Perkins
- Reverend John McNair
- Reverend James Walston
- Reverend Julius Freeman
- Reverend Walter Cherry, Jr.
According to accounts from some of our late members, the deed of the church dates back to 1910. The original church building was described as a wooden structure that sat across the street from the old sanctuary in the community of Mildred.
In later years, a few deacons, along with the pastor, saw the need to construct a new sanctuary. They built the “Old Sanctuary” from concrete blocks, which still stands today and is now owned by New Freedom Baptist Church in Mildred, NC.
Past Deacon Board (All Deceased):
- Deacon Aldine Whitehead
- Deacon Artis
- Deacon C.C. Everett (Chairman)
- Deacon Moses Staton
- Deacon Demius Pittman
- Deacon Elsie Jones
- Deacon Earnest Vick (Chairman)
- Deacon Wilbert Williams
Past Trustees (All Deceased):
- Trustee Jerome Vick
- Trustee Lafone Bullock
- Deacon Stephen Pratt
- Deacon John Chase
- Deacon Russell Savage
- Deacon Asa Jones
- Deacon Moses Chase
- Deacon Jack Knight
- Deacon Spenser Robinson
Faithful Mother Board (All Deceased):
- Mother Dora S. Jones
- Mother Hattie Pittman
- Mother Lillie Jones
- Mother Maggie Everette
- Mother Mary Savage
- Mother Lottie Gorham
- Mother Beatrice Williams
- Mother Julia Evans
The legacy of Mildred Baptist Church is built upon the dedication and faithfulness of its leaders, trustees, deacons, and mothers, who have played pivotal roles in its rich history.
Join Us
We invite you to join our journey of faith and service. Whether you’re looking for a place to worship, seeking spiritual guidance, or wanting to connect with others, you’ll find a home at Mildred Baptist Church. Come and discover how we can grow together in love and faith.