Church History

Early in the 1800s black and white people attended the same church, Montgomery Hill Baptist Church Tensaw, AL. In 1868, the black members decided to build their own church, Bell Mount Church was formed. Rev. Mayo, who was very helpful in forming the church, served as pastor from 1868-1892; Rev. Gates served as pastor from 1892-1899; Rev. Spradley from 1899-1902; Rev. John Henry Munnerlyn from 1902-1905. Rev. Keny from 1905-1909 and in 1909, the church was changed to Antioch #1 Baptist. Also during that time, some members pulled out and formed Antioch #2 Baptist Church. Rev. Lovious was pastor from 1909-1913. Between the years of 1913-1915, the church was without a pastor. Rev. Jacobs served as pastor from 1915-1917, Rev. W.O Alexander served as pastor from 1922-1926. From 1926-1927, the church was again without a pastor. Rev. J.M Roberson was pastor from 1927-1942.

In 1952, under the leadership of Rev. J.H Johnson, the church moved to its present location (county road 80 west, 3 miles west of state highway 59). The church was rebuilt in 1952 and named First Baptist Church. The officers were Dea. W.M Miller, Dea. Ed Moore Sr., Dea. C.H Tunstall, Dea. C.H Booker, Dea. Roosevelt Moore, Dea. Elmer Munnerlyn Sr., Dea. J.H Carter and Dea. Sam Williams. Trustees were Bro. Percy King, Bro. Tom Abram and Bro. Henry Howard. In 1965, Rev. G.L King became pastor of the First Baptist Church. In 1969, the church was remodeled. The officers were Dea. C.H Tunstrall, Dea. Ed Moore, Dea. Elmer Munnerlyn, Dea. Roosevelt Moore, Dea. Robert Tunstall, Dea. John Carter, Dea. Johnny Bassett and Dea. Johnny Boston.

As years passed, First Baptist Church was renamed First Missionary Baptist Church. Also at this time, Rev. King saw the need for an additional Deacon. As a result, Dea. Eddie Lee Munnerlyn was appointed to the Deacon Board. Also, Dea. Charles Wilmer Howard was appointed to the Board as well. There were three associate ministers, Rev. Boston, Rev. Abram and Rev. Gaines. At that time, the trustees were Bro. Lewis Baker, Bro. Charles Howard, Bro. Percy King, Bro. Fred Lynch, Bro. Johnny Williams, Bro. David Hooks, Bro. Clarence Williams and Bro. A.C Williams.

Years went by and Rev. King’s health began to fail. Until the death of Rev. King, he was recognized as Pastor Emeritus by the members of First Missionary Baptist Church. In May of 1996, Rev. Steve M. Clausell was elected as pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church. Prior to Rev. Clausell’s appointment, he preached for First Baptist for two years. The church made significant changes under the leadership of Rev. Clausell. The church cafeteria was remodeled, dates were change in the church calendar and new officers were added to the Deacon Board. Dea. Malcolm Jackson and Dea. John Henry Munnerlyn became ordained Deacon’s. Also, Rev. Clausell appointed Sis. Nettie Williams as mother of the church. Pastor Clausell also saw the need to add an Intermediate class, along with the primary and junior classes of the Sunday school. He also added Youth counselors and a Brotherhood organization. From February 6, 2005 to November 2005, the church was once again without a pastor.

On November 6, 2005, the church received a blessing from God! Rev. Leo Campbell was elected pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church Tensaw, AL. On January 14, 2006, Dea. Judge M. Jackson was elected as church clerk. Dea. Eddie L. Munnerlyn resigned after 23 faithful years of service. In addition, Sis. Gemma Campbell and Sis. Sarah Jones, Sis. Nettie Lynch took the youth choir to another level. We thank God and we give God all the glory. On September 13, 2006, construction began as there were additions made to the church that included new men & women restrooms, Pastor’s study and Secretary Office. The construction project was completed December 1, 2006.

In addition to the construction project under the leadership of Pastor Campbell, there was also a male chorus established: Bro. Clarence Williams (President), Dea. John Munnerlyn (Vice President) & Bro. Dominic Tunstall (Secretary). On Sunday, April 17, 2008, the church embarked upon another construction project. New windows were installed, painted and replaced. In 2008, Pastor Campbell saw the need for another Trustee, as such, Bro. James Munnerlyn was added to the Board. On April 27, 2008, Pastor Campbell saw the need to add a Matron department to the church. Sis. Gemma Campbell served as President.

On May 9, 2009 the church installed new carpet and pew covers for the sanctuary. This project was complete in June of 2009. Also in 2009, a mime team was organized under the direction of Sis. Gemma Campbell and Brandon Campbell. The mime team was made up of youth from the church of various ages. The mission of the team was to reach the hearts in need of a word from the Lord, without saying a word.

In March 2010, the sidewalk of the church was completed. Just a few months later in July 2010 the church parking lot was renovated.

As time passed by, Pastor Campbell saw the need to add more Deacons to the board. On March 25, 2012, Bro. Thomas Cox and Bro. Bernard Gatrey were ordained. Later on Pastor Campbell begin to see the need to add to the Trustee Board. Bro. Tommy James was added on April 17, 2013.

We thank God for all that he has done! We give God the Glory!!