Church History | Promiseland Missionary Baptist Church

Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church’s outstanding endeavors are like the Old Ship of Zion — yet moving on — waving its Spiritual banner inviting Saints and Sinners to get on board. Its mission is clear: Sinners to be saved, and Saints encouraged to continue in the fellowship of believers.

1867 — The Founding

A Covenant Community Is Born

A group of baptized believers in Christ united together to organize a church, naming it Promiseland Missionary Baptist Church. A meeting was held and the first pastor, Rev. Henry Harris, was elected. At first, worship took place in the homes of members. Unified and determined, they built a Bush Arbor on rented land as their first place of worship.

Early Growth

Land, Growth & a Permanent Home

As time went on, more members were added and the church’s financial status grew. Through prayer and hard work, a two-acre plot of land was purchased and a proper church building was erected. The membership continued to grow steadily under the faithful shepherding of its early pastors.

Early 1900s

Fire — Total Loss

Tragedy struck without warning. After a week of spiritual Revival under Rev. Brevard, on a Friday night the church burned to the ground — a total loss. Undeterred, members moved into a schoolhouse on the premises to continue worship. They went door to door soliciting funds; local Millington merchants donated generously. Through community support, another sanctuary was built.

1935 – 1936

Tornado — Again They Rebuilt

A tornado leveled the building completely — for the second time, a total loss. Rev. Steverson and the members returned to the schoolhouse for worship. Through sincere prayer and dedicated work, another church was built and completed by 1947, a testament to the congregation’s unshakeable faith.

1947 — Present

Built to Last

Under the leadership of Rev. W. M. Shelton, Promiseland survived through further trials. The pastoral ministry of Rev. Harold Harvey — who served longer than any other minister in the church’s history — shall never be forgotten. The dedicated members, past and present, know that their success rests on the work of pioneers and on the faithfulness of God.

History compiled by the late Sister Magnolia Russell

A Legacy of Leadership

Pastors Who Have Served

1st

Rev. Henry Harris

2nd

Rev. Jim Simon

3rd

Rev. Samuel Weakley Sr.

4th

Rev. Frank Sanders

5th

Rev. Daniel Becton

6th

Rev. Theodore Brevard

7th

Rev. Allen Voss

8th

Rev. Frank Pennington

9th

Rev. Albert Cooperwood

10th

Rev. C. L. Watson

11th

Rev. Lee Steverson

12th

Rev. W. M. Shelton

13th

Rev. Harold Harvey

14th

Rev. James Burnett

15th

Rev. Gerald Jordan

16th

Rev. Henry Nixon Jr.

17th

Rev. Andrew Chambers

18th

Rev. O. C. Horton

Current Pastor