Mary Elizabeth Baptist church has been on mission in this community for 100 years. Since the church's conception, the members have faithfully worshiped and served our Lord Jesus Christ in this place. The church was organized in May of 1922 by a group of believers that saw a need for a Southern Baptist church in their community. Little did the 22 charter members that met that day in the old College Hill school realize the impact this would make in our community and beyond for our Lord Jesus Christ. By steps of faith and obedience the church grew as the Lord used those who he called and empowered to do His work of love in this community.
Many souls have been saved and countless lives have been touched through the years. Only God himself knows the global impact of those sent and missions supported by this church. The members of Mary Elizabeth have always been aware of the awesome responsibility of our Lord's great commission to our church. The ministries of the church have intentional design to help us fulfill our mission. The Sunday school of Mary Elizabeth is actually older than the organized church and in the early years often was the only service held in the days when a preacher was shared with another congregation. This "hands on" approach of layman volunteers is typical of the church's members using their talents and gifts in the many ministries and auxiliary support groups that have blessed many lives down through the years.
Mary Elizabeth Baptist church has always believed in cooperation. We know we can do more shoulder to shoulder with our sister churches than we ever could do alone. The church has for 100 years cooperated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina as well as the Union Baptist Association. Our congregation is autonomous yet we seek to serve in a spirit of cooperation that has biblical models.
Though the original white church building that was built in 1924 has been encapsulated by brick veneer, additional buildings added, and a new sanctuary built in 2004, the church is more than buildings and land, the Church is the members. The church meets at the church house, and though we sometimes refer to the buildings as the "church" we really mean church house. The church is the group of baptized believers that make up the membership. We are your neighbors, friends and possibly coworkers. The church is family. We are a family that is here for each other in our joys and sorrows. We are a family that is full of grace and forgiveness. We are also accountable to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, loving and serving one another in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring glory to His holy name.
The bright future of Mary Elizabeth church is for more people to be called and empowered by God. Persons who will share our vision, and our desire to serve Jesus out of grateful hearts. To see the same need those charter members saw in 1922. The future is for those who see the need for a Southern Baptist church in their own community, loving and serving in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The possibilities are as big as the God we serve. Could it be that God is calling you to serve here with us?
