OUR HISTORY

 

In 1952 Rev. Cleveland Smith was ordained as a minister under the pastorship of Rev. James Diggins, Pastor of the Little Rock Baptist Church and Moderator Rev. B.G Gilbert of the Liberty Baptist District Association.  Rev. Cleveland Smith then organized the Jordan Stream Missionary Baptist Church. The church was then located at 3118 Woodland Ave.  Sis Irene Smith (beloved first Lady), Sis Maudie Phillips, and Sis Boomer were three of its first members.  Shortly thereafter the church relocated to 38th and Central.  Rev. J. J Phillips became the assistant Pastor.

 

In 1962 the church was located at 100th and St Clair. Sis Clara Dabbs and others joined. The church relocated again to 9917 St Clair Ave.  Rev. Sam Williamson and wife Sis Mattie Williamson and family became members and others joined.

 

In August of 1974 the church purchased the building at its current location 1539 E 55th Street.  Our church thrived. Many were baptized and funeralized by Rev. Cleveland Smith.  Some of the ministers ordained by Rev. Cleveland Smith were, Rev. Johnny Edwards, Rev. Sam Williamson, Rev. Rates and Rev. Harland Dabbs.  Three churches have been organized out of Jordan Stream Missionary Baptist Church.

 

Rev. Cleveland Smith was a kind and generous man. He was always willing to do whatever he could for his congregation. His wife first Lady Irene Smith was always by his side.  The Lord called her home on the day she so passionately celebrated each year, Women’s Day July 9, 1989.   Rev. Smith then continued on until August 23, 1993, when he passed away.

 

In 1993, Rev. James E Marks was called as Pastor.  Rev. James E Marks began his pastorship on December 10, 1993. The Installation service was held on February 20, 1994. He was installed under Moderator Dr. Rev. A.E. Williams of the Liberty Baptist District Association.  Under the leadership of Pastor Marks the church continued to grow with his wife first lady Sis. Rose Marks by his side. Rev. Lay F. Wilson continued to support the Church as the assistant pastor and superintendent of the Sunday School until he passed away in 2005. Sis. Lucy Wilson  continues to supports the church as the Mother of the church.

 

June 2007 Sis Lonnie Littlejohn became the minister of music until winter of 2012.

 

Pastor Marks faithfully served our church for 16 years until his wife became ill and he could no longer serve as Pastor.

 

In 2010, Rev. Leon Clark was then called to serve as Pastor.  Under his tenure we were blessed to remodel and update building and sanctuary with a roof, new carpet, Church sign and glass block windows were installed.  In 2011 we were blessed to acquire new seating in the church.

 

On February 29, 2012 Rev. B.W. Bennett was installed as our current Pastor.  We have gained new fellowships and are reorganizing under his pastorship. Pastor B.W. Bennett has bought a renewed and regenerated spirit to our congregation. Our hope and vision is to grow and prosper in Christian love, unity, striving to do the will of God.