Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church
127 Spring Hill Drive
Florence, MS
Reverend Terry L. Myers, Pastor
Home601-845-8167
Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Florence, MS
Celebrating 155 Years
1863-2018
“Upon this Rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”
(Matthew 16:18)
Under the spiritual vision of Rev. John C. Brinson in 1863, our church has weathered the storms of life. From the basement of Steen’s Creek (First Baptist Church) in Florence, from a brush harbor made of tree limbs and branches; from the Steen Creek and Byram Road area (about 1/2 mile west of here) to our present location -127 Spring Hill Drive, by the grace of God, we made it.
As we reflect on the past, we thank God for the life, and works of those torchbearers who paved the way. First, God touched the heart of President Abraham Lincoln who signed the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. Shortly thereafter, several of the black members of Steen’s Creek asked for letters of dismissal so they could establish a place to worship for themselves. Second, the generosity of-Mr. Smith (with no first name recorded). He allowed the congregation to use a house on his property for worship. He later gave them an acre of land to build a church that became known as Spring Hill Baptist Church.
Under the auspices of Spring Hill M.B. Church, (known as the Mother Church) several organizations were started. The Spring Hill District Association was organized in 1869, with Rev. John C. Brinson as the first Moderator. Three additional pastors from Spring Hill have served as Moderator: Rev. A.C. Morris, Rev. W.L. Hardy, and Rev. Terry L. Myers. The Spring Hill District Singing Convention was organized. The Spring Hill District Sunday School Institute was organized in 1916 with Rev. Lionel Quick as the first President. Deacon George Green of Spring Hill currently serves as the President. The Spring Hill District Women’s Institute was organized in November 1922 in Board No. 2 at Rock Hill M.B. Church by Sis. Mary M. McCalip. The first President was Sis. Florence Bell.
In 1896, the Spring Hill Church School was organized with 3 trustees: J.L. Brown, W.H. Mason and C. A. Thomas. The Spring Hill Normal and Industrial Institute was chartered by the State of MS in 1903. A school and a dormitory was built for teachers and students at Spring Hill. The school existed as a boarding school for a few years for boys and girls in grades pre-primer through the eighth grade. In 1958, the Spring Hill School ceased to exist as a public school and was consolidated with the newly established McLaurin High School.
After the death of Pastor Brinson, Rev. James Henry became the second pastor. He later became the founder of Brown Hill M.B. Church in Florence. The first 5 deacons (recorded) were crowned under the leadership of the third pastor, Rev. A.C. Morris. They were: James Brown, Dave Farlins, W.H. Mason, Ezekiel Proctor, and John Smith. Pastor Morris served for 22 years (the longest term of any pastor) and resigned in 1910.
Rev. W.L. Hardy was the fourth pastor to serve Spring Hill. He crowned one deacon: W.B. Bracey. Rev. M.L. Gray was the fifth pastor. He also crowned one deacon: David L. Foster. Rev. F.D. Booth became the sixth pastor. He crowned three deacons: P.M. Amos, George Davis, and Henry Lewis (the first church treasurer). Pastor Booth died in office after serving 18 years. Rev. M.D. Herring was the seventh pastor to serve Spring Hill. He resigned in 1962. His last act of service was the eulogy of Bro. W.B. Alford. Rev. C.D. Brown was the eighth pastor to serve. Under his leadership, the first bank account was opened. Pastor Brown died in office after serving only 14 months. Rev. E.D. Hogan became the ninth pastor. He crowned six deacons. They were: Claude Alford, Cleveland C. Harper, Earnest Lewis, Charlie Mayes, John Henry Smith, and Harvey Spence. Rev. Willie Varnado Sr. was ordained as a minister during Rev. Hogan’s administration. Also under his leadership, a baptismal pool, kitchen, and new pews were added to the church. Pastor Hogan served for 19 years and died in office on July 10, 1983. Rev. Spencer Houseworth was the tenth pastor. He crowned Nelson Owens as a deacon during his tenure. After Pastor Houseworth left, Rev. Willie Varnado Jr. served as Interim Pastor for several months.
Rev. Terry L. Myers was installed as the eleventh pastor on November 15, 1998. Rev. A.J. Johnson, pastor of St. Mary M.B. Church in Flowood, preached the installation sermon. His subject was: “A Divine Assignment” (Joshua 1:1-14). Pastor Myers has crowned four deacons. They are: Jake Bridges, Marvin Davis, George Green, and Bobby Singleton. Under the leadership of Pastor Myers, four men have received the divine calling and preached their first sermon: Rev. David Mayes (May 2002); Minister Marvin Mayes; Minister Joshua Myers (July 2011); and Minister Timothy Myers (October 2013).
As we celebrate 155 years, we are proud to say that GOD is the builder and maker of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Through the years, the foundation has not been shifted; its pillows have not weakened; and its leader has not changed. That leader is Jesus Christ. He is the great head of the church...He is the object of our worship. Our continuous prayer is for this church to grow spiritually in order to meet the challenges of the years ahead. We trust God to enlarge our territory, fill us with His Holy Spirit, and to unify this church body as one body in Christ.
