College Hill Missionary Baptist Church History

 

“From little acorns great oaks grow.” College Hill Baptist Church was organized in 1931 at the home of Sister Alice Hawkins. Fifty people attended the initial meeting. Pastor Jeff Brown was elected the first pastor. The members built a brush arbor at 1313 West Houston Street which rented for $10.00.

Upon the death of Pastor Jeff Brown, Pastor B. Fuller became the second pastor of College Hill Baptist Church. In 1933, Pastor Fuller resigned. After several months, Reverend H.M. Corey became the third pastor. In 1935, a lot on the corner of West Houston and South Ross Street was purchased and a small frame church building was erected. The membership grew from 50 to 135 in five years. In 1937, Pastor Corey resigned and accepted the pastorage at his home church in Kilgore, Texas.

In 1937, College Hill called Reverend J.M. McChristian to be pastor. He led the members into purchasing a lot at 1313 West Houston. A small building was erected on the property. Under the leadership of Pastor McChristian, Women’s Missionary Society, B.Y.P.U., Senior Choir and Usher Board was established. Mrs. Lumina Sherman was elected president of the Missionary Society. The first president of B.Y.P.U. was Mrs. Bell Crownover. Mr. Eli Crownover was president of the Usher Board. Mrs Blanche Timms was elected president of the Senior Choir.

Musicians for the choir were furnished by Butler College. In 1940, Mrs. Eloise Montgomery was elected pianist. College Hill was the first black church to broadcast on local radio station, KGKB. The Senior Choir filled a 6:30-6:45A.M. slot. Later, College Hill broadcast a worship service for Sunday mornings on KZEY, a local R & B station.

Pastor McChristian ordained the following deacons: Brothers Willie Garrett, Willie Criss, Eli Crownover, Sylvester Swindell, George Raibon and Raymond Martin. In 1942 Sister Jessie Crook was elected Church Clerk. Boy and Cub Scout troops under the leadership of Brother Sylvester Swindell were organized by Rev. McChristian. In 1951 Brother Raymond Martin was elected Treasurer.

During Pastor McChristian’s leadership, the following were his sons in the ministry: Reverends J.C. Delley, L.B. George, Willie Garrett and Willie Hunter. In 1951 Reverend McChristian was called to Olivet Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Rev. C.B. Brown was called to fill the vacancy left by Rev. McChristian’s departure. His pastorate was brief and stormy. During his pastorate College Hill split. Reverend L.W. Pryor served a very short time before accepting a church in Flint, Michigan.

In August 1952, the church called Reverend C.L. Brooks, Sr. of Nacogdoches Texas. Immediately after he became pastor, the church took on new life. There was much growth and progress, The membership increased, finances improved, the fellowship and spirituality of the church were enhanced. Pastor Brooks organized a Youth Choir, Junior Choir, Young Adult Choir, Gospel Chorus and Male Chorus. He also organized a Drama Club, Stewardship Club, Board of Christian Education, Young People’s Department in Sunday School and Singles Ministry. To aid young people in continuing education, Reverend Brooks established a scholarship fund.

During Pastor Brooks’ tenure Sisters Jessie Crooks, Faustine Thomas and Jean Washington served as church clerks. Brothers Raymond Martin and Wayford Brown, Jr. served as treasurers. Pastor Brooks ordained Brothers Henry Miller, Joe Boman, Wayford Brown, Sr., Mingo Holman, Jeff Henderson, J.B Holland, Charles Lee, Enois Starling, Dawson Phillips, Wayford Brown, Jr., Gerald Mitchell, Columbus Swanson, Lonnie Beasley,

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J. W. Bryant, J. W. Clay, Bill Roach, Gerald Barnes, Leon Parker, Warren Richardson, and M. C. Davis as deacons.