Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor John E. Gooch
Changing Lives Through the Power of Christ
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Is your life lacking purpose? Are you searching for a way to connect with others in the service of a loving and almighty God?
Caring & Compassionate Baptist Church Community in Warrenton, NC
At Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Warrenton, NC, we are a community of believers who are focused on growing closer to Christ through worship services, Bible study, and impactful ministries. As one of the oldest church communities in the area, we have been bringing souls to our Lord and Savior for well over a century. When you’re ready to take control of your life and walk on the path of faith, become a member of our flock of brothers and sisters in Christ.
Church History
Records at the Warren County Register of Deeds show that the first church in the area was Coley Springs. We were told by our fore parents that Coley Springs and Jerusalem worshipped together at that time. Brothers Benjamin Williams, Elias Williams, Louis Parker, Henry Green, and William Davis served as trustees, and land was purchased on August 15, 1868.
Several years later, Jerusalem split off and began to worship in a little building just across the road. Records of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association show that Jerusalem was organized in 1877 by Rev. Oscar Alston, who also served as the first pastor. Rev. Guilford Stamper also served in the early days of the church. The first deacons were Arthur Williams and Burwell Brodie.
The Early Church
On June 4, 1907, a three-quarter acre of land was purchased just up the road for $6.00 from Mason W. Williams for a better building. Isaac Davis, Nick Williams, and Edward Davis served as trustees. Pastors who served this church were: Reverends Burgess Harper, Preston Dickens, Peter Fogg, Saul Clanton, and Henry Alston. The deacons who served while the church was on this site were Bros. Isaac Davis, Edward Davis, Ned Alston, Ben Davis, Plummer Williams, Willie Williams, Fate Welch, and Peter Williams. After several years of worship, the church was destroyed by fire while Rev. Dickens was serving as pastor.
In 1916, a three-quarter acre of land was purchased from Nick Williams and a little white frame building was built by Jerusalem for members to continue to worship. This is the building next door that has stood for over 98 years. Jerusalem lost some members after the fire, and in 1921, land was purchased for Edwards Chapel, later known as Edwards Grove. Additional land was purchased by Jerusalem in 1922, 1944, 1975, and 2001. Trustees serving during the early church were Bros. Peter Williams, Sr., Lafayette Welch, Plummer Williams, Eddie Alston, and Peter Williams.
Past Clergy & Church Leaders
During the 140 years of service, 18 pastors have served our congregation. Other pastors who have served Jerusalem include Revs. Jackson Lyons, George Baskett, Charles Mason, Moses P. Davis, M.R. Hedgepeth, John E. Barnes, Kermit Richardson, William Grimes, C.V. Harris, and Jordan Wilkins. Our current pastor is John E. Gooch.
Other deacons who have served during this time include Jesse Collins, Sandy Davis, Willie Richardson, William Davis, Dwight Brown, Gary A. Jones, Sr., Matthew K. Williams, Louis Davis, Willie Jordan, Willie Davis, Lewis Palmer, Ivan Barnes, Kelvin Jones, Gregory Williams, and Jonas Davis.
Other Trustees who have served during this time include Gary Jones, Dwight Brown, Katie B. Williams, Ernestine Jones Smith, Daniel Davis, and Lewis Palmer.
Church Financial Secretary/Treasurer who have served during this time include Katie B. Williams, Ernestine Jones Smith, Tonya Williams, and Eva Brown.
Church Clerks that have served during this time include Roy Williams, Cynthia Hyman, Ernestine Jones Smith, and Tonia Davis.
Musicians who have served during this time period include Connie Davis, Dr. Angela Williams, Lynette Barnes, Eva Brown, Gregory Williams Sr., Vincent Brown, and Gregory Williams Jr.
Ministries & Auxiliaries
A cornerstone of our church is serving others in the spirit of Christ. Our community operates several ministries that are focused on worship and connecting.
- The Deacon Board
- Trustee Board
- Deaconess Board
- Leadership Team
- The Sunday Church School
- Usher’s Ministry
- Men’s Ministry
- Women’s Ministry
- Missionary Circle
- Pastor Aide Ministry
- Wellness Ministry
- Praise Dance Ministry
- Male Chorus
- Gospel Choir
- Mass Choir
All of these groups are led by Christ and believe that their purpose is to show how God can positively work in our lives.
Celebrating Our History
In order to always remember how far the Lord has brought us and to offer up praise and thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church began to recognize and celebrate our church anniversary annually. The first service was held on November 4, 2007 when we recognized and celebrated our 130th Church Anniversary. This service is held annually now on the 2nd Sunday in November.
Building & Other Improvements
- The original frame church was bricked in 1969 under the leadership of Rev. William Grimes.
- In the year of 1981, a fellowship dining hall was added with a full kitchen.
- In 1988, the sanctuary was completely remodeled with the pews being fully padded.
- A library with over 200 books, tapes, and other educational material was set up by Sister Portia Barnes, Deacon Ivan Barnes, and other members in 1996.
- In 1997, the Laymen’s League purchased a 15-passenger van.
- In July 2003, ground-breaking services were held for the building of a new sanctuary. It was through God that we were able to move in within one year.
- 88 azaleas were awarded Jerusalem at the 19th Azalea Celebration thru WRAL TV NC Beautiful Program in October 2004.
- An Exercise Center was organized in 2008 with grant funds from the Diabetes Sentinel Program. This center is open twice a week to the community.
- In 2012, we became one of the first congregations to receive AED and CPR training free through the NC Council of Churches. The congregation has also received mini grants to cover additional maintenance cost and CPR training.
- Within 10 years, through God’s grace and mercy, the mortgage of the new sanctuary was paid in full in July of 2014.
- On November 8, 2014, a mortgage-burning service was held to celebrate the blessing of being debt-free.
- We are now celebrating 150 years spreading God’s word and winning souls for his kingdom.
Worship With Us Today!
When you’re ready to join a church community that will support you through every season of life, come and visit us at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Call us today to learn about our current worship services and Bible study opportunities.