St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church received it's birth in 1892 by a group of men, Brothers William Futch, Ab Albert, Hill Patrick, A.J. Dixon, Doc Welch, and John Ruskin all members of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia. They wanted to build a church in their own community lovingly called the Branch. After holding services in Reidsville School for a while, The first church was built at 128 Walters Street. Rev.R.B Bryant was the first pastor. Morning and evening services were held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday. The church continued to grow and the building became to small for the membership and a larger building was constructed under the efficient leadership of Rev. Molette. The building was la beautiful white building with a large balcony. The Baptism Pool was large and located outside. Up in the balcony was a large bell.
On Sunday November 7,1965 the pastor and members of St Peters Missionary Baptist Church marched from the Walters Street sites to the present site at 300 Fireman Street. Joined hand in hand we marched to this present building. Our theme song was "We've Come This Far by Faith." This was truly a blessing.
Rev. Adam James Shaw was called in 1968. Rev Shaw gave us, the church, 23 years of dedicated service. Rev, Shaw was a man of God. He was a pastor, leader, mentor, and a man of compassion. Under his leadership the A.J. Shaw Choir was organized, a new kitchen, ladies lounge, Pastor's Study, Discipleship class, the Church's 1st Homecoming was organized and was held on December 18, 1983, and the church was 91 years old. A centennial Celebration was held October 26 - November 1, 1992.
The Fellowship Hall of the church was later named the A.J. Shaw Fellowship Hall in his honor. Rev Shaw served faithfully for 23 years until his health failed him. Then God called Rev. Dr. F.D. Mincey. Rev Mincey gave us over 15 years of dedicated service before moving on. Rev. Bobby Hall was our next pastor and the church kept moving. Rev. Martae' Smith was the next Pastor he served for a short time and moved on. Then on September 16, 2012 God called Bishop Norris L Woods Sr, under his leadership we have purchased a new P.A. System, started a New youth program lovingly called voices of the youth(V.O.Y) the program is held every 2nd Sunday at 4 p.m. the program features a different church each month with the combined efforts of our youth department the program is designed to give our youth a voice..
God has truly blessed St Peters Missionary Baptist Church. We have been through some hard times, through the storms, but it was God who brought us through. Many who started out on this journey are gone but the church is still here. The church will stand.
Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
