Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church

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Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church at 1202 West Second Street in Hearne, TX is one of the oldest historically black churches in Texas. Old Elam is a member of the National Baptist Convention. The church is also a charter member of the Lincoln District Missionary Baptist Association of Texas.

The Historic Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church was organized on the banks of the Little Brazos River in 1863 just minutes from Hearne. Old Elam is considered the mecca of all historically black churches in Hearne. The reason Old Elam is given this status because it was the only historically black church in Hearne and remained that way until 1883. Several of the current churches in Hearne spunned out of Old Elam. These churches include New Elam, Independent, and Progressive Baptist Churches. The church has remained strong even in the midst of these churches leaving the flock.

Old Elam affectionaly called "OLD E" by its loyal members, and other church goers in the Hearne community remains a pillar of the community. Its members enjoy the spirited services led by its minister of music M.L. Robinson-Williams Grear, and all services are topped off with a word from God by the current pastor, F. Calvin Lewis, III.

The worship center of Old Elam Missionary Baptist church seats approximately 600. The beautiful worship center is known for its wrap around balcony. The church can also claim hold to be the first black church in Hearne to have a full educational center for Sunday School Classes and Youth Educational Outreach. In addition Old Elam was and is the first historically black church in Hearne to have a full time Children's Church taught by qualified youth workers. The church is often used for elaborate weddings because of its high ceilings and beautiful decor.

Contents

[edit] The Youth Experience

Old Elam has the strongest active youth department of any black church in Hearne. The youth of Old Elam participate in drill teams, praise teams, mime groups, bible drill lessons, youth outreach, choir programs, and usher group.

[edit] Amazing Grace Praise Team

Many of the young ladies of the Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church Youth Dept. participate in a praise group called Amazing Grace. These talented ladies perform spirited praise dances to songs that give the word of God. The members of Amazing Grace spend lots of time preparing and touring around central Texas using dance to praise God.

[edit] Men of Faith MIME Team

The young men of Old Elam participate in anointed mime. They are affectionately called "Men of Faith". The young men dress in common MIME attire and perform to praise songs singing God's word.

[edit] Old E Steppers for Christ

The Steppers for Christ are a high stepping, satan stomping, praise powerhouse. The Stepper for Christ are under the direction of Sisters Uhura Williams and Cessna Pierce. The young steppers perform various bible drill, and chants that give recognition to God and the church. This group is often imitated but never ever quite duplicated.

[edit] Youth Choir

The Old Elam youth choir is blessed to have spirited young people to sing the praises of God. The Choir averages 50 kids who are on fire for Jesus.

[edit] Pastor

The current pastor of Old Elam is Frank Calvin Lewis, III. Rev. Lewis has been with Old Elam Baptist church since 1999. He is known for his spirited sermons and his direct approach to the word of God.

[edit] Associate Ministers

  • Rev. R.D. Jackson
  • Rev. T. Boone
  • Rev. D. Fuller

[edit] Former Pastors

This is a list of some of the past pastors of the historic Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church. There have been numerous pastors in the long history of Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church.

  • Rev. J.E. Boyce (Deceased)
  • Rev. Walter Ward (currently the pastor of Independent Baptist Church)
  • Rev. J.O. Nelson (Deceased)
  • Rev. Stanley Ferguson
  • Rev. H.M. Nunn (Deceased)
  • Rev. E.A. Ayers (Deceased)
  • Rev. Bullock

[edit] Deacon Board

  • Aaron Britton (Chairman of the Board)
  • Dennis Thompson
  • Herbert O'Neil, Sr.
  • Harold Dunn
  • Donnie Dunn
  • John Smith
  • Elvin Armstrong
  • Richard Britton
  • Issac Godfrey

[edit] Ministries and Auxiliaries

  • Young Women's Auxiliary (YWA)--Uhura Williams
  • Mission II--Juanita Lewis
  • Mass Choir--Dennis Thompson
  • Sunday School--Herbert O'Neil, Sr.
  • Youth Dept--Joyce O'Neil, Rajer Golden
  • Youth Choir--Thomas Pierce
  • Amazing Grace--Thomas Pierce
  • Senior Ushers--Hattie Wright
  • Junior Ushers--Hattie Wright, Cessna Pierce
  • Mission I--Naomi Godfrey
  • Kitchen and Hospitality--Virginia Golden, Lula Polk (Pres. Emeritus)
  • Deacon Board--Aaron Britton
  • Brotherhood--Elvin Armstrong
  • Publications--Wanda Dunn
  • Church Secretary--Carolyn Billings Wells
  • Program Coordinator--Estella O'Neil
  • Decorations--Charlie Dell Britton
  • Church Care--Linda Thompson
  • Associate Ministers--Rev. F.C. Lewis
  • Music--M.L. Robinson Williams Grear
  • Deaconess-Johnnie Armstrong
  • Transportation--Frederick Golden
  • Audio Visual/Technology--Dennis Thompson/Carolyn Billings Wells
  • Children's Church--Sonya Jernigan
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