Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1202 W. Second St. in Hearne, TX, is one of the oldest historically African American 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 claimed to be the mecca of all historically black churches in Hearne because it was the only historically black church in Hearne and remained that way until 1883. Several current churches in Hearne branched out of Old Elam - including the New Elam, Independent and Progressive Baptist Churches.

Old Elam has been nicknamed "Old E" by its members and members of the Hearne community. The services are led by the Rev. F. Calvin Lewis III, pastor.

The worship center of Old Elam Missionary Baptist church seats approximately 600 people and is known for its wrap-around balcony.

The church claims 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.

Contents

[edit] The Youth Experience

Old Elam claims to have 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 groups.

[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. They perform praise dances to spread the word of God. They spend many hours preparing and touring around Central Texas.

[edit] Men of Faith Mime Team

The young men of Old Elam participate in anointed mime and are called the "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 claim to be a "high-stepping, Satan-stomping, praise powerhouse." They are led by Uhura Williams and Cessna Pierce. The young steppers perform various bible drills and chants to give recognition to God and the church.

[edit] Youth Choir

The Choir averages 50 children on any given weekend.

[edit] Pastor

The current pastor of Old Elam is Frank Calvin Lewis III. The Rev. Lewis has been with Old Elam Baptist church since 1999.

[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 (current pastor of Independent Baptist Church)
  • Rev. J.O. Nelson (deceased)
  • Rev. Stanley Ferguson
  • Rev. H.M. Nunn (deceased)
  • Rev. Earl Ballard (deceased)
  • Rev. L. R. Bullock
  • Rev. E.A. Ayers (deceased)