Church History

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church was established under the leadership of Brother George C. Caine.  Brother Caine was born in Petersburg, Virginia and relocated to North Carolina in 1866.  He worked for the Hussey Brothers Firm, builders of buggies and coaches.  Brother Caine returned to Virginia to wed Miss Agnes Edmonds.  There were no black churches in Tarboro; therefore, they invited people into their home to attend a weekly prayer service.  The increasing number of worshippers caused a need for more space.  Through the efforts of loyal followers, Reverends S.A. Davis, A.F. Flood, Samuel Perry and Mack Matthewson organized St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on the fourth Sunday in March 1866.  Reverend Thomas Owens, Pastor of the White Baptist Church of Tarboro, North Carolina, assisted them.  Reverend S.A. Davis was the first pastor.  Former pastors were the late Reverends: Mack Matthewson, J.T. Doles, Robert Brown, W.H. Owens, J.E. James, W.I. Price and Elbert Heath.  Our present pastor is Reverend George A. Terry.

Members during the establishment and organization were Deacons: James Cromwell, John Keel and George Caine and Deacon Fredrick Cooper (clerk).

Other early deacons were Virgil Gray, Israel Rowe, Henry Hart, Blount Wilkins, Sr., Blount Wilkins Jr., John Wilkins, John Williams, Eddie Perry, Johnnie Harrison, Lee Bryant and William Thorpe.  Deacons following these were Thomas Perry, Luther Ruffin Jr., Water Batchelor Sr., Richard Pitt, Emanuel Pippen, Johnnie Lee Clark, Walter Batchelor Jr., and Jack Foster.
The above deacons are the aforementioned deacons that have left this life, but their contributions remain a living part of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  Present deacons are Melvin Betrand, Milton Evans, Sam Pippen, Turner Harrell, William Betrand, John Moten, Johnny Gray, James Cherry, Jack Archer, and Richard Smith.

Our passed mothers were Penina Talley, Rosezana Lewis, Elizabeth Bryant, Mary Rowe, Maggie Baker, Mattie Arnold, Laura Gupton, Sue Lloyd, and Lizzie Lawrence, Sallie Johnson, Mary K. Battle, Susie Thigpen, Mattie Jones, Margie Sessoms, Charlotte Sharp, Mary Dancy, Delzora Perry, Geneva Knight, Maxine Harrell, Rosa Bell, Dorothy Harrison, Cora Harris, Rosa Lee Norfleet, Nina Clark, Hanah Grimes.  Mothers emeritus are Florence Arnold, Lucille Baker, Julia Hammonds, Martha Baker, Clotee Cherry and Viola Orr.  Their influence remains in the wisdom of our seasoned members and the energy of our youth.  Present mothers are Magnolia Bryant, Cora Cherry, Julia Carr, Lizinia Debrew, Catherine Hines, Mamie Lee Council, Patricia Foreman, Florence Arnold, Maggie Brown, Elreath Bryant, Minnie B. Reddick, Milby Peterson, Mary Ricks, Susie Brown, Mary Jo Marshall, and Loretta Darden.

Thomas Scott, Henry Sparrow, Noah Lewis, Annie Mason, Clara Lewis, Morning Howard, Henry Mason, Daniel Jeffers, Miles Lindsey, Agnes Caine, Lucinda Sparrow, Virginia Scott, and Sophia Cromwell served as treasures.  Financial Officers included Florence Arnold, Janie Laws, Charlie Lawrence, Agnes Glass, and Patricia Foreman. Former Church clerks were Penelope Whitley, Robert Williams, Aurelia Harrison, Reba Branch, Luther Ruffin Jr., Virgil Gray, Sarah Pitt, and Jessie Pitt.  Magnolia Bryant and Georgia Bridgers are former clerks.  Currently serving is Lois Johnson.

Mrs. Owens, wife of Reverend Owens presented the first Bible to the church. 
Brother George C. Caine presented the first hymnal.

Three different structures sheltered the membership of St. Paul Baptist Church.  The first was located on Water Street.  The second was built at our current location, 900 Lloyd Street.  Both structures were destroyed by fire.  Our current building which was know as the First Baptist Church was purchased and moved to the present location, which has accommodated it’s membership for One Hundred and forty two years.  To God we give the Glory!