Antioch Missionary Baptist Church History
1880-Present
"THEREFORE, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, foreasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58).
Those words, written by Paul to the church at Corinth (dare we call them Baptists?),
have remained an article of faith for succeeding generations of those who have heard
and heeded the Gospel message. They are, in many respects, the cornerstone of
Baptist theology, for they embody the spirit and steadfast nature that has marked the
course of Baptist history since the earliest days when the term "Baptist" was used to
describe a group of believers.
In 1880 Rev. Frank Atkinson organized Antioch Baptist Church. The church was located on the site where Spring Branch Baptist Church located in Fairmont, NC.
In 1926 the church burned and the membership began the task of rebuilding in 1927. Brother Bob Griffin was the initial contractor upon completion. Membership had experienced the work of three contractors. The choose contractor was Brother Archie Currie. The Deacons were Brothers Abe Love, John Graham and Frank Hill.
In 1969 the member felt the need to remodel the church to beautify as well as comfort to the church. Classrooms, inside restrooms and baptismal pool were added. During this period under the leader of Rev. Paul Ford and Rev. T. J. Johnson graced the membership.
It was not long before the members experienced some sadness due to the death of Rev. T.J. Johnson. Antioch Baptist Church was privileged to have Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist as our leader. Upon Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist resignation, Antioch Baptist was again without a Shepherd.
The members became aware of a need to add comfort in the sanctuary. We beautified our sanctuary by adding carpet, cushion pews, windows and air conditioner.
Rev. Cornwell was elected to lead Antioch. Several projects were initiated, such as new members, new chairs, bible study classes, pray meeting, children’s sermonette, voiced amplifier, bathrooms remodeled, church property surveyed and air conditioning were added to the dining room and classrooms. In 1982 Rev. Cornwell moved to Henderson, NC and the pulpit at Antioch was vacant. After a one year search the church called Rev. Theodore Breeden of Laurel Hill, NC. The spiritual atmosphere improved with changes in the order of service, the children’s choir and the Breeden Inspirational Choir.
January 3, 1988 with prayers and fasting the dedication of the new fellowship building. The facility contains a dining area, kitchen, bathrooms, conference room and as one member put it “a rest stop for the Pastor and his family”.
July 1997-April 1998 Interim Pastors Rev. Robert Young and Rev. Jerry Stephens.
1998 Dr. Leonard Faison was called to lead Antioch into “burning the mortgage” for the Fellowship Hall. With Dr. Faison pastoral guidance and administrative ability, the Antioch Church family experience renewed growth, vigor and excitement in Jesus Christ. The reaffirmation of revival has been realized through a series of weekly bible study sessions. The inclusion of prayer time and meditation at morning worship has enhanced the spirituality, uplift, comfort and grace of the worship service. Dr. Faison has also initiated regular visit to the sick and shut-in, hospitals and nursing homes.
June 17, 2000- October 31, 2013 Dr. Lawrence McNeill Dowdy began his pastorate at Antioch. His emphasis was a spirit-fill worship experience. Dr. Dowdy promoted bible study. He was an avid leader with administration skills, concentrating and focusing on holistic care of member’s lives. Prayer is the key to communicate with God. His theme for the ministry was “it was Antioch they were first called “Christians” according to Acts 11:26a.
June 21, 2015 Rev. Gene Hemingway fostered physical growth and spiritual maturity. He was also an active member in the Lumber River Baptist Association.
January 2019-Present Rev. Terry Harris- Our sincere prayers that the Lord will send a Shephard of His chosen to lead our Church family to higher heights in the coming years and our prayers were answered. In January 2019, Pastor Terry Harris accepted the charge as the Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Through Pastor Harris’s vision in one year, he has taken the ministry beyond the four walls. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has grown numerically, financially and most of all spiritually. The Lord gave Pastor Harris an insightful vision and mission for the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Therefore, Antioch is committed to a Christ-centered vision with a strong commitment to Worship, Fellowship, Edification, Discipleship, and Evangelism. Thus, our mission is to make Jesus Christ known to the world while equipping the congregation and community to serve this present age through worship, fellowship, prayer, stewardship, ministry, discipleship, and evangelism.
In addition, Pastor Harris has strengthened established ministries and created new ministries. With Pastor Harris’ spiritual guidance and furtherance of our Christian education training, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church will move “From Membership to Discipleship”. There is no limit under his leadership.
Although, the COVID-19 Pandemic has brought significant challenges in his ministry, Pastor Harris has dedicated his time through Virtual Ministry, which has been extremely successful locally and internationally.
Antioch Baptist Church Pastors
Rev. Frank Atkinson
Rev. Paul Ford
Rev. T. J. Johnson
Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist
Rev. Cornwell
Rev. Theodore Breeden
Pastors- Rev. Robert Young and Rev. Jerry Stephens
Dr. Leonard Faison
Dr. Lawrence McNeill Dowdy
Rev. Gene Hemingway
Rev. Terry Harris
Associate Ministers Rev. Jerry Stephens & Minister Barbara Currie
Interim Pastor Jerry Stephens & Associate Minister Barbara Currie
