How it all started...
Church History
Circa 1870
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." – Matthew 16:18
First Missionary Baptist Church was organized around 1870 at its present location, 250 Clark Avenue, Pass Christian, Mississippi, under the name First Colored Baptist Church. The original building was destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and later remodeled.
Over the years, more than twenty pastors and many dedicated deacons have faithfully led the congregation toward godly living, including our current pastor, Dr. Willie E. Holt. Hurricane Camille in 1969 destroyed many historical records, but the legacy of these leaders remains.
Significant improvements have been made under various pastors. Educational buildings were added, property expanded, ministries established, choirs formed, and programs developed to serve the community.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the church, leading to its demolition in 2006. Worship continued at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Delisle, MS, until a new facility could be built. In 2008, Rev. Willie E. Holt was called to serve as pastor.
Accomplishments Under Pastor Willie E. Holt’s Leadership
Circa 1870
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." – Matthew 16:18
First Missionary Baptist Church was organized around 1870 at its present location, 250 Clark Avenue, Pass Christian, Mississippi, under the name First Colored Baptist Church. The original building was destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and later remodeled.
Over the years, more than twenty pastors and many dedicated deacons have faithfully led the congregation toward godly living, including our current pastor, Dr. Willie E. Holt. Hurricane Camille in 1969 destroyed many historical records, but the legacy of these leaders remains.
Significant improvements have been made under various pastors. Educational buildings were added, property expanded, ministries established, choirs formed, and programs developed to serve the community.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the church, leading to its demolition in 2006. Worship continued at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Delisle, MS, until a new facility could be built. In 2008, Rev. Willie E. Holt was called to serve as pastor.
Accomplishments Under Pastor Willie E. Holt’s Leadership
- Led the rebuilding of the church with a clear construction plan and revised blueprints.
- Acquired additional land (April 16, 2012) for expanded parking.
- Oversaw construction milestones: slab poured September 23, 2012; steel framing October 5, 2012; major construction completed April 28, 2013; first service in the new building held May 5, 2013.
- Licensed and ordained new ministers, including the church’s first ordained female minister, Patricia Hall (December 28, 2014).
- Ordained Deacons Anthony Hall (2022), Cornell Clinkscales (2014), and Marvin Chapman (2021).
- Welcomed and supported ministers answering their call to preach, including Valarie Powell, Dana Avery, and Zenobia Ann Holt.
- Established and expanded outreach ministries: Food Bank, Marriage Ministry, Sister to Sister (Young Women’s Ministry), Children’s Church, Nursery, Easy-Worship, and more.
- Created Wednesday Family Night with Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, Youth L.I.F.E., Computer Lab, and family meals.
- Resumed 10:45 a.m. worship service (July 5, 2015) with strong community support.
- Paved north and south parking lots (May 31, 2017).
- Revived Sunday School (November 5, 2017) and began Ministry Training Development.
- Hosted the first Women’s Conference (December 2018).
- Extended outreach by feeding families after Sunday worship.
- Launched a Social Media Ministry during COVID-19 to ensure continued spiritual growth.
- Purchased additional land for future growth (July 16, 2025).
- Launched the official First Missionary Baptist Church app (August 1, 2025).
Worship facility before Hurricane Katrina
Worship facility used after Hurricane Katrina.
Current Worship Facility
A Judgment Free Church
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 6:37 (KJV)
Luke 6:37 (KJV)
A Church Led by the Holy Spirit!
