St. James Missionary Baptist Church

St. James Missionary Baptist Church established in 1873 is one of the oldest Baptist Churches in Florence, Alabama. The initial location was formed from a strong group of Deacons, Mothers, and Members worshipping God in various homes., As the congregation grew, a more suitable place was found. It had no electricity, or gas for heat or light. The source of heat and light came from wood stoves and coal oil lamps. Their Spirit filled Congregation continued through perseverance., The Church was built in 1902 off of Pine St. near the bridge crossing over Circular Road under the leadership of Rev. James Young. In the 1920s, the Church was re-located to Campbell St. where Rev. Phillip Garrett was pastor. Various important pastors, such as Rev. Jake Butler, Rev. Bankston, and Rev. Stevenson visited and conducted services. , Side 2: , In the 1940's, the church was moved to Waterloo Road. Under the leadership of Rev. Alex Fountain the church was incorporated on Nov. 5, 1954. Trustees at that time were L.B. Lambert, Jewery Green, Henderson Kirkman, Spencer Arch, and Felix Ricks. In the late 1950s, Rev. Hampton Smiley was pastor at the Waterloo Road location until two adjoining lots on Wallace St. were purchased in late 1957 and early 1958. This site, formerly Bunting Hill Subdivision, remains the present location. , This Church was erected and dedicated in July 1960 under the leadership of Rev. Hampton Smiley, who pastored until 1984. Rev. Albert Ingram Jr. has been the pastor since 1984, and under his leadership the Church has purchased an adjoining lot and expanded interior walls to accommodate the growth of the congregation. Through prayers and sacrifices of this historical vision the Church is continuing to step out on faith focusing on Christ.