About Us - Our History

HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

The original St. Paul was organized in 1886 by Rev. J. W. Rosier. At that time, St. Paul was located on the corner of 6th Avenue and 10th Street East. Rev. Rosier was succeeded by Rev. Nat Morris in 1890. In 1895, Rev. W. E. King was called as pastor and served until called to another church. In 1896, Rev. R. H. Brown was called and he was succeeded by Rev. Robinson in the year of 1902, serving until he resigned. In 1905, the Church called another pastor, Rev. N.W. Ellerson. He pastored Old St. Paul for a period of five years and was then called to another church. Rev. Marshall was called but was soon succeeded by Rev. Rubin Thomas in 1912. Rev. Thomas pastored for one year and then resigned.

In 1913, Old St. Paul was destroyed by fire but yet she still lived. The faithful members were determined to keep her going so, they began to have services in the Odd Fellow Hall and School House.

In 1914, Rev. P.A. James was called and God saw fit to let Old St. Paul rise again. Rev. James started to work. He purchased the present lot for $175.00 and a new St. Paul was started. He worked hard to complete it and then was called to another church. In 1916, Rev. H.L. Stephen was called and, under his leadership, the building was finished. New pews were installed and a new Parsonage was added. In 1920, Rev. G.E.O. Whitehurst was called as pastor.

He was succeeded by Rev. J.A. Fenlayson who pastored until Rev. Howard was called in 1924. Rev. Howard served for two years and resigned. In the year 1926, Rev. A.R. Sterling was called and later resigned. In 1931, Rev. C.N. Floyd was called and was later replaced by Rev. l.H. Nicholson. Rev. Nicholson was called in 1933. Shortly after being called, he too was needed elsewhere and went from Bradenton to Crystal River.

In 1935, the Lord gave to St. Paul Rev. C. Fluker who served the church for eleven years. Rev. Fluker was the instrument God used to help build the membership of St. Paul during the eleven formative years.

In 1946, Rev. B. Burgess was called to St. Paul. Under Rev. Burgess’ administration, the Number Two Choir was organized and the Baptist Young People’s Union was the largest ever in the history of the church. This auxiliary was well attended by all. After pastoring St. Paul for a while, the Lord called him to rest in the great beyond.

In 1949, the late Rev. J.M. Royster was called. He pastored for two years and resigned.

The church called Rev. C.J. Broxton in 1951. Rev. Broxton pastored for three years and resigned. The church re-called Rev. J.M. Royster in 1955. During his second pastorage, the church decided it was time for another church building to be built. Rev. Royster began to search the records to see if there was a deed to the property.

Discovering that there was not a deed recorded, Rev. Royster immediately had it recorded. He also discovered that St. Paul was occupying beyond the boundary line of the property and he purchased a parcel of land three feet by one hundred feet to clear it.

Also during Rev. Royster’s tenure, the Manatee County Choir’s Union was formed. This auxiliary generated many funds toward the work of the church. The Youth Department was organized under this administration and grew abundantly. Before plans could be made for a new St. Paul, the Lord called Rev. Royster home in 1959.

The Rev. Leon H. King was called in 1960. Shortly after being called to St. Paul, he began to make plans for the new building. There were financial drives and $8,000.00 was raised and deposited in the Building Fund. Rev. King resigned in 1961 before the new building became a reality. On April 10, 1962, the church called Rev. H.H. Robinson as pastor. Under his guidance, the membership was able to continue the efforts of building. Additional land was purchased and blue prints were drawn and approved. The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on April 28, 1963, and was attended by many city officials and dignitaries. On the day of the ceremony, a contribution of $2,034.00 was received.

Under the administration of Rev. Robinson, the church moved to a more permanent organization and new boards were set up; The Pulpit Aid Board, Decoration Committee, Appreciation Board, Educational Board and the Mission & Relief Board. The Church Council was organized under Rev. Robinson. Sis. Alice Bacon served as the first Chairperson of the Council assisted by Sis. Mercedes G. Burley as Secretary. Sis. Fannie Bryant also served as Council Chairperson.

Other clubs organized under this administration included the Willing Workers, the Ever Ready Club, and the H.H. Robinson Club.

With the help of God and the support of the membership and friends, we did the job we set out to do. The new building was erected and we marched in under the leadership of Rev. H.H. Robinson.

Rev. Robinson continued to be instrumental in the growth of the church and its financial security. He urged participation from everyone, even the many young people of the church. He often visited the various auxiliaries reminding them of their Christian charge. Rev. Robinson resigned in 1965 to pastor another church in Lake Wales, Florida.

In 1965, Rev. W.W. Woods was called to pastor St. Paul. During Rev. Woods’ administration, St. Paul celebrated its first Homecoming Service with a motorcade of cars in the City. Sis. Earnestine H. Brooks was selected as Chairperson for this grand event. Sis. Brooks continues to serve in this capacity. The annual Homecoming Services add much to our family atmosphere here at St. Paul. It is always found to be a rewarding and joyful occasion.

Rev. Harold E. Byrd, Sr. followed Rev. Woods as pastor of St. Paul serving briefly in 1967.

In January, 1968, the late Rev. Herschell Vernon Palmer was called to St. Paul as Pastor. Rev. Palmer began his ministerial work by immediately organizing the church office. During the church’s business meeting on November 3, 1968, Rev. Palmer stated that the church was in dire need of a Clerk/Secretary. Sis. Lorine E. Brown was elected and continues to serve in this capacity. Sis. Olga M. Brown was elected at this time to serve as Chairperson of the Church Council assisted by Sis. Lorine E. Brown as Secretary.

Rev. Palmer stated that office equipment would have to be purchased. To complete the office, an electric typewriter, mimeograph machine and file cabinet was purchased.

Under Rev. Palmer’s administration, the Church Women United Group was organized. The position of Minister of Music was added, greatly enhancing the quality of music during the Worship Services. Those serving as minister of music for St. Paul were Bro. Spencer Hammond, Bro. Carlos E. Haile and Sis. Edwina M. Stanley; Bro. Johnny M. Thomas presently serves in that capacity.

Rev. Palmer generated much interest in the fund raising portion of our Annual Men’s and Women’s Day Services. Awards were given adding much to the social area of our church. The church’s mortgage was paid off as a result of prayerful efforts by all. Through the loving and concerned effort of Sis. Essie M. Gordon, generous donations such as the Bulletin Board Sign at the main entrance, hymnals for our sanctuary, an adding machine and a typewriter were donated to St. Paul by Mrs. Hazel E. Willis. Many, many souls were won for Jesus; sometimes entire families were added to the church.

Rev. Palmer was called Home from a life of labor on January 5, 1972.

Dr. H.E. Byrd, Sr. was called to pastor in 1972 following the death of Rev. Palmer. Under Dr. Byrd’s leadership, the church membership has grown from approximately 205 members to 439 members. The parsonage was demolished and the property used for parking, storage and recreation. Rev. Byrd saw a need to increase the church’s auxiliaries to include the Brotherhood, Visitation-Outreach Program and the Task Force. He organized numerous Church Training Workshops for adults and youths. The Ministerial Staff of Rev. James A. McMillan, Rev. Thomas J. Spencer, Rev. Frank Thomas and Rev. Anthony Dixon is a tremendous asset to Rev. Byrd and St. Paul.

The Century club, founded in 1975 by Sis. Essie M. Stewart, greatly enhanced the financial contributions realized during our Annual Men’s and Women’s Day Services. Sis. Stewart continues to serve as chairperson of the Century Club. In 1981, Men’s and Women’s Day was combined to formulate “United Day”; Men, Women, and Youth, Worshipping Together As One.

The Mother-Daughter Banquet was born under Rev. Byrd’s administration to add to the social life of our church. The founders of this gala affair were Sis. Maude Harris and Sis. Essie Stewart. In 1973, Sis. Ruby Byrd, our pastor’s wife, was named the Outstanding Mother of the Year for the fine example she set for Christian Motherhood. The next Mother of the Year as Sis. Janet Goff. She was selected for her fine example in encouraging each of her sons toward academic achievement. Sis. Goff’s honors were bestowed upon her in 1985. Also in 1985, during the Father’s Day Worship Services, The Father of the Year Award was presented to Dea. Curtis G. Blunt.

St. Paul purchased her first bus in 1980 to be used in the Church’s new Bus Ministry, and to transport our members to various fellowships with other churches and conventions. Sis. Essie Stewart & Sis. Lorine Brown were initial chairpersons of the Bus Ministry.

The St. Paul Christian Education Learning Center was dedicated on Sunday, March 13, 1983. Included in the Learning Center are classrooms for Christian study, the Pastor’s Study, and a Nursery for the care of little ones during the church’s services and many activities. The Nursery is staffed by volunteers from the Church who include Sis. Mary Wright and her daughter, Sis. Gail Thomas.

Expansion of our Kitchen and Dining Room began in the fall of 1984 and was dedicated to God’s service on Sunday, January 12, 1985 during our Homecoming Services.

The purchase of the parcel of land to the west of our edifice commenced on May 2, 1985. This land is being purchased to provide needed parking spaces.

On Sunday, September 22, 1985, Dr. Byrd was presented an Alphabetized Card File Directory of the entire membership. This presentation was made by Sis. Lorine Brown, Church Secretary.

Dr. Byrd’s staff included Dea. Rudoiphus Riley, Sr., Deacon Board Chairman; Bro. G.K. Robertson, Trustee Board Chairman; Sis. Olga M. Brown, Church Council Chairperson; Sis. Lorine E. Brown, Church Secretary; Sis. Bonnie C. Belford, Assistant Secretary; Sis. Ruby Byrd, Publicity Chairperson; Sis. Janet Goff, Financial Secretary; Dea. Emmuel Hird, Sr., Treasurer and Dea. Curtis C. Blunt, Sr., Photographer.

Reverend Louis Carr became Pastor Sept. 3, 1989 and retired due to illness in December 2001.The Lord continued blessings of the ordination of three deacons, two deaconesses appointed, and four associate ministers installed; (Searles, Starling, Bowers and Mingleton).District leaders and the visitation outreach team assisted the clergy ministering to the many sick, shut — ins, bereaved etc. Two Educational Scholarship Foundations in the name of the H.E. Byrd, Sr. and Olga Martin Brown Memorial Fund assisted graduates financially.

Pastor Carr served on the Board of Bradenton Housing Authority, Manatee Glens Public Relations Committee, and Vice President of Florida Seminary in Lakeland, Florida. On January 18, 1993 @ 11:00 a.m. Dedication Services were held to rename 9th Avenue in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Carr, the St. Paul Family and the other church families, East Bradenton Homeowners Association, NAACP, etc. were all instrumental in this most noteworthy effort. Rev. Louis Carr went home to be with the Lord October 4, 2002.

The present Pastor is Rev. James Mitchell Roberts, who has been the under-shepherd since February 22, 2002. A service of Installation was held Sunday April 28, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. with moderator of the Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. Rev. Dr. Carl F. Brooks installing Pastor Roberts at St. Paul, 525 Dr. MLK Avenue, East Bradenton.

The first Family and Friends Day was held November 10, 2002 and has since become an annual event. Three additional lots were purchased in 2003 to contain the parking overflow located to the west of the Church building; another threesome of blessings of a new keyboard, piano and organ which were purchased. We are forever grateful to God for His abundant blessings upon St. Paul.

Christian disciples through baptism and Christian experience, babies dedicated, weddings, graduations, missionary and benevolent efforts are at a record number. St. Paul local, district, state and national affiliations for mission and education are supported. All ministries meet and are active. (See listing in additional pages) Weekly Sunday School Teachers Meeting, Prayer and Bible Study, Choirs ministry, Ushers, Ministry (new uniforms, August 2007, Youth Ministry, Male chorus, Teens, Abstinence and other pertinent issues are promoted to help with peer pressure. In the New Year it is our hope to begin Wednesday midweek family and fellowship evening, commencing with spiritual food (the word) and closing with our favorite menus.

The audio visual department enhances the worship services and provides the recordings thru computer discs for the sick and shut-ins as visitations are made to encourage the homebound and health care persons. Digital video discs perhaps can also be secured. The Sunday morning early Worship Services are held second and fourth Sundays at 8 a.m. The Mime Ministry has a very energetic group of young people who are willing participants for Jesus! The Prison Ministry is one of sincere encouragement towards the incarcerated. The missionary outreach ministry has donated much to the causes of Christ, locally and abroad to include building schools and purchasing supplies.

In the historic update five deacons have been ordained, six deaconesses and one trustee in training. The 11:00 am Thursday Prayer hour is the highlight of encouragement and strength through intercessory prayer for whomever will come.

St. Paul Pastor James M. Roberts is married to Sister Harriet Davis Roberts, is a father, “humbly proud” grandfather, has a special love and concern for his mother and all young people. His spiritual hobby fisher of men, his physical hobby is fishing for a catch of the day. St. Paul is affiliated with the following community efforts: NAACP Life member, Bradenton Front Porch Fla., INC. 13th Avenue Youth Center Board, congresses and conventions, annual missionary conferences, sorority and fraternal educational scholarship annual efforts, Meals on Wheels, PLUS Manatee INC. Keep Manatee Beautiful, Manatee schools volunteers, community forums, Juneteenth celebrations, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Parade, UNCF, March of Dimes, Blood Drives, Health Issues etc. The official staff and officers, a centennial souvenir journal, a centennial PLUS directory, a recording platinum record, are all enclosed in this continuation of history. Many committees are active in the historic life of St. Paul.

St. Paul remains the beacon of light in the Manatee County community at 525 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard East, (cor. 6^th Street) Bradenton, FL. May the blessings of love and intercessory prayer for all of mankind bring glory and honor to the almighty through our obedience and love one for the other; “To God be the Glory!”

St. Paul is indeed “The friendly church in the midst of a friendly city, where friendly people come to worship and where the love of God flows like a river.”