Church History
St. Mary’s humble beginnings consisted of a house owned by Bro. Brown on the corner of what is now fifth and Ames Blvd on March 18, 1922. It was organized by the late Rev. G. McGruder of Philippian and Philadelphia Baptist Churches. The first offering collected totaled 92 cents. The founders of St. Mary were the late Rev. Mansfield Thompson, his wife, Cecilia Thompson, West Jackson, Elvira Jackson, N. Braxton, Monroe Thompson, and Thelma Thompson Thibodeaux. Faithful workers included Sis. Rose Adams, Sis. Elizabeth Paul and Sis. Alma Reed Smith. On January 4, 1925, those organizers and members saw the need to purchase and construct a church building. An agreement was made and signed with the late Mr. Vic A. Pitre for the purchase of two lots and the construction of a church on the land for the sum of $1,225.57. The bell that still hangs in our bell tower was purchased on August 15, 1925, and the first soul was called and baptized in June of 1925. In 1927, a storm blew one side of the church off its foundation, but with the help of the Lord and friends, it was reconstructed. Those earlier warriors passed over the rough roads that led to here, pitched their tents on dry land near turbulent waters – but still they cried, “Fight on my soul till death.” Because of an increase in membership, enlargement of the church began on April 9, 1951, and was completed on July 5, 1951. A second remolding of the church was completed in June 1962. After leading St. Mary for 53 years, Rev. Mansfield Thompson was called to his heavenly home on May 5, 1974. He was succeeded by Rev. Malcolm Hess who was installed on June 13, 1975. After serving as pastor for one year and seven months, Rev. Hess resigned on January 23, 1977. Rev. Andrew Doris, ordained by Rev. Hess, was installed as pastor on April 24, 10977. On October 5, 1978, Rev. Doris resigned. Again, for the second time in three years, St. Mary was left without a shepherd. Bro. William Smith, then Chairman of the Deacon Board, sought to provide the spiritual leadership needed. Bro. Eddie Williams, Jr., of the Trustee Board, gave the business leadership needed. The church went down in a special week of prayer service for a shepherd for this St. Mary flock. On Thursday, March 1, 1979, Rev. Wilbert Tross, Jr. was elected pastor of St. Mary. We spent our 56th year thanking God for His many blessings because He had blessed us with a pastor, a leader and a teacher. God blessed us to hold our first Bible Institute and conduct Baptist Training Union services – all aimed at spiritual growth. In our 58th year, the central theme was “Service to All Our Fellow man, and to Gaining a Closer Walk with God.” A sick and shut-in committee was organized as well as a Mission Sunday. Our youth were given an opportunity to solely sponsor Second Sunday services and to attend the Baptist Youth Encampment. In our 60th year, we purchased the adjacent piece of land and put God in the lead through another expansion program. In our 62nd year, spiritual growth had increased and emphasis was placed and continues to be placed on the importance of departing these walls to serve, attendance involvement in any or all of the teaching programs of the church and tithing. In 1986, construction began to remodel our sanctuary and add what is now the Rev. Mansfield Thompson Memorial Education Section. In February 1987, we marched into our new edifice and dedicated it to the glory of God using a theme, “Can’t Stop Praising His Name.” Three additional lots were purchased for additional paved parking space. They were paved and fenced in for additional parking. Also in 1987, we began a program to feed the needy. Every Wednesday under the auspices of the Mission Society, dozens of needy came to be fed and many plates were sent to the sick and elderly who could not come out. Under the Mission Society, clothes were provided free of charge to those who were in need. In June 1988, the pastor presented to the church the vision to establish a Baptist School for the education of children on the Westbank. All children were welcomed and accepted, but the thrust would be towards black children. There was a need for them to know who they were religiously, racially, socially, spiritually, and culturally. In December 1989, the Mansfield Thompson Education Foundation was incorporated to spearhead the church’s thirst to build the school. In September 1990, the house and ground adjacent to the parking lots was purchased with cash from HUD for future plans. -From September 1991 – 1993, the St. Mary family stretched its arms to reflect the great Grace of God by leasing a duplex located at 1152 Cohen Street to begin providing free temporary shelter for homeless families (Cecilia’s Home). In March 1992, a Young Adult Choir was organized and in August 1992, our school “Faith Academy” opened its doors to accommodate an early childhood learning component. In November 1992, the St. Mary family purchased the building directly across from the sanctuary to facilitate its expanded ministries.