Our History
 The History of St. Emmanuel Baptist Church On August 14, 2016, St. Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate 110 years of service. St. Emmanuel began with a small group of people. Rev. L.F. Scroggins, Rev. and Sis. David Griffen, Rev. L.J. Johnson, his wife Mary Joe and daughters Ethel and Carrie and his sister Georgia (last name unknown) helped to organize the church. Soon others joined the newly created church. When Rev. Scroggins was called to another church, Rev. A. J. Ayers became the newest minister. Under his leadership St. Emmanuel Baptist Church was built. St. Emmanuel (formally Second Baptist Church) was founded in August 1906. The Denton Historical Society indicated that the first location of the church was in Quaker –Town (a Negro settlement two and a half miles southeast of the courthouse. Quaker-Town existed from the mid-1880 until 1922. In 1923 a bond election was held to buy all the community property to convert to parkland. Rev. A. J. Ayers pastor at that time was vocal about his opposition to the forced relocation, reportedly left town because of threats. Prior to the removal of Negro population to East Denton, records show the church was located on Sanders Street, an alley-like passageway between Oakland and Terry Streets, running from just north of McKinney to Winters. It was sometimes called Commercial Street. Although it was omitted from the street directory, several residents were listed in the names registrar showing Sanders Street addresses, because Pecan Street cut off their access to Oakland Street. St. Emmanuel was one of three residents listed with a Sanders Street address, however, the specific address is not known. In 1923 the congregation moved from its location between Oakland Avenue and Sanders Street to Lakey Street. After the forced moved a lot was donated by Mr. Marvin Alexander. St Emmanuel currently sits on this location. St. Emmanuel has had a distinguished group of men as leaders. The following ministers have contributed immensely to the expansion of the church, both physically and spiritually: • Reverend Mitchell was responsible for building a wooden building on Lakey Street. • Reverend Samuel Luther Davis replaced the wooden building in the 1940's with a stone one. • Reverend Johnson and reverend Gibbs pastured during the 1950's. • Reverend Jessee James Thompson continued to upgrade by building the brick church that is currently in use, he also built a garage to house the new bus (formally called BIG RED). • Reverend Curtis Miller and the congregation finished paying for the church. • Reverend Anthony Henson added to the church holdings by purchasing the church parsonage and a van. • Reverend Lloyd A. Pullam pastored the church for 25 years, achieving the motto; "Reaching beyond the walls to teach, preach and to evangelize. Pastor Pullam has contributed to the church's holdings by purchasing acres of land, the old Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (currently our J.J. Thompson Fellowship Hall), one van and two busses. • Reverend George Garnett III was named our new pastor in July 2014 and is now leading St. Emmanuel to higher heights and deeper depths . On Sunday, February 4, 2006 a Dedication of the Historical Marker was held at St. Emmanuel. The Denton Historical Marker Committee along with Denton City Council Member, District I Charlye Heggins was among the guest at the service. The marker was unveiled by the St. Emmanuel Youth Department. Sister Marvelous Gowans spent numerous of hours submitting the proper paperwork and speaking to authorities to make this a success. The marker sits in the front of the church facing Lakey Street. . |
