HISTORY OF THE MISSIONARY MINISTRY

(Founded 1866)

 

During the 150 year history of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church, Missionaries have played an important role in the development and growth of the church. Even though missionaries were not organized as a select group, each individual had a duty to spread the good news and render unlimited service to mankind.

 

Historically, while the Brothers of the church busied themselves with business matters, maintenance and upkeep of the physical structure of the church, their wives, mothers and sisters attended to and prayed for the sick and shut-ins. This type of Christian service began with the founding of the Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church Missionary Circle is 1866 and has continued to the present.

 

It was during the pastorate of Reverend John H Skinner (1927-1956) that a group of members saw the need to organize themselves into a Missionary Circle. Sister Hattie Speller was the first president. Some of the other members during this time included Sisters Mae Will Bond, Martha M. Watson, Pernavia Ebron, Katie Speller, Lonnie Freeman, Irene Speller, Sweetie Carter, Oliver Skinner, Adline Speller, Mary P. Speller, Clarine Mebane, Willie Mae Bond, Cynthia Eason, Eliza Barrow, Florence Outlaw, Meta Small, Vaudia W. Phillips, Elnora Rascoe, Meta Watson, Mary Speller, Penny Small, Sarah Sutton, Fannie W. Vaughn and Amanda Everette,

 

It was under the directions of Missionary Mattie Lou Speller that the children made up what was known as the Sunshine Band which was comprised of a group of tots and young children who learned and sang songs about Jesus. They learned God’s Words through songs and prayer. Some of their favorite songs were “Yes Jesus Love Me”, “This Little Light of Mine” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children”. Sister Speller was a school teacher and she loved the little children she was privileged to work with.

The circle continued to grow and some Sunshine Band members became old enough to join and become members of the adult Missionary Circle. The Circle later dwindled due to member sickness, death and migration.

 

Under the pastorate of Reverend A. M. Williams (1957-1966) the group reorganized and new members joined. Sister Estella Stewart was elected president. Other members added were: sisters Janie Lou Speller, Emma Speller, Louvie Mebane, Lessie Bond, Carrie Speller, Zetella Watson, Willa Hunt, Emma Peaches Pugh, Fannie Miller, Mary V. Bond, Martha Watson, Mattie Speller, Inez Watson, Alice Ballance and Mary L. Bond. This group held monthly meetings and began to study God’s Word together in an effort to bring more souls to Christ. With migration on the rise, Education and industry brought new people to our community and many joined our church.

 

Under the pastorate of Reverend Andrew Jackson Cherry (1966-1973) new members that joined were Sisters Vashti Cooper, Inez Watson, Cynthia Speller, Nancy Wilson, Gail Wilson, Delores Roberson, Willie M. Craig, Mary Basnight, Lee Alma Watson, Emma (Peaches) Pugh, Margaret Askew, Diane Miller and Sarah Williams. Our projects and activities were sending cards, letters, flowers, fruit baskets, and gifts to the sick, shut-in, bereaved families and in 1982, we sponsored the Vacation Bible School. We visited the Central Orphanage in Oxford, NC and The Special Olympic for the Handicapped was also a project.

 

In 1982, the young adult Circle was organized. Sister Margaret Askew was the first president, and Doretha Williams the second president. Diane Miller and Vasti Cooper also served as presidents. Members of the young adult Circle were between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.

 

In 1983, Madam President Inez Watson vacated her post after 20 years of dedicated service. Sister Mary McGee served as president for the next two years.

 

In 1985, Reverend Murrill appointed Doretha Williams, then President of the Young Adults to the Senior President position.

 

In 1986, Reverend Murrill resigned as Pastor to accept a full time pastorate in Ahoskie, NC

 

In June of 1986 Reverend Shelton R. Barnes was sent by God to be Pastor and Shepherd of our church family. Under Pastor Barnes’ spiritual leadership and guidance, we became a Missionary Ministry. New members that joined were Sister Phefie Small, Annie M. Bond, Rosa Speller, Nellie Bond, Katrina Watson, Deacon William Small, Bertha Angel and Mildred Turner.

 

We have hosted the West Roanoke Missionary Training Institute, attended All State Conventions in Raleigh, organized the Prayer Partner Network, spearheaded the purchase of a church van, computers and supported the new annex to our church. The Missionaries are spreading the Word of God and witnessing for Christ every day.

 

In the early 2000s, the Missionaries visualized a Cedar Landing Church owned community center that would serve the church and the Cedar Landing community. We raised $68,000 toward the project but the money was used to add a fellowship hall to the existing church building because it was thought to be more beneficial at the time

 

As Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church transitions into a new era, our main goal will always be to win souls for Christ. Our objectives are the Shaw University State Missions, The Baptist Assembly Foreign Missions, Central Children Home and The Shaw Divinity School. The Missionary Ministry is now under the umbrella of the West Roanoke Association, known as the Bertie County Missionary Union, encompassing 32 churches in Bertie County. Our goal is to have a missionary ministry in every church in Bertie County. Dr. Audrey Battle is our president from the State Department. Shelia Craig is now the Missionary Union’s President for the 32 churches in Bertie County.

 

Our 2016 officers are Emma Peaches Pugh, President, Doretha Williams Vice President and Shirley Taylor, Secretary,

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