DEACONS

 "Deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." 1 Timothy 3:8-11

The Saint Mary Baptist Church was organized in 1930 under the late Reverend Henry O’Dell. Reverend O’Dell established the Deacon Ministry to assist the pastor and aid in the community. The ministry grew under Reverend Leo Square. Reverend. Norwood T. Calvin added the Junior Deacon Ministry. These men transitioned from junior deacons into Senior Deacons under Pastor Knighton who added deacons in training. 

Currently the Deacon Ministry is led by Bro. Dennis Jackson as chairman and Bro. Charley Givens as Vice Chairman. Bro. Lenard Knighton and Bro. Kelvin Hunter serve as trainers for new deacons. The deacons visits the sick, assist the pastor at funerals, give out Thanksgiving baskets to the sick and shut in, prepare communion on first Sunday, travel with the pastor, volunteers in the community, assist the pastor with the revival, coordinates the street ministry with the youth ministry and lead the prayer meetings on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.