History of
THE ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF MCNAIR

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was called into existence by God in 1928, and was organized during the year with the efforts of a small group of nine (9) founding members. The founding members were: Deacon Israel Allen, Deacon Clarence Burton, Sister Eula Burton, Sister Annie Gant (who served as Mother of the Church), Deacon Johnnie Henderson Sr., Deacon Jake Hodges, Sister Ora Hodges, Deacon Jim Kimble, and Deacon Scott.

For a period of time, service was held in the home of Sister Annie Gant. Finally, a brush harbor was built by the group where services were held. Mr. Henry K. Johnson of Highlands, Texas later donated a plot of land to the church. Our church stands on a portion of that original plot of land.

The following ministers have served as pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of McNair. Reverend Herd pastured from 1929-30; Reverend A. A.Dancey began his pastorate in 1930, however, there is no record of the length of his pastoral tenure and service. The first frame church building was erected under Reverend Dancey’s leadership. Also, there is no record of the period of time each of the following ministers served as pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of McNair: the Reverends E. H. Horton, J. F. Sargent, L. N. Neal, I. H. Gordon, E. W. Solomon, J. T. Scott, Henry Thomas. Bishop Sherman Gray Jr. was called and elected to the pastorate September 1966, and is presently serving.

The present church edifice was erected under Bishop Sherman Gray Jr.’s leadership in the year 1981. Under his leadership, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of McNair has continued to grow spiritually, physically, socially and financially. Bishop Gray recognized the need for a new church building and thereby initiated a plan for construction of the present building. The total process of building our present church structure took a total of ten years planning. On November 27, 1981, the members of Antioch dedicated this edifice to the glory and honor of God.

Many new members came about during the next ten years. Our church experienced continued growth through trusting and placing our faith in the almighty God. We glorify and praise God for the following accomplishments:

We have become ONE through agreement with one another in spirit and in truth. This oneness has not only brought about a spirit of love and trust amongst the Body of Believers at Antioch, but moved the Body into a period of transition, which commenced in August of 1993 from the traditional church structure of departments and auxiliaries to a “TEAM MINISTRY” structure to strengthen each member in his or her personal call to minister in the whole Body of Christ. God has individually gifted each minister, embracing operation of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, thereby calling forth a Body of full gospel Christian Believers.

The impact of the “TEAM MINISTRY” structure was phenomenal, both individually and organizationally. It brought about many advancements. In particular, in the Spring of 1994 a Children’s Church was born out of the Youth Ministries already in operation under the “TEAM MINISTRY” structure. Also, financial planning and commitments began in September of 1994 for construction of a Youth Ministry and Educational Building Annex to support its growth and development. Consequently, the “TEAM MINISTRY” restructures promoted growth and development for a true sense of servanthood amongst the ministerial staffs, laypersons and member body. The Body has witnessed a surge of confidence in its ministry gifts and an eagerness to invest in service to God’s glory. This restructuring identified other opportunities for bringing all ministries and families together in corporate worship. It put more emphasis on the regularly held Mid-Week Prayer Service. A formal “Family Mid-Week Worship” service was instituted – where focus is placed on the importance and blessedness of all families and friends worshipping together and returning home for a continued refreshing service under the family headship.

This “TEAM MINISTRY” ministerial structure called into existence other ministries which are: An Intercessory Prayer Ministry, An Administrative and Financial Affairs, A Retreat Ministry, A Cradle Roll Ministry, A Praise Team Ministry, A Health Ministry, A Sewing Ministry, A Photography Ministry, A Men’s Ministry, A Drama Ministry, A Curriculum Ministry, and A Praise Dance Ministry. With this ministerial structure many of the existing ministry functions were renamed and ministry objectives expanded, such as: The Pastor’s Aid became the Love Fest Ministry; The Sunday School became the Christian Education ministry; the Mission became Mission Outreach Ministry; the administrative functions were expanded to include the Pastor, Governing Board of Deacons, the Executive STAFF which consists of lead minister representatives from the Board of Deacon, the Christian Education Ministry, Administrators (Church and Youth Ministry) and one at-large member; the Executive TEAM which consists of lead minister representatives from the overall ministerial staff; the overall Ministerial Staff which consists lead and staff ministers from each ministry with service roles and functions.

The Governing Board of Deacons presently has nine ministers ordained to serve and assist with the Church’s overall spiritual, business and administrative matters. They are: Eddie L. Bates, Lonnie Caleb, Joseph Davis, Fenton Lopez, Carl Paul, Johnny Phillips, Freddie Terrell, James White and Lovie Williams.

As a result of worshipping God with tithes and offerings, we are experiencing a greater move of God upon the Church.

Antioch has mothered 27 ministers – all of whom have preached their first sermon under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and the leadership and counsel of Bishop Gray. These ministers are: Bruce Bates Sr., Mary Bates, Leroy Davis, Mark Dugat, Billy East, Mary Frazier, Damon Guillory, Anthony Gray Sr., Fred L. Gray, Frederick Gray, Sherman Gray III, Walter Gray, Christopher Harris, Charles Johnson, Tyrone Jones, Ethan Lockett, Thomas Monday, Vera Morris, Dora Pinkney, Michelle Joseph-Paul, Bernice Richard, E. C. Sampson, Carlester Sanders Jr., Kelvin Sims, Rickey Taylor and Shirley Wallace.

Seven ministers of the Gospel united with the Church fellowship, and they are: Ministers Sandy LaBode Allen, Sally Green, Veronica Henry, Jeanette Jackson, Mildred Paul, L. D. Robinson and A. G. Simmons. Three of these ministers served as deacons prior to answering the call to preach the gospel, and they are: Billy East, Ethan Lockett, and L. D. Robinson. Sixteen (16) of these ministers have given evidence of God’s calling into the Gospel Ministry and have been issued licenses to preach the Gospel and to exercise spiritual gifts in the work of the Ministry as God ordains by Bishop Sherman Gray Jr.