About Us
Over a century of faith, family, and fellowship in Bentonia, Mississippi
Our Mission Statement
"The mission of this body will be to promote the kingdom of God by: gathering in unity and love through worship and fellowship as we preach salvation to the lost, and train disciples in Christ; so that we minister to our community and promote missions at home and around the world; manifesting Christian characteristics."
A Rich History Since 1906
Bentonia Baptist Church was organized in 1906 by Rev. Burl C. Conant. The church did not apply for admittance to the Central Baptist Association until September 1909. At that time, the pastor was Rev. F. W. Gunn and Mr. R. W. Martin served as church clerk. The first report recorded a total membership of 28, with contributions of $2.00.
Among the charter members were Mrs. Richard Hancock, Miss Debbie Kennison, Mr. R.W. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ogden, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Smith, Mr. C. C. Stampley, Mrs. George Strickland, and Mrs. Wiley T. Williams.
The church began with quarter-time preaching services held in the old Union Church, a building located on the now vacant lot near the Bentonia Methodist Church. During these early years, both Baptists and Methodists shared this facility for worship services on a rotating basis.
"God's lighthouse in a Mississippi town."
The Baptist congregation erected its first church building in 1921 on property deeded to the church by Miss M. M. Cannon, with a grant of $1,000 from the State Convention Board and personal donations. Mr. W. M. Gooch sawed cypress lumber for the church foundations at a reduced price, and Mr. Richard Hancock furnished lights by connecting the church to his carbide system.
The church advanced to half-time preaching services in 1939 and full-time services in 1946. In 1947, a two-story educational annex was built. Plans for a new church building began in 1958, and in March 1964, the bid of $60,007 from B. C. Rogers Construction Company was accepted. The new building was completed in November 1966, with dedication services held on April 9, 1967.
The congregation celebrated being "Debt Free in '73" with a note burning ceremony on September 30, 1973. Over the following decades, the church received generous gifts of land and continued to grow, including the construction of a new fellowship hall in 2004–2005.
May Bentonia Baptist Church remain faithful to our Lord and Savior as we continue to serve as a beacon of hope and strive to be God's Lighthouse in a Mississippi Town.
Church Staff
Meet the leaders who serve our church family.
J J White
Pastor
Christian Osborne
Worship Leader
James Sones
Youth Minister
Come Be Part of Our Story
Our story is never ending, and we'd love for you to be a part of it.
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