Saint Joseph Missionary Baptist Church became a living organism in the body of Jesus Christ in the year of our Lord, 1924, on the north side of Mobile under the leadership of Rev. Bob White. One year later, the church moved to Monroe Street with Rev. Willie Simmons serving as pastor. We moved to Washington Avenue and Monroe Street under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Allen. Some of the members during those years were Deamus Reeves and his wife Ruth, Lula Williams and her daughter Maize (Smith), Mary Belle Kirskey, Archie Rogers and his wife Alice, D.C. Henderson and his wife Eliza, Vann Lett and his wife Brownie (Wilson), Minnie Atkins and Viola Harvel. Rebecca Reeves, the mother of Deamus Reeves, was the Church Mother. In 1938, Rev. Joseph B. Brown became pastor and he moved the congregation to its most known location during those times at 263 South Scott Street. Under his leadership, in 1941 Saint Joseph built its first "new" building. Rev. Brown supervised and actually built most of the new structure. In 1940's some of the members were Fred Reed and his wife Lelia, and Lummie George and his wife Edith. After the tragedies of the death of two of his children, Rev. Brown resigned. Saint Joseph called its first pastor with an extended tenure: Rev. Samuel L. Leggett of Pensacola, Florida. Under Rev. Leggett's leadership, the church was remodeled and its first cornerstone was laid. This building came from a church with a potbelly stove to gas floor furnaces; from lanterns on the wall to electric lights; from a building with only a sanctuary to one with a fellowship hall and a kitchen; and he added a baptismal pool. He also had the insight to have the church incorporated in October, 1957. Rev. Leggett saw spiritual areas that needed attention; therefore, he focused his messages toward important life applications. Some of his messages were: The Importance of Marriage and Not Shacking, and The Proper Bringing UP of Your Children. He was a great lover of children and he believed in supervising them in their activities. He went on picnics with them and he lead an annual Easter parade up and down Scott Street. With his wisdom the church membership grew from 50 to over 200. He looked at the organization of the church and revamped it into a departmentalized Sunday School and Missionary Society; he added two more choirs making three choirs-Senior Choir, Gospel Choir, and Junior Choir; and he added B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People Union). He saw to it that the church was affiliated with District, State and National Conventions, sending delegates each year. He also sent boys and girls to Summer Camp of Religious Education with Sister Julia Williams and Sister Julia Nelson of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Leggett's health began to fail and he resigned in 1965; however, he left the church with this advice: "Saint Joseph, you go in prayer. Look for someone who has never pastored anywhere, and when you call him, put your arms around him. He and you will grow together." After many prayer meetings and an uninterrupted week of evening prayer meetings, Saint Joseph called a new, young pastor- one who had preached for only a short time, but who came from a loving and nurturing family in Mississippi and his church family, Mount Olive No. 1 Baptist Church, along with a loving, meek and talented wife, Ernestine. The Lord sent Rev. Elijah Carlisle. With the Holy Spirit at the center of this decision, the Lord has allowed this man of God to serve this congregation for over 33 years. Under his leadership, Pastor Carlisle expanded the programs already in place. He energized his members by using a very positive attitude. Knowing that he could not encourage his members to grow spiritually and intellectually without setting an example, Rev. Carlisle enrolled in Selma University. He pastored and went to school at the same time, receiving a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. In the late 1960's, the City of Mobile began the Urban Renewal Program. As a result, the congregation had to move again. This move sent the congregation to 661 South Broad Street, formerly the Church of the Nazarene. The building was a much larger facility with an expanded educational building, offices, choir room, and nursery. With this added space the membership grew from 200 to its present number of over 500. With a desire to do a better work for the Lord, Pastor Carlisle developed a Music Department with choirs singing together on a consistent basis along with additional instrumentation, musicians and a salaried Minister of Music; added two vans to the transportation ministry; added modern day technology to the offices including computers and copiers; added modern day technology to the offices including computers and copiers; added a computer lab for the youth; and an up-to-date sound system with taping capability. Pastor Carlisle has also made sure that the youth are taken care of by providing auxiliary uniforms and summer entertainment by taking trips to places such as Disney World and Six Flags. He added the first women trustees to the board. Pastor Carlisle reaches outside of this membership by supporting local programs and foreign mission. In 1979, Hurricane Frederick caused extensive damage to the sanctuary. The congregation met in the All Purpose Room until the sanctuary was repaired. Since that time, the church has been updated several times and kept in good repair. God has blessed Saint Joseph with members who are loving and caring. Although most of the members do not live in the vicinity, they continue to attend and to serve. Reverend Carlisle retired in December 31, 2001 and departed this life on November 22, 2002. The end of another era. Rev. Troy LaShon Garner was selected Garner was selected as our visionary leader and began his duties on August 4, 2002. He resigned his position on March 11, 2003. This Caused a split in the membership. On August 11, 2004 the Lord sent us a strong dedicated, Holy Ghost filled Pastor with a vision to lead us and help us heal spiritually and emotionally. Dr. James Clifton Taylor served as pastor of the Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church for nearly twenty years before coming to us. he is the President of the First Eastern Shore Baptist Association, which has a membership of over (60) churches. Dr. Taylor is a renowned speaker, educator, evangelist, pastor and public health administrator. He has won local, state and national acclaim because of the enthusiasm, charisma and ability to communicate with people of all levels and ages. He is married to Ann Kimbrough Taylor and they have two children, James Clifton Taylor, III and Tracey Bonita Taylor. Dr. Taylor has a wide and varied background. He is the Academic Vice President of the Alabama Interdenominational Seminary; and Commissioner of the Mobile County Housing Board. His experiences include: Teacher; coach/Athletic Director; Assistant Principal; Professor of Theology; Director of Social Services and Division; Director at the Mobile County Health Department. He serves as Chairman and member of many boards and is a member of numerous boards, civic and fraternal organizations. With Jesus as the cornerstone we will overcome and come out victorious in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Saint Joseph has grown spiritually, numerically, and financially. For over 82 years, a legacy has been created and left by the leaders and members of this the SAINT JOSEPH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

copyright 2001