About Us / Church History
Rooted in Faith, Sustained by Service
With deep gratitude to God, we honor the enduring legacy of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church (STMBC).
Our Story
How it all began
On October 17, 1915, a small group of members from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church gathered under the guidance of Reverend Ruben Thomas to organize St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church and named him the church’s first pastor.
The congregation initially gathered in a modest meeting place on South Myrtle Avenue before moving to 1519 Pelican Street in Campbell Hill (today known as Dennis Street), a historic African American streetcar suburb of Jacksonville, Florida.
Founders and first church building
Milestones
Our Timeline
1915–1941
The Foundation & Early Years
On October 17, 1915, a small group of members from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church gathered under the guidance of Reverend Ruben Thomas to organize St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church and named him the church’s first pastor.
The congregation initially gathered in a modest meeting place on South Myrtle Avenue before moving to 1519 Pelican Street in Campbell Hill (today known as Dennis Street), a historic African American streetcar suburb of Jacksonville, Florida.
Early Auxiliaries: The Deaconess Board and Choir No. 1 were established between 1915 and 1917, followed by the first Usher Board in 1920.
1930–1941
Adversity & Passing the Torch
Overcoming Adversity: In 1930, after a devastating fire destroyed the original building, Reverend Thomas led the congregation in constructing a new sanctuary.
Passing the Torch: Following Reverend Thomas’s passing on June 2, 1932, several ministers cared for the flock until Reverend Garfield H. Hawkins was selected as the second pastor in 1936. Reverend Hawkins continued expanding the church’s ministries by establishing Choir No. 2 and a second Usher Board, and he served faithfully until 1941.
1942–1985
Reorganization, Relocation & Growth
In 1942, Reverend Wiley Clarence Neal became STMBC’s third pastor, ushering in a season of dynamic leadership and spiritual expansion.
Structural Reorganization: Reverend Neal reorganized the church into geographic Districts, added a Youth Choir, established Women’s Day and Men’s Day, and successfully oversaw the liquidation of church mortgages.
Moving to Moncrief: In 1952, the congregation relocated to 2333 Moncrief Road, constructing a new sanctuary and parsonage for $35,000.
Reverend Neal faithfully led STMBC for more than four decades until his passing on August 18, 1985, leaving a strong foundation for future generations.
1986–2023
A Legacy of Vision & Service
In June 1986, Reverend Ernie L. Murray, Sr. became STMBC’s fourth pastor. His visionary leadership transformed the ministry, expanding it to seventeen districts and introducing vital programs including the St. Thomas Saints Football Team, Bus Ministry, Bible Training Ministry, Early and Midday Worship services, specialized Sunday School classes, the Ruben Thomas Scholarship Fund, Outreach Ministry, Prison Ministry, and Singles Ministry.
Physical Expansion & Community Hubs: Pastor Murray spearheaded major physical expansions to turn the church into a holistic community hub: in 1995, the church broke ground on its Main Campus at 5863 Moncrief Road; in 2005, it established the Food and Clothing Pantry, renamed the Joyce A. George Food & Clothing Pantry in 2010; in 2006, it completed the Family Life Center at 2119 Rowe Avenue for outreach, fellowship, and holistic ministry; and in 2008, it acquired and renovated the former James Davis Funeral Home property at 5879 Moncrief Road, opening the licensed St. Thomas Child Development Center.
Honoring Pastor Murray: Pastor Murray served until December 2023 and was named Pastor Emeritus. Following his passing on February 28, 2025, his monumental impact on Jacksonville was commemorated in June 2026 with an honorary street designation, Pastor Ernie L. Murray Sr. Parkway, dedicated near the Main Church Campus.
2023–Present
Honoring Tradition, Leading into the Future
On April 21, 2023, Pastor Terry Brown was elected as the fifth pastor of STMBC. Under his inspired leadership and dedicated teaching, God continues to bless the congregation with growing membership, expanded ministries, and deepened spiritual enrichment.
Modernizing Outreach & Campus Renewal: Pastor Brown honors our rich heritage while boldly guiding the church into the modern era.
Digital Expansion: Introduced online, text, and QR code giving options, alongside live-streamed worship services to reach a global community.
Campus Renovations: Oversaw major physical and structural enhancements, including a new roof, fresh interior and exterior paint, updated lighting throughout, and fully remodeled restrooms.
Community Impact: Reopened the Joyce A. George Food and Clothing Pantry and launched new active ministries to serve our surrounding neighborhood.
Our Legacy
Through the Years
A community shaped by worship, fellowship, and generations of faithful service.
Pastor Brown’s leadership reflects his heartfelt dedication to making STMBC,