Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist Church

 1968 – Present

In 1968, the idea of a new church, Faith Memorial, was born out of need with plans for progress spearheaded by Mrs. Maude Harris, one of our church founders.  The Masonic Hall, 1210 Union Street South, was selected as a temporary place of worship under the leadership of Rev. B.T. Leonard.

In 1969, the Church was organized on February 17th and Rev. Fate Blasingane was called to pastor (February 1969 – January 1972). Under his leadership, the Park Theater was selected, purchased and converted to our first and only seat of worship established at 1800 18th Avenue South.

Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist Church was dedicated on June 14, 1969.  During this time, Rev. Blasingane led the church through major renovations of the building including improvements to the interior of the sanctuary, the kitchen and Pastor’s study.

In 1972, Rev. Bragg L. Turner succeeded Rev. Fate Blasingane as pastor. Installation services were held in September 1972 for Rev. Turner. Under his great leadership of over four decades, he led Faith Memorial through phases of tremendous growth and accomplishments. 

During this time, we were blessed in the following areas:

* Extensive renovations of the sanctuary, 1974

* Faith Hall was purchased, renovated and furnished, 1975-1979; Major renovations, 1994

* The nursery, choir room and office were remodeled and furnished, 1975-1979

* New church van purchased, 1980

* Addition of library, office equipment and parking lots, 1980-1981

* Construction of covered walkway joining the sanctuary to Faith Hall, 1982

* Liquidation of mortgage, 1984

* Major construction project, 15,000 sq. ft. expansion of the sanctuary, 1996

* Liquidation of 2nd mortgage, 2011

During the illness and passing of Rev. Bragg L. Turner in 2014, Faith Memorial was under the leadership of Rev. Martin Rainey. In 2015, a search committee was formed and Faith Memorial began its search for a new senior pastor.  Also in 2015, the Faith Resource Center was renamed The Bragg L. Turner Resource Center.

On February 14, 2016, the congregation selected Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr. to serve as Senior Pastor of Faith Memorial.  He was installed on April 17, 2016.

Present Day...