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St. James Missionary Baptist Church

HISTORY

HISTORY

In the early 1900s, a group of Christians who were ex-slaves settled in the Cypress area just south of Moundville.  Among these families were the James, Steeles, Browns, among others.    Being Baptist these families sought to form a church.  They original worshiped under a brush harbor on the creek bank.  From there, they worshipped in a tent.  Around 1905, the deeds were made in Greensboro, Al for a church building.  Mr. Cephas Steele was listed as the founder.  The land to build the church building was donated by W.W. Strutter. 

Some of the Pastors that have served at Saint James are Rev. Joe Shephard, Rev. Jones, Rev. Foster (1927-1928), Rev. Mainge, Rev. Mays, Rev. R Jones, Rev. T.H. Palmer (1940-1970).  Rev. Palmer served into his death.  After Rev. Palmer’s death, Rev. B.B Parker was called to serve at St. James. 

Rev. Parker served from 1971 to 2006.  Men serving on the Deacon Board during Rev. Parker’s installation were Deacons Oscar lee James, Asbury Sylvers, Zell Sanders, Nathaniel Whitsett, Joe Porter, and Clifton Bates.  All of these men have gone home to Glory.   Under Rev. Parker’s pastorage, the church was remodeled several times but rebuilt on the same property in 1997 and dedicated in 1998.  The church also became a strong hold in the St. Paul District Association.  Rev. Parker either instituted or strengthened many ministries and auxiliaries which included Sunday School including a New Member’s Class, Bible Study, Children’s Choir, Vacation Bible School, among others.  There were five Deacons ordained while Rev. Parker was Pastor.  They include the late Willie Vawters, Joseph Vawters, Willie Hope Jr, B.B. Parker Jr, and Charles Vawters (who serves as the Chairman today).  The late Deacon Jessie Pope, already ordained, united with the St. James Missionary Baptist Church for the latter years of his life.

Just a note on the church mothers that have served.  Mrs. Fannie Steele (the wife of Cephas Steele) served as the first church mother.  Other church mothers includes Mrs. Nora Burroughs, Mrs. Velma Bates, and Mrs. Sarah James.  Mrs. Annie Lou James served until her health started to fail in 2005 and Mrs. Doris Vawters has served since 2006. The church clerk since 1978 is Sis. Hattie Hope. She has  served in this position for over 37 years until her health begin to fail.  Sis. Julia Cargile is the current church clerk.

Rev. Rickey C. Wells installed in June of 2007.  Under his pastorage the church has seen tremendous growth including the revitalization of the Children’s Choir, formation of the Children’s Ushers, formation of the Laymen Ministry, greater participation with the St. Paul District Association, and revitalization of the Vacation Bible School.  St. James was remodeled by Brother Sam Ryans and re dedicated on August 11, 2013.  Three deacons have been ordained under Pastor Wells.  They are Roy Cargile ordained February 2012 and Cornell James and Charlie Hill ordained April 2014.

On  March 7, 2021, Rev. Andre Hunt Sr. was elected as Pastor.

This is the abbreviated history of the St. James Baptist Church of Cypress Alabama.  The history was first compiled by Deacon Joseph Vawters under the supervision of Rev. B.B. Parker in 1983.