our history
In 1916, Israel Missionary Baptist Church was founded by a prayer band that met in different homes. On April 27, 1918, the prayer band officially called their first pastor, Rev. A. B. Fort. Later that year, a small house (which would become the first church sanctuary) was purchased at 13 Daniel Street from Mrs. Mary Ficklin with a down payment of $100 down and $10 a month at an interest rate of 7%. The inaugural members of Israel included Sisters Nora Banks, Mary Kay, Gussie Gaither, and Sister Anna Sumpter. Some of the first deacons were Deacons William Blair, David Fort, Albert Mackey, Lamsol Irby, and Deacon Lee Hall. Under the pastorate of Rev. Fort, the church joined the Building Convention Organization; an organization comprised of several churches, such as Shady Grove Baptist Church, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, and Stardust Baptist Church. Periodically, the Organization met at each of the respective churches to fellowship together and the funds raised (during these services) were left with the host church for their building fund.
Under Rev. Fort’s leadership, a Sunday School Department, a Baptist Young Peoples Union (B.Y.P.U.), Wednesday Night prayer services, and revivals were organized. On December 12, 1925, Israel was reorganized under the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Walker. On January 6, 1926, under the pastorate of Rev. Walker, Israel held its first convention, next door to 13 Daniel Street, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Orange Lewis. Israel paid the Lewis family $1.00 a week for rent and $.025 each meeting (for coal). As noted in church records, by February 24, 1926, Israel’s membership increased from 9 to 60 members. With this increase in membership, Rev. Walker also expanded the Board of Trustees and Officers, and Sister Caroline Sumpter Williams, who had served in the capacity since age 9, was installed as the Church Clerk at age 12. Additionally, Rev. Walker initiated the Willing Workers, Busy Bee, Progressive Club, and the Volunteer Club. These would become the first auxiliaries of the church. During this time, in 1926, Israel would boast a grand total of $684.62 in their Finance Committee’s Report; funds resulting from one of their rallies and, after expenses, a balance of $18.14 was placed in the church treasury. On July 1, 1928, Rev. Walker preached his farewell sermon and resigned as pastor.
For only a short period of time would Israel be without a pastor; as the Lord called Rev. J. J. Gresham on July 31, 1928. On May 26, 1929, under the pastorate of Rev. Gresham, the Board of Deacons was once again expanded, and Brother Mead Johnson was placed on the deacon board becoming the Board’s 1st Chairman where he served dutifully for 43 years. On January 15, 1939, after a tenure of approximately 12 years, Rev. Gresham passed away.
In 1940, Rev. C. S. Jackson became pastor and served until his retirement in 1962. Under the leadership of Rev. Jackson, Israel expanded its facilities, purchasing new pews and a piano. The membership rose from a little more than 60 members to around 200. During the final years of Rev. Jackson’s life, which were racked by severe illness, the Reverend William Smith, Rev. Huntley, Rev. Hobbs and Rev. Simms provided Israel’s spiritual support, while the deacons sought to find a pastor.
In 1964, Rev. William Smith was called and accepted the pastorate of Israel Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Rev. Smith, Israel’s membership rapidly grew from 200 to 400 members. Unfortunately, shortly after Rev. Smith accepted the pastorate, the church home located at 13 Daniel Street was destroyed by fire. As a result, church services were held at a vacant church, formerly known as Turner Monumental located at Edgewood and Boulevard. Prior to the fire, the membership had already initiated plans to purchase a larger facility, but immediate circumstances caused them to proceed more rapidly.
With a little more than 400 members, Israel Missionary Baptist Church forged ahead and in November of 1964, Israel purchased a facility at 110 Howard Street, Northeast. With the increase in membership, Rev. Smith expanded ministries and, in 1972, Deacon Willie Lester was installed as Chairman of the Deacon Board and served loyally until 1988. Following the tenure of Sister Williams, Sister Virgle Shepherd served as Church Clerk until 1964. From 1964 to 1974, Sister Mae B. Martin Bennett served as Church Clerk. Due to Israel’s rapid growth, the church felt the need for a full-time secretary, thus, a Personnel Committee, headed by Deacon Willie Lester, was formed. In 1974, Sister Bertha B. Harden was selected as Israel’s 1st full-time staff member and served devotedly for 35 years. Additionally, Sister Lydia Fitzpatrick faithfully served as Church Clerk and the first Financial Secretary until her demise.
Israel’s growth was rapidly increasing the need for a larger facility for its membership. Soon, Israel outgrew the facilities at 100 Howard Street and, on March 25, 1979, moved into the present edifice at 2071 Boulevard Drive, now known as Hosea L. Williams Drive, which has a seating capacity of approximately 2,500. The present location was purchased from the Atlanta Board of Education and formerly used to house Fountain Elementary School. During July of 1979, Israel hosted the State Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of GA, Inc. This would be the first time, in history, that the entire Congress was housed under one roof.
Under the pastorate of Rev. William Smith, Deacon Cecil Fitzpatrick was installed as the 3rd Chairman of the Deacons Ministry in 1988 and served in that capacity until 2013. In the years that followed, Israel’s membership grew in excess of 6000 parishioners. Due to severe weather damage in 1988 at the present edifice, extensive renovations were undertaken. Following this undertaking, The Chapel was renewed and dedicated as the “William Smith Chapel”. Major purchases were made, such as: a new organ, new carpeting, and air conditioning. Church renovations also included a pastor’s study, cushioned seats in the sanctuary, the installation of a PA System, and the complete paving of the parking lot. Further testimony of Israel’s growth was the establishment of 16 auxiliaries, six (6) choirs, the Department of Christian Education, Stewardship Programs, and a Radio Broadcast.
Additionally, Sunday worship was expanded to three (3) services at 7:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 7:00p.m. In addition, there was the start of Pastoral Bible Study on the first and third Saturday mornings of each month, Noonday Prayer service each Wednesday, and Bible Study Classes every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for church leaders and all members of our fellowship.
As the new millennium approached, God gave Rev. William Smith a specific divine assignment entitled “Vision 2000”. The primary purpose of Vision 2000 was to win souls for Christ in addition to reducing the balance of the church mortgage through prayerful pledges. For Vision 2000, Sister Tempy Hoskins was asked to be the chairperson and served as such for three years, along with Co-Chairpersons, Sisters Yvonne Calloway, Bertha B. Harden, Bobbie Britt, and Deacon Willie Lester. Through the efforts of Vision 2000, the sanctuary was completely renovated, and various other areas underwent renovation and enhancements. With overflowing freewill and love offerings, Israel has continued to embark upon various renovations to meet the needs of our congregation and surrounding communities.
In 2010, Deacon Waldo Bennett was installed as the 4th Chairman of the Board of Deacons and served in that position until his death in 2018. Following Deacon Bennett, Deacon C. Neal Purvis became Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry and currently serves in that capacity.
Under his leadership, Reverend William Smith ordained over 60 ministers and 74 deacons, as well as pastored well over 6,000 members. Pastor Smith served as Pastor of Israel for 55 years until his retirement in 2018. With the culmination of 2018, Israel completed renovations and repairs of the sanctuary, upgraded the Sound System, remodeled the Fellowship Hall and adjoining the Kitchen, resurfaced the parking lot and much more.
On May 5, 2020, Pastor Smith transitioned from labor to reward leaving behind a legacy of love, fellowship, and followship. While the search for a new pastor is underway, currently, Rev. Dr. William Rollerson serves as the spiritual leader providing ministry guidance and support to the congregation and community.