New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church History
Springfield Missionary Baptist Church was initially started on April 1, 1963 in the home of Rev. Jesse L. Jones and Sis. Clotee Jones. At this meeting there were four members who asked Rev. Jones to become the Pastor of the church. On July 17, 1963 Springfield Baptist church was formally organized. Rev. Jones decided to leave the church for unknown reasons, leaving behind three members – Sis. Flora Hurner, Sis. Clotee Jones and Mother Laura Jordan. After the departure of Rev. Jones, the three remaining members were pastored by Rev. Garland and worshipped in a building on the corner of Prospect Street and South Paddock Street. Rev. Garland soon left the church and the remaining members continued worshipping God and praying for a new pastor.
Chapter 1 - A New Start (1974 – 1997)
On February 6, 1974, Rev. Willie L. Cohen agreed to become Pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. Church services were held in the basement of Bibleway Church on East Boulevard from February 14, 1974 until June 1974. During this time, new members joined the church - Bro. Gilbert Preston, Bro. Harold Johnson and Sis. Inell Cohen.
Pastor Cohen and the members desired to purchase a building of their own for worship services so they sold barbeque dinners, raffle tickets and ice cream to secure funds for their new location. A building at 135 Prospect Street was purchased and on December 7, 1974 the church was renamed New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church (NSMBC). The members of “the small church with a huge heart” continued to work to win souls to Christ.
During Pastor Cohen’s tenure the church was remodeled, its parsonage was demolished and the first mortgage was eliminated. Years earlier Bro. Gilbert Preston donated land where a newly constructed church that members had envisioned for years was finally built. On Sunday, April 14, 1996 the members walked from the old church to the new one at 124 Prospect.
Pastor Cohen was called to eternal rest on July 27, 1997 and his wife Sis. Inell Cohen died earlier that year. Mother Laura Jordan and Sis. Flora Hurner who were the founding members had already been called home to be with the Lord.
Chapter 2 - Still Casting the Net (1998 – 2010)
After months of grieving, a pulpit committee was formed with a mission of assisting the church in finding a new pastor. On February 22, 1998, the church unanimously voted to name Rev. Lenworth R. Miner Jr. as its second pastor. Under his leadership new ministries were formed to strengthen Christian growth and address the interests of younger members. These ministries included the Young Adult, Christian Education and Media ministries.
Pastor Miner’s vision for a Christ centered ministry focusing on the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ, led some 300 members to the church. One of his most memorable sayings was “this joy I have the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away.”
Sadly, on November 10, 2010 Pastor Miner died suddenly at his home.
Chapter 3 – The Future (2011 – Present)
Rev. William Parker Jr was selected on August 5, 2011 to be pastor and lead the church into the future. He excitedly accepted the position and on Sunday, November 12, 2011, was installed as the third Pastor of New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. First Lady Jennifer Parker serves faithfully with him. In 2013 our last founding member Sis. Clotee Jones passed away.
Pastor Parker’s teaching has impacted NSMBC. His passion for teaching God’s word has lead members under his leadership to pursue Christian education at a higher level by attending classes offered through various workshops, seminars and the National Baptist Convention.
The arrival of Pastor Parker generated new excitement at NSMBC. He immediately created a Leadership Council to assist in growing the ministry and the annual community picnic which is attended by residents and local city officials. In addition, the media and youth ministries have both been expanded and revitalized.
God has given Pastor Parker a vision for New Springfield to be strengthened through the study and sharing of God’s Word with others. We are “the church that preaches and teaches the Word of God, so that lives are changed and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior is glorified.”