01
Stepping Out On Faith
While serving as the Assistant Pastor to Rev O.C. Johnson at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, the Lord spoke to Rev. Brown and told him “It was time for him to move out.” Not knowing where he would go, Rev. Brown moved out in faith, and the Lord directed him to 1301 Andrew Street and He said, "This is the place.”
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His wife, Martha was singing with a group called the Gloston Aires at the time. Rev. Brown accompanied his wife to one of their rehearsals and it was there he stated he needed a name for his church. The musician, Betty Shields, said to name the church Bibleway, and that’s how the church got its name.
02
The Beginning of
Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church
Baptist Church was organized in 1963 and had its first service on Easter Sunday morning. The first five members of the church were; Sis. Martha Brown, Freddie and Steve Mitchell, Bro. and Sis. Willie, and Ida Scott. Rev Roosevelt Jackson was led by the Spirit to join and become the first assistant minister helper. Later the Allen and Scott children were added to the church. Bibleway is a drawing church of children and the parents follow later. Other members were Sis. Theresa Cockrell (first matron), Bro Percy King (first deacon), Sis. Daisy King and Bro. Johnnie Roberts.
03
1301 Andrews Street
The church at 1301 Andrews was rented at $10.00 a week. When the church was not able to raise money for the rent and utilities, Pastor Brown would help pay the bills. On April 17, 1968, a contract of sale was entered into by and between H. L. Bradford, owner and the Trustees of Bibleway. The trustees were Bro. John J. Jefferson, Sis. Eddie Penson, Sis. Lonnie Allen, Sis. Ida Scott and Rev. and Sis. Brown. The purchase price for the church was $7,500.00. The church was paid for in 1974. In 1975, a van was purchased and paid for before entering the current church location.
04
Write The Vision
“Footprints of Jesus make the pathway glow. We will follow the steps of Jesus wherever they go.” The Lord led us to buy some property that became available. After the Bibleway family had a meeting in November of 1978, we entered into another contract with the Greater Emmanuel Church of God in Christ for the sum of $60,000.00. We entered the new location at 1415 Cushing Street on January 7, 1979.
05
Vision Becomes Reality
The Lord is still blessing! On March 2, 1981, another contract for sale was entered into for additional property for parking. This property was paid for on May 12, 1982. Active deacons at that time were: Deacon Bush Nell, Deacon Tuner Jones, Deacon Carl Moore, Deacon Thomas Penson, and Deacon John Craven. In 1991, three more deacons were ordained: Deacon John Howard, Deacon Darius Butler, and Deacon Eugene Bradley. The church is still being blessed; Rev. Arthur Mitchell was ordained. Christian Fellowship united with Bibleway under the leadership of one of the sons of Bibleway; Rev. Robert Burns. Due to his love for the Lord, Pastor Brown, and the Bibleway family; Rev. Lee Jones, Jr. of St Paul Baptist Church, Brookshire, Texas united with our family in Christian Experience.
06
Our Forever Home
Pastor Brown received a vision from the Lord to build a new church. Stepping out on his faith in God he followed his vision. Despite the doubt and disbelief we entered into the current building on April 9, 2001. By the grace of God the church was completely paid for in 2003. Two deacons confessed their calling to the ministry; Rev. Derrick Green and Rev. Emmett Sullivan were ordained. As time went on, Deacon Robert Minex, Deacon Johnny Washington, Deacon Lonnie House, Deacon L.M. Kirksey, and Deacon Sherman Mason were ordained. Sis. Eddie Penson, Sis. Julia Jefferson, Sis. Lonnie Allen, Sis. Marie Jones, Sis. Nannie Wright, and Sis. Thelma Courtney were adopted as our church mothers. Praise be to God! In December 2011, Pastor Brown appointed Rev. Arthur Mitchell as Co-Pastor.
By the Grace of God, we have come this far by Faith!