Our History

According to record, about July 20, 1937, there came to Odessa a Missionary, Rev. B.H. Hubbard. Seeing the need of another Baptist Church, Rev. Hubbard conducted a ten day revival at the Greater St. John Baptist Church. After the revival, the St. James Baptist Church was organized in the Mackey Chapel M.E. Methodist Church, located in the 200 block of South Hancock Street. The charter members were: Deacons Lee Jones, Garrett Robinson, Jessie Smart, and Rev. A.H. Bennett, Brothers: Willie Stevenson, W.A. Moses, James Moses; Sisters: Willie Robinson, Ella Mae Daniels, E.V. King, Jewel Booth, Henrietta Rose, Mildred Stevenson, Mary Walker, Rosie Collier, Lou Wilet, Ozana Patilla, and Lena Williams Hamilton.

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Rev. B.H. Hubbard was called to pastor the church. Deacon Lee Jones served as board chairman. Brother Garrett Robinson was the first secretary of the church. Bro. Jessie Smart was the first Treasurer. The congregation met in the Johnson Chapel Church for about a year with the Rev. Sister Deshon, the pastor. St. James had services the first and third Sundays of each month, and the Methodist Church services were held the second and fourth  Sundays. The two congregations had combined Sunday school and B.Y.P.U. each Sunday. The money raised  was divided equally. Enough money was raised for the purchase of some lots. The church had fish fries, dinners, and etc. to raise this money. After a suffcient amount of money was raised, arrangements were made with the Sinclair Lumber Company located on Highway 80 to build a small building. The Deacons paid a man to lay the foundation. After the foundation was laid, the Deacons worked on the church in their spare time. The project of the Mission was that each member would hire a man and pay him for a day's work. We had several persons to donate a couple of hours of work to help finish the building. The workers were served by Sisters: Jewel Booth, Henrietta Rose, Ella Mae Daniels, and Izana Patilla so they would not have to go home.

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The first services were held in the church on the second Sunday in June, 1939. The church was heated with wood and lighted with oil lamps that hung from the walls. The first benches (pews) were made by Brothers of the church. In 1940, another lot was purchased from Beatrice Smalley, making the church property consist of three lots facing Hancock Street. A one room cabin was placed on the lot. It served as a place for Rev. Hubbard to stay on Saturday and Sunday nights. In 1941, Rev. Hubbard was called to serve full time as pastor of the church. Then, a three room hose was bought and placed on the rear of the lots facing wast Myrtle Street. To these three rooms a bath and two more rooms were added. Upon completion, Rev. and Sis. Hubbard moved from Big Spring Texas and stayed in the parsonage.

 

As the church membership grew, auxiliaries were added to enhance the work of the church. The Sunday Schol and B.Y.P.U.: were organized with Bro. Jessie Smart as Superintendent. Sis. Mildred Stevenson was the first Secretary of the Sunday school. The first teachers were: Sisters E.V.  Kiing and Ella Mae Daniels, Brothers W.A. Moses and James Moses. The first President of the B.Y.P.U. was Deacon Lee Jones and Bro. W.A. Moses was Vice-President. Sister E.V. King Hibler was the first treasurer. Rev. A.H. Bennett and Sis. Willie Robinson were B.Y.P.U teachers. Sis. E.V. King was the first President of the Missionary Society. Sis. Jewel Booth was the first secretary, and Sis. Henrietta Rose was the treasurer. Sis. P.L. Smart succeeded  Sis. E.V. King Hibler as President of the Mission, but Sis. Hibler was re-elected after successors, Sis. Lydia Sango, P.L. Smart and Mary Ously. She served faithfully until her death in 1957. Sis. Ella Mae Daniels served as Vice-President under each of these ladies. The members put on church drives to raise money and Sis. Jessie Moses won a prize for the highest amount raised.

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A Deaconess Group was started  by Sis. P.L. Smart. The Deacons were Brothers Lee Jones, Jessie Smart, Garrett Robinson, and Will Stevenson. The Gospel Chorus was organized by Sis. Emma Harrison. The chor was also organized, and Deacon Garrett Robinson served as first president. Sister Leona Cotton was the first Secretary of the Choir and Sisters Izana Patilla, and Mable Dubal Moses served as pianist. The first Treasure of the choir was Sister Lou Wiley and Brother Frank Jackson served as Secretary. Brother  Robinson was the first Secretary and Sister Gladys Jackson served as secretary-clerk. The Usher Board was also organized and the First President was Brother Sango and Sister Ella Mae Daniels was Treasurer. Others were added later to the five active ushers serving.

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Sis. Ella Mae Daniels was the first Supervisor of the Junior Choir and Sisters E.V. Hibler, Mildred Stevenson supports her. The Fourth Sunday of each month was designated Junior Church Day, Junior Ushers, Choir and Deacons having full charge of the services. The Junior Deacons were: Napolean Daniels, Lawrence Shepherd, James Majors, and Verniece Brackeen.

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On February 23, 1943, Brotherhers Jimmy Part and John H. Harris became the first Deacons ordained by Rev. Hubbard. The church was enlarged in 1943. A Chori Room and Pastor's Study was added. A separate building was built next to the church which served as a Sunday school room, a Cafeteria, and a classroom for ECISD. Because of the school room-separate water toilets were added, even though, they were outside. A baptistery was installed on the outside of the church.

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Rev. Hubbard did a good work in the ten years he served St. James. He lost his wife in the spring of 1945. Shortly after his wife's death, Rev. Hubbard's health began to fail. In the latter part of 1947, he resigned, and Rev.  A.H. Bennett served as Associate Pastor until his death. In April, 1948, Rev. I.S. Smith became Pastor. He left after six months and the church was without a Pastor until November 1948.

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A new day, a new way, in the year of 1948, Rev. J.W. Williams of Hope, Arkansas came to St. James as Pastor. Immediately, plans to enlarge the church were made. The old Sanctuary was moved to the rear of the lot, and became the cafeteria. A new building was joined to the old structure. The new structure had restrooms, a baptistery, choir room a Pastor's Study, Choir stand, new pews, pulpit furniture and air conditioning was installed. Rev. Williams was a good carpenter helper, and worked without pay. The addition was finished by a friend of his from Arkansas. The church became, "Greater St. James Baptist Church." However, the word 'Greater' has never been recognized.

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Aside from the material growth, the spiritual growth was tremendous! The membership increased, other Deacons were added as follows: Brother Charlie Brown and Tom Shackles. Rev Williams ordained: Brothers Costoma Williams, Willie Gentry, Frank Jenkins, Henry Ware, R. L. Lee. Deacons coming to St. James already ordained and placed on the board during  this administration were Brothers E. B. Wallace, George Penny, Henry Carter and Iris Simpson. Rev. Williams resigned in 1951 to accept a church in Waco, Texas.

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In the latter part of 1951, Rev. R. T. Booker of Waco, Texas accepted the Pasturage of St. James. He remained with St. James until June, 1955. With his diligent work, plans to add another addition began. There was $4,000 in the Building Fund Treasury upon the resignation of Rev. Booker in August, 1955. Deacons ordained by Rev. Booker were: Brothers Willie Hamilton, O. C. Combs, Glen Williams, Allen Pride and Frank Akers. Sister Alice Shackles succeeded Sister Gladys Jackson as Secretary of the church. Sister Dixie Washington succeeded Sister Shackles as Secretary Clerk. Sister Dorothy Nell Lee was elected as Church Clerk and served for 14 years. Sister Laverne Williams succeeded her and served until 1974. Sister Margeree Wallace served as Bulletin Church for several years. She was later elected as fulltime Church Secretary and served faithfully for over 38 years until she retired. Sister Eula Faye Rand who was serving as Assistant Secretary succeeded her.

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In September 1955, Rev. Walter R. Ockletree of Austin, Texas,was called as Church Pastor. Under the guidance of this stalwart and study able Minister, much progress was made. The membership grew and plans were made to build a new edifice. More choirs were added. Brother Walter Jones and Sister Charles Ockletree served as Choir Musicians...along with Brother Leon Arterberry, Rev. L. H. Degrate, Sisters Jewel Downing, Louise Baucham, and Dorothy Hines.

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The Missionary Society continued to grow. Sister Mary Jane Thompson served as President for a short while following Sister Hibler's death in 1957. Sister Macel Smith succeeded as President in 1958 and served until 1976.

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The Deacons ordained under Rev. Ockletree were: Brothers Winifred U. Richmond, Fred D. Deaver, Shellie T. Greene, Sr., Fred Smith, Benjamin Huckaby, Marvin Dews, Lonnie L. Lucas, Jerald Wheeler, Joe Morrison, E. N. Nickleberry, Thurman Hines, and Oliver Dixon. The persons who announced their calling to the Ministry under Rev. Ockletree were: Brothers Willie Gentry, Stanley Chambers, Millard Standifer, Jr. Frank Akers and Brother Foster.

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On March 13, 1966, groundbreaking services were held for the present edifice. We entered on the second Sunday in June 1966...with a grand march from the old location at 323 S. Hancock Street. The cornerstone was laid in 1966 and Rev. Freeman preached the sermon. A new organ was purchased and Sister Ella Mae Clinton gave a new piano in the memory of her late grand-daughter, Peggy Joyce Daniels. The young Matrons were organized. The youth choir name was changed to Pastor's Choir under Sister Ockletree. The church had a radio broadcast which was on KJBC Midland, Texas. The choir participated in the Globe Theater at Odessa College along with St. Matthew Baptist Church. Many accomplishments were made under the leadership of Rev. Ockletree. In the latter part of 1973, Rev. Ockletree resigned to accept another pastorate in El. Paso, Texas.

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On April 28, 1974, Rev. H. L. Steger came from Henderson, Texas. The church grew financially and spiritually. The membership increased to almost 750. The dedicatory service for the new educational building was held March 12, 1978. In 1979, the church added a Fellowship Hall, classrooms, Pastor's New Study, kitchen and cafeteria. The cafeteria was refurnished and 30 tables and 180 chairs with name pates were donated by members and some in memory of loved ones. The Winifred U. Richmond. On Sunday, November 19, 1978, the burning of the church mortgage took place during the 3:00pm service. Every member participated and bought bricks, even the children. When the last brick was laid, the addition was paid for. One and one half lots were purchased directly behind the church for parking. Brother Carl Jefferson from Lubbock, Texas was ordained. Sister OzellRichmond succeeded Sister Laverne Williams as Clerk. Sister Eula Faye Rand succeeded Sister Macel Smith as Missionary President. Sister Betty Pilson served as Church Mucisian until she moved in 1981, Bro. Jones was the Minister of Music for over 27 years until his death August 12, 2002. From June, 1976 to 1977, the church took in fifty-seven members. Then, after eight faithful years, Rev. Steger resigned to take a pastorate in Dallas, Texas.

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On December 27, 1981, Rev. Roger T. McNeil came from Longview, Texas as our new pastor along with his wife, Sister Amye J. McNeil. Under his leadership, more members have been encouraged to tithe. The Outreach Ministry increased and were able to be more effective by the purchase of a bus and a van for the many needs of the membership. Deacons ordained in 1982 were: Brothers Napoleon Daniels, Lee Edward Huckaby, Willie Hodges. Later, other Deacons added were: Brothers A. D. Cornish. Clarence Stevenson, Kenneth Thomas,. There were two ministers that were ordained by Pastor McNeil: Rev. James Jones in Novembers 1985 and Rev. Marshall in 1986.

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Rev. Ockletree returned to St. James in 1987 and served as Assistant Pastor to Rev. McNeil until his death in January, 1994. In 1989 Bro. Kirk Willis was ordained as a deacon under Rev. McNeil.

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Rev. Strauss McCreary in 1994, received his license to preach under Rev. McNeil. Brother Christopher Lamont Cornish announced his calling to ministry as well.

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In 1995-1996, additions and alterations were made in the kitchen. The wall was enlarged to include a stainless steel work table. A steam table, sneeze guard, and ice machine were purhased and installed. The house that was purchased from the estate of Deacon John H. Harris, north of the church was removed, as future plans or this lot to be constructed into a parking lot area.

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Sister Dixie Nelson served as President of O.W.T. District Women's Convenyion, and Sister Eula F. Rand served as District Youth Directress.

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The Tabernacle Choir, Senior Chorus and Young Adukt Choirs were combined and the name changed to The Sanctuary Choir. The Sanctuary sings first and fourth Sundays, and the Youth and Children's Choir sings on second Sundays. The Male Chorus was organized and sings on third Sundays.

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The Business Women's Auxillary was added to the mission society under the leadership of President Jones. The Male Usherboard was organized; Brother Ray Lewis served as President.

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In 2004, REv. Michael Smith was ordained to the Ministry. During this year the bus was paid off, and more land was purchased for the Family Life Center. The Certified Christian Leadership School was started and an annual W. R. Ockletree Scholarship Day was established.

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In 2005, pledges were made toward the purchase of a Baby Grand Piano. Land was donated to the church for the purpose of our Family Life Center. A new sign for the front of the church was also purchased. In 2006 the Dodge Van was paid off. The piano was later purchased.

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