Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 145th Church Anniversary on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM in the church parking lot. A 30x60 tent was brought in to try to house most of the giant crowd of members, family and friends and shield them from the weather.
Former members, family and friends returned to their old stumping grounds to join the high spirited celebration that they had looked forward to for many months in advance.
Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1880 by three men who started a Sunday school class under a bush arbor. They were Joe Sharp, Abe Butler and Chris Burks on the property of Abe Butler. Later they framed a wooden building in the Steele Community and Rev. George Lyles became their first pastor.
In 1905, the church moved to its present location and was rebuilt in 1911. In 1932 members were able to build a new church and upgraded it in 1946. In 1960 when Rev. G. G. Chandler from Hickory, MS came to pastor, again they built a new brick church. In 1963, 2.6 acres adjacent to the church were purchased and cleared to establish a new cemetery. Founder and Deacon Joe Sharp was the first one buried in the new cemetery in 1964. Rev. James Croft became pastor in 1964.
In 1977 the new church was remodeled under the leadership of the late Pastor Eddie Gibson from Bolton, MS. The late Rev. Robert Chamber succeeded Pastor Gibson for six months. In 1984 Rev. Ellis Warnsley, Jr. of Newton came to pastor and remained for 25 years. He suffered a massive stroke while sitting in the pulpit during August 2009 summer revival.
In 2002, Pastor Warnsley and Little Rock members had a groundbreaking ceremony for the current church and in November 2003, had dedication services for a new sanctuary and followed with mortgage burning in 2009.
November 17, 2009, Rev. Rev. Sheldon Thomas was called to pastor Little Rock. Coming from Johnson Chapel United Methodist Church, he was transitioned through Baptist protocol and installed in January 2010. He is now completing his 16th year. In 2013 the old sanctuary was renovated and converted into the current fellowship hall complete with all commercial equipment and a large seating capacity.
Little Rock’s last anniversary celebration was 10 years ago so we made up for lost time with a gigantic celebration this year. The anniversary committee consisted of Mattye Evans, Janet Williams, Myra Davis, Elaine Hughes and Joe Ann Pierce.
On Saturday the program started with prayer, food and fellowship from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Many people brought food, water and drinks. Cooks on the ground with grills, junk pots and gas cookers included Tony Sanders, Earl Fortune, Joseph Sanders, Hilton Burks, Mitchell Johnson, Willie Ray and Georgia Haralson.
At 1:00 pm the program was introduced by Mattye Evans with the occasion. Myra Davis introduced her brother, Leonard Murrell who was emcee. He introduced the 12 historical church family groups who represented their ancestors in a special color t-shirt. The groups representing were 2025 descendants of: Dock Burks/Eddie Futch; W.D. (Dub) Burks; Deacon Abe Butler/Frank Brewer; Dock Holifield; Deacon Nathan Murrell; Deacon Joe Sharp/Nicks/Viverette; Deacon Garfield Sanders; “Big” Joe Spivey/Richard Futch; Williams/ Robinson/Evans; Joe Wilson/J.W. Wilson; Belma and Lenion Haralson and Rev. Sheldon Thomas and all bonus families who chose to join us during the years.
Devotion was led by: Tony Sanders, Jimmy Robinson, Irma Johnson, Brenda K. Burks, Matthew Futch, Margaret Swimney, Shannon Brazzell, Emarye Lloyd, Margaret Cox and Stevie Williams.
The crowd was welcomed by Joe Ann Pierce followed with a skit/church history by Larry Nicks, Al Haralson and Randy Burkes. “Our roots run deep” readings were presented by Sheila Towner, Shonda Ross and Vivian Sanders. The theme song “I’m Pressing On” along with many of our old favorite songs were done by a special group that Myra Davis had pulled together. The group included guests Louise Lyles and Charlene Hand with guest musician Terrell Harrison. Pastor Thomas explored the theme “Press On.”
State Representative Kenji Holloway presented the church with a resolution honoring our 145 years. Myra Davis (Former Tax Collector/Assessor) read a resolution from the Scott County Board of Supervisors signed by Board President Tommy Harrison, Circuit Clerk, Becky Gray and Chancery Clerk, Tom Miles. Bank of Forest, CEO Allen Breland sent a letter of congratulation.
We paused a moment from service to have an entertaining umbrella parade. Participants included: Gracelyn Warnsley (Youth Winner), John Hughes (Men’s Winner), Myra Davis, Laura Murrell (Ladies Winner), Leslie Murrell, Evelyn Hampton, Evelyn Nicks (AKA), Patty Odom (ASU), Shonda Ross (Zeta), Janet Williams (OES), Ethel Thomas, Louise Harrison (Overall Winner), Joe Ann Pierce, and Melanie Nelson (FHS), Beverly Ann Parker, Mae Williams, Lisa Webste and Raven Burks. The judges were Rosie Kersh, Debra Lowery and Joe Nelson.
The anniversary was highlighted and concluded by Rev. Shawn Croft who is the grandson of late former pastor Chandler and nephew of late former pastor Croft.
DJ Howard Lanell (Bozo) Burks set up the outdoor sound system; Donald Phillips and Tyresia Love were photographers. Shanisha Evans and Bettye Hawkins provided the anniversary yard sign. The ladies in the fellowship hall kitchen were led by Evelyn Nicks, who assumed the duties after the passing of the late Deacon Greg Nicks. Parking attendants were Bobby Joe Spivey and Reggie Odom.
