The Birth of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
In 1950, twenty-three people met in the home of a Druid Hills Community member to have church. Church consisted of Sunday School and Wednesday night Prayer Service. They later realized the need to have a church in the community. Although the idea was great, the implementation required much prayer and perseverance.
The Early Years
On May 31, 1950, this group of dedicated workers met under a tent in the Double Oaks section of Charlotte to formally organize the church and identify a leader.
As a result, Rev. J. H. Watts was called as pastor. During the same year a lot was purchased and a tent was placed there for services. Two members of the community carried the tent on a two-horse wagon to the lot where the church now stands.
In 1953, Rev. Watts resigned and Rev. L. D. Parker accepted the call to pastor the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Rev. Parker the members were able to build a church, which was erected in 1954. The first worship service was held on the first Sunday in August.
The Middle Years
From 1961 to 1975, St. Luke purchased additional land, renovated the structure, purchased new pews, and purchased a house that was located behind the church.
During those years, membership increased from 23 members to 700 members and several ministries were organized. The ministries consisted of the Deacon and Trustee Board, Ushers and Nurses, Missionary Society, Pastor's Aid, Church Aid, Senior Choir, Adult Choir, Hymn Choir #1, Hymn Choir #2, Gospel Harmonettes, Royal Ambassadors, Young Adult Choir, Jr. Hymn Choir, Laymen League, Prayer Meeting, Men's Choir, and the Men's Auxiliary.
The Current Years
In 1985, the membership grew to the extent that two morning services were instituted until a new church was erected to accommodate the membership of approximately 1000 members.
In December 1990, the members marched into a new edifice and the membership continued to grow, as well as, the need to add additional ministries and an administrative staff. The church mortgage was burned in 1998 prior to the retirement of Rev. Parker and his subsequent death. In 1999, Rev. Clifford Matthews was called to pastor St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Matthews has a heart for God's people, a heart for ministry, and a vision for future ministry at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. As a visionary, Rev. Matthews understands that like so many churches nationwide, St. Luke is in the position to grow and expand. As a result, in the year 2000 the members purchased an additional 41 acres of land on Cindy Lane to accommodate the ministry needs of the 21st century.
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church will continue to embrace challenges through prayer and planning in an effort to strengthen its ministries, the community, and continue its mission of "Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church exists to make fully devoted followers of Christ".
