CHURCH HISTORY

For over four decades, Philippi Missionary Baptist Church has served as a pillar in Jacksonville, broadening its reach while continuing the work of the Lord. The church has blossomed from a few members gathering at a trailer at the corner of Gibson and Rogers to a growing, vibrant body of believers, continuing to fulfill the Great Commission. The church’s mission is based on Matthew 28:19-20, and the membership strives to change the world by collaborating with fellow believers towards progress on common goals, such as sharing the good news, helping the needy, and building strong and caring disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

Philippi Missionary Baptist Church has its humble beginnings in the Brentwood area, where a group of Christians were praising God under the leadership of the Reverend Roger E. Gibbons in 1979. In 1982, Reverend Gibbons purchased property in the northwest quadrant of Jacksonville, giving the membership its first permanent home. At that time, the church’s name was Philippians and then renamed in 1982 to Philippi Missionary Baptist Church. The bricks for the current structure were laid for the foundation in 1983. The church continued to flourish under Reverend Gibbons until his death on October 9, 1989.

 

Determined to continue the legacy that her husband had begun, Grace Gibbons, the widow of Reverend Roger W. Gibbons, had several ministers from area churches come and provide leadership to the congregation from 1979 until 1982. In November of 1992, the Reverend John Perry, an associate minister at Friendly Missionary Baptist Church, was called and accepted the call to Pastor Philippi Missionary Baptist Church.

 

Under his helm, the church’s physical structure underwent significant improvements, including improvements to the sanctuary walls and ceiling, completion of the sanctuary, and installation of air conditioning units, an alarm system, and telephones. During the 1990s, the church installed restrooms and a water well, which allowed running water. New church pews were purchased shortly before the cornerstone was laid on the building on Nov. 30, 1997. The church’s first outdoor baptism happened on Sep. 6, 1998. In 1999, electric work gave power to the entire building. Also, under Reverend Perry’s leadership, Philippi liquidated all its real and tangible property and became debt-free.

 

Between 1993 and 2004, the church leadership grew as well, with seven deacons ordained within that time frame. Those included Deacon Willie S. Bell Jr., George Brantley, Eunice Dunson, Jermaine Johnson, Robert Ladson, John L. Lewis, Lucious Lewis, and Rogers Green, who were all ordained under the leadership of Reverend John Perry. In addition, Brother Christopher Pendleton received a ministerial license, and the Reverend Johnny B. Swain joined the pulpit as an associate minister. Mother Grace Gibbons was called to her heavenly home on March 14, 2006.

 

In May 2008, Reverend John Perry’s son, Brodes Perry, agreed to become Philippi’s third pastor. Minister Brodes C. Perry had been licensed in the ministry by his father in 1996. Brodes Perry made a name for himself in the church community as a dynamic preacher, biblical expositor, and outstanding leader. Pastor Brodes C. Perry’s Ordination & Installation Service took place on June 8, 2008. Under Pastor Brodes Perry’s leadership, there were more than a dozen ministries established, each reflecting the church’s mission.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor Brodes C. Perry, the Church remodeled, cut trees down, and completed a circular driveway. He also added a fountain at the front of the church in memory of Mother Grace Gibbons, added a new metal roof, tiled & and carpeted the sanctuary, and purchased new church pews and furniture. The first worship experience held in the newly remodeled sanctuary was on September 28, 2008. Three deacons were ordained on October 19, 2008. Deacons John Bell, Rosby Chieves, and Anderson Mitchell.

 

In June 2011, Pastor Brodes C. Perry resigned as Pastor of Philippi to join Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church as Pastor of Christian Education and recommended Reverend Stavius Powell as Interim Pastor on June 12, 2011.

 

On August 21, 2011, was unanimously agreed that Reverend Stavius Powell became Pastor of Philippi Missionary Baptist Church, and Installation Services was held on October 30, 2011. Three deacons, Deacon Thomas Jennings, Foday Sambolah, and Angelo Mclendon, were ordained on January 22, 2012.

 

In 2013, Minister Leroy Tyler became a part of the ministerial staff, and Deaconess Jacquelyn Tyler joined the Deaconess Ministry. Also, Deacon Greene joined the Philippi family.

 

In December 2014, the installation of the Baptismal Pool was completed.

 

Shortly after, Reverend Powell resigned and went back to his home church, Greater Mt. Vernon, and recommended Revered Leroy Tyler as Pastor.

 

In 2015, Reverend Leroy Tyler was elected Pastor and was ordained in August 2015.

 

In October 2021, Philippi Missionary Baptist Church created a search committee for its next Senior Pastor.

On August 2, 2022, Elder Everett L. Johnson II was elected and will be installed as pastor on October 23, 2022.

 

So far, Reverend Everett L. Johnson II has created a platform for electronic giving and is continuing to provide an energetic and life-altering message each Sunday.

 

We are excited at what God has done and continue to do for Philippi Missionary Baptist Church.