Our History
From 1963 to Today — A Legacy of Faith, Fellowship, and Progress
The Founding Story
The St. Louis Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association was organized after inspired ministers attended the Regional Meeting in 1963 at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.
After prayerful study of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, a temporary committee was formed to organize the association on the second Monday in August 1964.
By October 1964, the district had gained enough churches to complete its organization. The First Annual Session was held August 2 through August 6, 1965, at Ephesian Missionary Baptist Church, 3520 N. Newstead, with Rev. P.J. Taylor as host pastor.
30
Churches enrolled at the close of the First Annual Session
Founding Officers (1964)
District Timeline
Milestones in our journey of faith
Regional Meeting Inspiration
Inspired ministers attended the Regional Meeting at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, sparking the vision for a district association.
Organization of the District
On the second Monday in August 1964, the St. Louis Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association was formally organized after prayerful study of the PNBC Constitution and By-Laws.
Chartered Membership
By October 1964, the district had gained enough churches to complete its formal organization and begin its shared ministry.
First Annual Session
The First Annual Session was held August 2-6, 1965, at Ephesian Missionary Baptist Church, 3520 N. Newstead, with Rev. P.J. Taylor as host pastor. At the close, 30 churches were enrolled.
60th Annual Session
The district celebrated 60 years of ministry, fellowship, Christian education, and service to the greater St. Louis community.
61st Annual Session
61st Annual Session held at Mt. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Hanley Hills, MO. Hosted by Rev. Dr. E. G. Shields, Sr. Theme: "It's Time — To Emend" (Nehemiah 4:1-15).
62nd Annual Session
The 62nd Annual Session continues the legacy — "Progressing in Faith" (Hebrews 11:1) — under Moderator Rev. Fredrick Lemons II.
Current Leadership
Under the leadership of Moderator Rev. Fredrick Lemons II and guided by Moderator Emeritus Rev. Dr. E. G. Shields, Sr., SLPMBDA continues to strengthen churches, develop leaders, and serve the greater St. Louis community.