THE BEGINNING………..PREACHING THE GOSPEL

In 1929, Rev. Box and a small group of individuals began meeting in homes and rented rooms for service in east Mulberry and the Old Mason Hall on Southwest 5 th Avenue. They remained steadfast, believing in God’s Word, and were able to purchase land at 308 SW 3 rd Street by Deacon Burley Carter in 1933; the building that was to become the church was moved from Tiger Bay by Trustee Jack Plumber, and the leadership of Rev. Moultrie, the church was reconstructed by Deacons Thomas Baker, Joshua Jones, Brothers Johnny Johnson, Sr., Frank Carter, and Bo Diddly.

AS THEY CONTINUED……

From 1935 – 1939, the congregation was ministered by Rev. Burney and Rev. Watkins. Rev. J. R. Lee was called to be the Shepherd over a flock of people who shared and worked his vision. Under his leadership, the church was remodeled and membership continued to grow. Rev. J.R. Lee served as Pastor for almost 40 years until his death in June 1978. After having several visiting pastors, in January 1979, came Rev. W. F. Leonard. Rev. Leonard served from January 1979 until his resignation in December 1983.

A VISIONARY LEADER……….BUILDING UP

The Deacon staff discussed and deliberated on where to look for a new pastor, when one of them, Deacon Willie Bostic, shared about this young preacher he had heard in Tampa. A team met with that young preacher and invited him to Jerusalem to preach. That preacher was Dr. Nathaniel B. Hill. In May 1984, Dr. Hill accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Jerusalem. He was installed on June 24, 1984, at the sanctuary which was located at 308 SW 3 rd Avenue. As the family of Jerusalem continued to grow, the need for a larger sanctuary became evident. In April 1988 construction of the new building began and was completed in 1989. What a beautiful and joyous occasion when the members walked from the old church after morning services on February 19, 1989, into the new church, where we are today, that afternoon. Dedication and consecration services of the new building were at an all-time high, and everyone was praising God for his continued care of his children of faith in Mulberry. Rev. Dr. Hill served Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church for 38 years, until his retirement, in December 2022.

A NEW ERA……………..HIGHER HEIGHTS

The Deacon Staff began the search for a new pastor, someone who would be filled with the love of God, and the Word and, who would also love and shepherd His people. After hosting a series of services with several potential candidates, it was the Will of God that Pastor Thaddeus Davis, Jr would become the pastor. Pastor Davis accepted the call and was installed on February 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm. The family of Jerusalem found Pastor Davis to be God’s man and see his vision and plans to continue to keep God’s people uplifted by teaching the Word, reaching out with a humble heart, and embracing all who come through the doors of the church with a “how can we help you spiritually”. Pastor Davis is now Dr. Davis, and we are in a season of Divine Acceleration. With his lovely wife, Talisha, we are moving to higher heights and seeing the manifestation of God’s perfect Will in our lives. Here is the best part of our history Jerusalem……….we are a part of it! As a result, we have the opportunity to share firsthand, beyond the Mulberry community, the wonders of God’s love for us and how He continues to bring us all through.