St. James Baptist in Gulfport celebrates 100-year anniversary

GULFPORT -- St. James Baptist Church began 100 years ago with no more than a determined preacher, a Bible, a few faithful followers and a love for God.

Meetings were held in a house and sometimes under a tree where the present building now stands.

The first no-frills building was built in 1919 at 604 25th Street in Gulfport. In 1939, that building was destroyed by fire but was quickly reconstructed. An educational building was added in 1964 and the current sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1968. By 1977, the mortgage was marked "Paid in Full!"

Senior Pastor Eddie C. Hartwell Sr. began leading the church on Oct. 24, 1990, and the church had a dual celebration in early December in honor of the pastor's 25th year and the church's centennial.

According to church members, Hartwell has compassion for helping needy people and a love for the community and nation.

St. James Baptist members participate in outreach ministries and have helped provide earthquake relief in Haiti, flood relief Louisiana, tornado relief in Mississippi and typhoon relief in the Philippines among others.

On the Coast, the church meets needs every day through various ministries, including the Fatherhood Initiative Program, Boys to Men Ministry and the youth and food pantry programs.

Helping Youth Pursue Excellence is an ongoing effort by the church to help young people become more well-rounded, knowledgeable and ready to enter the world as Christian adults. The HYPE program includes teaching social etiquette and goal-setting for life. It reinforces secular education with tutoring and has a dance team, Bible drill team and a youth choir.

HYPE is led by church leaders and youth director LaWanda White.

The church just purchased adjoining properties and now has over 4 acres on which to expand.

"We are hoping to build a Family Life Center and expand our mentorship programs," Hartwell said.

St. James plans to offer homebuyer educational programs. Call the church to sign up for the free classes.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 4:46 PM with the headline "St. James Baptist in Gulfport celebrates 100-year anniversary."