St. James Missionary Baptist Church is nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, AR. St. James has been telling its story since 1865. Its story began with Squire Jehagen. After he was freed from slavery, Jehagen became a Baptist preacher and later organized a church for Negroes. The name of the church comes from a man named James who gave the land on which the historic church sits today.
God anointed and sent strong leadership to lead, guide and direct St. James and without this leadership; we would not be celebrating 148 years. Over the course of the years we have been led by: Rev. Mahan, Rev. Wilson, Rev. Tugle and Rev. C.L. Netherland, Rev. J.W. Webb, Rev. Thomas, Rev. G.E. Wright, Rev. M.G. Edmondson, Rev. W.M. Murry, Rev. Chester A. Woods, Rev. Jeremiah L. Thompson, Rev. Tommy Moton, Rev. J.A. Hawkins Sr. and our current shepherd Pastor Curtiss P. Smith installed on April 28, 2007.
These men ordained ministers, deacons and appointed trustees. Baptist Training Union (BTU), Ushers (BTU) started with Rev. M.G. Edmondson through Rev. J.L.