SSMBC Leaders & Church History

Sulphur Springs MB Church was organized by a group of believers in the latter part of the 1800s, though the exact date is unknown. Church origin was established though oral history by the testimonies of Deacon Henry Coleman, Rev. Wash Hollivay, Mother Mattie Fields and Mother Obie Lee Morgan.

Sulphur Springs MB Church emerged from Bethel Baptist Church after a portion of the membership determined the walking distance to Bethel was greater than desired. That group organized a congregation and constructed a brush arbor near Doss Moore Creek, which is southwest of the current location. A spring that flowed into this creek produced Sulphur. Thereby, the name Sulphur Springs Church came into existence.

Worship experiences were conducted at risk of personal safety due to the routine mistreatment of African Americans in the area. Worshippers placed washtubs above their heads to prevent the sound of singing, praying and preaching reaching white people in the community for fear of retribution. Despite the fears for safety and wellbeing, early worshippers persevered by faith and trusted in God for a better day.  Indeed, God showed His faithfulness. In 1902 Mr. Layfette Willie and his wife, Mrs. Janis Wills deeded the land upon which services were conducted to Sulphur Springs MB Church. The deed was signed by church Trustees: Mr. Grandison Dent, Mr. R.V. Willis, Mr. Son Ferguson and entered into the deed book On July 2, 1902.  This book is located in the Chancery Building in Monroe County, Mississippi.

Soon thereafter, the first church building was constructed just a few feet south of its current location, under the leadership of Rev. E.S. Simpson. In this first building there was no running water or indoor plumbing. This edifice was destroyed by fire in 1916. The cause of the fire is unknown. A new church building was erected on the same property in the late 1960s under the leadership of Rev. Tommie Lee Fields. This new building included running water and indoor plumbing.  Rev. Tommie Lee Fields oversaw the addition of a fellowship hall in the late 1980s.  After the death of Rev. Tommie Lee Fields, Rev. Henry Mosley became the Pastor of Sulphur Springs MB Church, who continued church expansion, including the addition of an indoor baptistry.

Today, Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church is pastored by Rev. David O. Williams. Rev. Williams’ mission is bridging the gap between Christ and humanity through reconciliation, out of which is born the church motto “Reconciliation not Condemnation.” Rev. David Williams assumed the role of Pastor in 2019. Under his leadership Sulphur Springs expanded ministry platforms to include digital media and dial in options as needed. All services may be attended in person, online, or by phone.