Maranatha's History
Our church was established in January of 2003 by a group of ten (10) people who are Elder Alfred & Helen Hudson, Elder David & Betty Hudson, Elder Ronald & Maudlyn Hutchinson, Bro. Walter & Christine Ince, and Bro. Sylvester & Valarie Dotson.
On October 22, 2002, delegates met with President Billy Wright of the SWRC at the Lone Star Camp with a proposal to further evangelize Alexandria and the surrounding areas.
Upon approval of the SWRC the small group began seeking a place for worship as an organized company of believers. Elder David & Betty Hudson contacted Pastor Lorenzo Dearborne of the True Believers Baptist Church and asked permission to worship in His building on Saturdays. He welcomed us with open arms. Our first Sabbath service was held on January 25, 2003, Prayer Meeting services is held each Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
Our first VBS was held in June, 2008 under the leadership of Marian Nicole Price, with the daily attendance of 150.
The first wedding ceremony of Delpedic Johnson and LaForest McGahee was held at this location on August 16, 2009. The first funeral service was held on April 1, 2010.
June, 2006 – May, 2011 – Pastor Cedric Belcher Served as our pastor and after discussing our dreams of purchasing property on South MacArthur Drive, Pastor Belcher agreed, and started working with us to make this dream a reality. On November 16, 2006 we purchased the property, and also were voted from a Company to a Church on the same day!
Bro’s Michael Mitchell and Walter Ince was instrumental in finding a company that sold LED signs We wanted a sign that will display what is happening at Maranatha and Xtreme Praise Ministries, as well as, show live video of our worship service. We purchased this sign to be placed outside of the Xtreme Praise Ministry’s building and erected it on September 16, 2009.
On December 14, 2010 the Vision Committee presented to the church it’s Motto, Vision, Logo and Purpose. We voted to accept this presentation.
Also on December 14, 2010 the Vision Committee was voted as the church’s Strategic Committee who will provide continuity of the church’s vision. Elder Alfred Hudson was voted as the church’s Administrator who coordinates the smooth operation of the church and its’ vision.
On August 27, 2011 Pastor Jonathan McCottry was installed and met with the Elders to discuss his plans for church growth.
On September 13, 2011 Elder Sylvester Dotson was voted Head Elder.
On October 24, 2012 we held an open house for our After School Program, and the first day of the program was held on November 5, 2012, with 9 students registered.
On May 7, 2014 we received a family from Rwanda, Africa into our church family. We are excited about showing them how to live in America. On August 16, 2014, Pastor McCottry gave his last sermon at the church and baptized 12 souls that he was leaving behind to further the gospel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In April, 2015 Pastor Vanston Archbold and family was installed and everyone was happy that he was an answer to our prayers.
During his leadership, we sponsored a Drive Thru Prayer outreach on the corners of Dallas and Lee Streets.
On April, 2016 Pastor Norman Stiggers was introduced to us as Pastor. Under his leadership, Evangelist Oscar Lane came and conducted a revival between Maranatha and Smyrna where many souls were baptized.
On March 11, 2017, Pastor Stiggers gave his farewell sermon, as duty called him back to Dallas, Texas.
On April 1, 2017, Pastor Christopher Manuel was introduced as Interim Pastor to this district.
On May 13, 2017, We were blessed to obtain a Community Service Building that was donated to us, under the directions of Bro. Michael Mitchell.
On January 16, 2021 Pastor Manuel gave his farewell sermon.
August 07, 2021, President Dr. Carlton Byrd spoke at our church. August 12, 2021 we paid our final church note. To God Be The Glory…Debt Free!
July 9, 2022 Pastor Joseph Footman was introduced to Maranatha and Smyrna by Pastor Vanston Archbold.