Our History Continued

Also included in the accomplishments and renovation during Dr. Dean’s tenure were a Ministry of Christian Education, a Kindergarten was established in 1975, a New Membership Class, Tutorial Program, a Youth Outreach that was second to none, which included an annual Youth Revival. The church continued to grow and many souls were saved. The Senior Citizens Group was established in August 1977. An annual Senior Citizen’s Day was held for their recognition and enjoyment. Also, two vans were purchased.

In August 1979, the members observed the mortgage burning of the Educational Building. A $28,000.00 air-conditioning unit was installed to accommodate the overflow of Sunday worship and a closed circuit television was installed.

In 1980, Cavalier Cleaner’s land and building were purchased at a cost of $52,000.00 and a four foot fence was installed to protect parking on Elm Street parking lot. In May 1982, the church hosted the 115th Annual Session for the Virginia Baptist Convention and the Eighty-Eighth Annual Session of the Women’s Baptist State Education and Missionary Convention. An Armed Forces Day service was established in 1982. To meet the needs of the community and the shut-ins, an on-site Feeding Ministry was established May 3, 1986.

In 1988, we purchased a complete computer system, and re-established a Clothing Bank. The church also purchased a corner lot at Kennedy and Elm Street, also a lot in the middle of Clements for $37,000.00 in 1989. Ground Breaking Ceremony for the renovation of our sanctuary, was held Saturday February 4, 1989. Services were conducted by the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers’ Conference, Dr. Joe Fleming, President. In 1989, we hosted the State Ushers’ Convention, Sis. Bennie Marshall was the chairperson.

In 1989, a Job Ministry was also organized. Grief Ministry, and a Drug Counseling Ministry was also organized in 1990.

On April 15, 1990 at our sunrise service our baptistry was dedicated in memory of Sergeant Holbert E. Davis. The baptistry is known as Sergeant Holbert E. Davis Memorial Baptistry. In June 1990, we dedicated our new sanctuary, a million dollar plus project. Dr. Dean also appointed five Junior Deacons to learn the responsibility of serving as Deacons. Because of the church's involvement with the Armed Forces Day program, two of our military members chose to have their military ceremonies at the church. Sunday, July 1, 1990 was the Commissioning of Chief Warrant Officer James L. Bryson. In August 1991, our church co-hosted the 94 th Annual Session of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. During the month of February 1992, the church purchased five additional lots on the corner of Sewell Point Road and Kane Street for $50,000.00. The lots are used for additional parking for Mount Gilead . March 4, 1993 the church purchased a new 1994 van. In April 1993, the church purchased a Grand Piano for $9,500.00; December 20, 1994 the church purchased a SWIFT Garage 22' x 22' for $6,850.00. May 25, 1995 the church purchased two lots on Evelyn T. Butts Avenue and Kitrell Street for $10,416.06. June 15, 1995 the church purchased one building and lots on Johnston Road and Sewells Point Road for $18,971.65. On October 31, 1996 the church purchased a 1997 Dodge Maxiwagon for $24,903.72 and also purchased a Toshiba Copier and Sorter for $6,147.00. In 1996, Dr. Dean re-activated the Junior Deacons and appointed 11 young men to this organization. On Wednesday, December 18, 1996 - Petty Officer Monique New Kirk re-enlistment ceremony was held here. The ceremony was performed by Chaplain Black. On Thanksgiving Day, 1997, we served our first Thanksgiving Meals for those individuals that were unable to prepare for themselves. The church purchased a $30,669.00 Hammond 926 Organ, November 1998. The Hammond 926 organ Dedication service was held February 21, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. An organ recital was performed by Steven Eaklor, guest organist.