Our Memories
The Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church
The late Reverend James Bowman organized the St. James Missionary Baptist Church on October 10, 1950. The first worship location was 3453 S. Indiana Ave, with a congregation of about 10 members.
The membership increased by the blessings of the Lord. Through this growth the Angelical Youth Choir was formed. As the membership grew prayer for a larger facility were made to the Lord. The Rev. Clay, Pastor of the Starlight M.B. Church was called to a larger congregation. Upon receiving word that Rev. James Bowman wanted a larger facility the Lord placed it upon Reverend Clay's heart to sign over the deed to St. James. We marced to 3538 S. Wells in 1953 singing "Precious Lord Take My Hand". Pastor Bowman decided to allow the name Starlight to remain, and the Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church was born.
In 1959 Reverend James Bowman moved to Kentucky, he chose his successor, the late Reverend Raymond G. Ward. In obedience to the direction of the Lord and Pastoral leadership, Reverend Ward didn't question, but readily responded; took courage and went forth. God truly blessed the church and Starlight St. James grew rapidly, God added to the church!
Reverend Ward served as Pastor for 27 years. During that time he reorganized clubs and added new auxilliaries. We outgrew our church and the Pastor and board members went before the Lord in prayer for a larger facility. The work was already done, and on Sunday, April 29, 1973, the Lord blessed us to move into our new home at 11594 S. State Street. Over eight hundred members were added to the church in three years. Outgrowing our current location the Lord blessed us to march on State Street, on April 3, 1977 to our new home at 11300 S. State Street. We praised God for what He had done singing,
"We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His Holy Word, He never failed us yet."
We were able to see the hand of God working in the life of Rev. Ward. The Lord blessed him with a vision, great spiritual power and above all a great love and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In January 1983 our Pastor, Reverend Ward was told he would only live a short time, but God added years. His favorite quote was "What God can't do just can't be done and if God don't do it, it wont' be done." Like Abraham, he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God and being fully persuaded of the "promise". When Rev. Ward had finished his work, he heard the Lord say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," and on February 8, 1986 he left this world behind and went home to be with the Lord. Rev. Ward gave so much to his congregation, spiritually and physically and asked nothing in return. We thank God for letting us have such a great leader as this man of God.
Without any long or lengthy delays in April 1986, we elected Rev. Fred Williams as our Pastor. Rev. Williams had served for many years with Pastor Ward and was faithful and loyal. With the direction of Pastor Williams, many great works were done. In October 1990, the 40th year anniversary of the church, the Lord blessed us to burn the mortgage on the edifice. Also, we purchased a new 16 passenger van and made many improvements throughout the church. We thank God for all that we accomplished through faith.
In January 1996, after 10 years of dedicated service, Rev. Williams retired and our search began for a new pastor. It was our desire to follow the direction of God; much prayer went forth and after a detailed search; on August 4, 1996 we selected our current Pastor, Rev. Irvin L. Barrett.
Reverend Dr. Irvin L. Barrett was selected Pastor of the Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church on August 4, 1996. Prior to this selection Pastor Barrett had been in the ministry for many years and had previous Pastoral experience. Since his inception at Starlight, it is evident that Pastor Barrett has made a tremendous difference. Our building has taken on a new face with painting of the Sanctuary and new alter curtains (97), new organ (97), new door installed in the educational building parking lot entrance (98), purchased 18 tables and 180 cushioned banquet chairs (99), purchased laptop and desktop computers (99), dining hall remodeled (99), new fire exit door installed (01), the Starlight St. James Bookstore opened (02), new flat roof (03), new windows installed in the educational building (03), new shingle roof (04), new carpeting (04), tuck pointing (05), conference tables, desks, chairs, and filing cabinets (05), painting of the educational building (in progress). Other renovation projects will take place in the near future.
In addition to being the Pastor of the Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Barrett was elected as Moderator of the Christian Fellowship Baptist District Association in May 2004 after serving as First Vice Moderator in 1999. He also serves as Treasurer for the Illinois National Baptist State Convention (03), Treasurer for the National Moderators Council (04), Worship Leader for the Evangelical Board of the national Baptist Convention (04), and member of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention (05). Starlight began supporting Home Mission in 2004 and we have been active in Foreign Mission since 2002. We are extremely proud of our Pastor.
Pastor Barrett has been married eleven years to Lady Nickquolette Barrett and has two beautiful children, Irvin L. II and Nadia MyAngel.
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Rev. Raymond G. Ward
