The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world is the vision Scripture holds before us. The Global Methodist Church affirms that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Lord of all. Jesus’ words in Matthew provide the Church with our mission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you” (28:19-20), and “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. . . . You must love your neighbor as you love yourself” (22:37, 39).
This mission is our grace-filled response to the Reign of God in the world announced by Jesus. God’s grace is active everywhere, at all times, carrying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible. It is expressed in God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah, in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and in the ministry of the prophets. It is fully embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is experienced in the ongoing creation of a new people by the Holy Spirit.
This mission is our grace-filled response to the Reign of God in the world announced by Jesus. God’s grace is active everywhere, at all times, carrying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible. It is expressed in God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah, in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and in the ministry of the prophets. It is fully embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is experienced in the ongoing creation of a new people by the Holy Spirit.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Church History
The Senatobia Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in 1880 with the Reverend A. P. Sage as first pastor.
The organization was composed of some former members of the old Carolina Church, which was one mile south of Senatobia, and of some former members of the Ebenezer Church, two miles west of town. At first, they united with Bethesda Presbyterian and built a union church where the Presbyterian Church now stands on West Main Street in Senatobia.
The Methodists withdrew and built a church on a lot across the street from the present building. It was a brick structure with a steeple, belfry and a small annex of two rooms. This church advanced all the while doing the Lord’s work and growing in membership. In 1925 Sunday school rooms and a ladies’ parlor were added.
On March 13, 1932 the 11 o’clock service was interrupted by an announcement that the building was on fire. All in attendance made a hasty and orderly exit without panic or casualty. After six months and three weeks a new church was built, retaining the old walls. During the time of construction the Christian Church on Tate Street was not in use, and the Church was able to continue its ministry in this building, which was adequate except for Sunday school classroom space. This need was met by using the upper story of the Tate County Courthouse.
In 1939 the Senatobia congregation became the First Methodist Church after the union of the Methodist Episcopal Church south and The Methodist Church.
In 1952 a building campaign began to purchase land across the street for a larger facility. On October 7, 1956, the last service was held in the old building, followed by a communion service in the new building. In 1961 a consecration service was held for a new sanctuary, with the dedication taking place in 1971. In 1980, our centennial year, a consecration service was held for a new fellowship hall, kitchen and conference area.
The organization was composed of some former members of the old Carolina Church, which was one mile south of Senatobia, and of some former members of the Ebenezer Church, two miles west of town. At first, they united with Bethesda Presbyterian and built a union church where the Presbyterian Church now stands on West Main Street in Senatobia.
The Methodists withdrew and built a church on a lot across the street from the present building. It was a brick structure with a steeple, belfry and a small annex of two rooms. This church advanced all the while doing the Lord’s work and growing in membership. In 1925 Sunday school rooms and a ladies’ parlor were added.
On March 13, 1932 the 11 o’clock service was interrupted by an announcement that the building was on fire. All in attendance made a hasty and orderly exit without panic or casualty. After six months and three weeks a new church was built, retaining the old walls. During the time of construction the Christian Church on Tate Street was not in use, and the Church was able to continue its ministry in this building, which was adequate except for Sunday school classroom space. This need was met by using the upper story of the Tate County Courthouse.
In 1939 the Senatobia congregation became the First Methodist Church after the union of the Methodist Episcopal Church south and The Methodist Church.
In 1952 a building campaign began to purchase land across the street for a larger facility. On October 7, 1956, the last service was held in the old building, followed by a communion service in the new building. In 1961 a consecration service was held for a new sanctuary, with the dedication taking place in 1971. In 1980, our centennial year, a consecration service was held for a new fellowship hall, kitchen and conference area.
