In 1887 a 20x21 feet log cabin that was previously a school located off of Brogden Road, was used for a church, the founders were Bault Williams, Shade Williams, Willie Birtsal, Curtis Watson, Emma Williams, Lizzie Williams, Adeline Birtsal, Elner Watson, Sarah Watson, Hattie Watson and Lou Watson. Under this spiritual leader the church grew in membership and in structure. A Belfry was installed a
nd pulpit enlarged and land was purchased for a cemetery. William Henry Mitchener (1897-1906) and (1913-1953) served this Church well for a total of 49 years. In 1948, a fire destroyed the church. Thanks to Primitive Baptist Church on Brogden Rd. we continue to have church service. In 1950, Deacon Frank Penny designed and built the Church at its present location, 911 Blount St. we continued to prosper with the leadership of Rev. Mitchener until his death in 1953. Mitchener was a dedicated, humble, moral and spiritual leader. It was for that reason on June 1, 1966 the members renamed this Church to, Mitchener Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in his honor. Other pastors came and went, but they all contributed to the development of a spiritual and productive church in the community. Bryant (1954-1958) was a spiritual person, a civil rights organizer and one of the persons, along with Dea. Frank, Beatrice Penny and Florene Penny-Williams were credited with integrating the Public Library of Smithfield and Johnston County. Davis (1966-1986) pastor for twenty productive years. He instilled in us the blessings of tithing .We renovated the Church, purchased two lots on 2nd Ave for parking. Nathaniel Mitchell (1987-1991) brought new ideas and worked hard with the young people. He encouraged all members to participate fully in all church activities. We added the Third Sunday Service. On April 16, 1989 a new steeple was installed and dedicated in memory of Deacon Frank L. Penny. Martel R. Jones (1992-2001), we purchased a Church Van. In 1993 Rev. Jones created the Education Scholarship Fund. He later renamed and dedicated the Scholarship Fund to “Claudette Williams Memorial Educational Fund”. We have our Scholarship Banquet annually. We went to four Sundays service. 1998 we undertook a major renovation on the front of the Church by enlarging the vestibule. May 28, 2000, we dedicated six stained glass windows, which were purchased, from donations and families in memory of their love ones. Other outreach ministries. David L Goodine (2006-2013)
Other outreach ministries: In 1960 we open our doors to the Indian Freedom marchers on their way to Washington, DC. The K*K threatened to run them out of town. Mitchener offer them food, water and a place to rest overnight.
