Damascus Missionary Baptist Church

1926-2022

• Sunday, July 10, 2022 at 11am… In-Person and Zoom Morning Worship Service
• Theme: Holding On, Moving Forward
• Theme Scripture: Hebrews 10:23
  • Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
    Pastor Samuel V. Harrell

Rev. R.W. Dumas, Founder

Damascus Missionary Baptist Church- 9 ½ decades
95th Church Anniversary- History through the Decades 1926-2021

*Decade 1-1926

Our Founder, Rev. R.W. Dumas joined the Progressive Baptist Association soon after the church was formed. We have participated continuously from then until now.

Our Founder, Rev R.W. Dumas was a leader in the civil rights protests to desegregate downtown stores. The ministers were instrumental in organizing the people and keeping boycotts/protests safe and peaceful

*Decade 2-1936

Deacon Walton joined Damascus in November of 1940 during a revival. He was 9 years old. (Marcia and I joined 30 years later in November during a revival). The church was in a rented house on 77th in Kinsman. The young Arthur Walton’s job was to go downstairs to start the fire before Sunday School.

*Decade 3- 1946

Our Founder, Rev. R.W. Dumas attended the World Baptist Conference in London, England

In 1947. Sister King and Sister Keith searched for the Damascus congregation and found it. Their father was a personal friend of Rev. Dumas in Georgia and he’d told them to find the church once they had relocated to Cleveland. The Stark family, which includes the Crenshaws, Reynolds, Cleggetts, Willises and the Browns, have been faithful members ever since.

*Decade 4-1956

Our Founder, the Rev, R.W. Dumas retired after 33 years in 1959. He died in 1964 at the age of 89. The church began the delicate process of transitioning from its Founder into a congregation that could continue to build its congregation and sustain its ministries.

*Decade 5-1966

After a series of sermons on tithing, Damascus became a tithing church. Even the children were taught to tithe. This biblical principle has sustained our congregation for decades.

*Decade 6-1976

The church van ministry picked up children for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Brother Ronald Crenshaw organized the Junior Ushers and led a dynamic youth ministry. He took us all over the city and the state to usher at services and conventions. He took us on the legendary Bike-a-Thon that went from Deacon Walton’s home to Garfield Park. About 40 young people participated and the Damascus Youth invited their friends. Ronald also took us to the drive-in, movies and on trips to Cedar Point and Niagara Falls. Also, at the time, Ronald was the only adult that preferred the young people to call him by his first name.

*Decade 7-1986

Rev. Harrell led the Nursing Home Ministry for over 10 years. The church expanded its mission focus to support local and foreign missionaries. Rev. Harrell became pastor in 1994

*Decade 8-1996

The congregation was enhanced by the many adults and youth who attended the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in many cities from East to West.

The Men’s Bible Study Fellowship began by starting with a Read the Bible in one year curriculum. It took them many years to get through the entire bible.

*Decade 9-2006

Our church held a summer lunch program that Bro. Tufts and Bro. Alfred Walton expanded to a hot breakfast program. That program most assuredly left a lasting impact on the children and adults who participated.

Brother Alfred Walton and his team also organized the Annual Free Clothes Giveaway. The community waits in line to receive these much needed resources.

*Decade 10-2016

Sister Jennifer Moore, Sis. Stephanie Crosby and their team of faithful volunteers serve the community through the monthly food giveaway. During this pandemic, people drive through the parking lot to pick up their pre-packed boxes and bags.

We are living through this global pandemic, Zoom services and Drive In services are the new normal for such a time as this. God has kept us and sustained us. We look forward to worshipping in the sanctuary soon. Until then…we will continue to worship, learn and serve.

As we march towards our 100th year, we will stay grounded the same way Damascus started focusing on prayer, families, missions/service and bible study.

O Give Thanks Unto the Lord, For He is Good and His mercy endures forever!!!