2006 - Present

Introduction:

 "And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua:" Exodus 17:14a  ... we write this history for our descendants so that they might know how we lived and how God answered our Prayers. 

IN WRITING HIS-TORY WE THINK OF Jacob when he marked the spot where he wrestled with God….we wish to remember and record the blessings of the Lord and the times when we knew God was guiding us even when he seem far away.

In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church was organized under the auspice of the Holy Spirit speaking to the heart of Reverend Gwendolyn Horton.  Rev. Horton discussed plans to form a new church with her husband, William E. Horton and asked for his prayers and support with this momentous assignment. God requires that everything be done decently and in order as stated in ICorinthians14: 40.  

Therefore, Reverend Horton shared her calling to establish a church with her Pastor, Dr. G.A. Jones, Jr., Faith Missionary Baptist Church and sought his blessings and support to establish a church in the Raleigh Area.  Dr. Jones had been Reverend Horton’s Pastor for the previous 7 years, since accepting the position of Pastor in 2000. In addition, Reverend Horton discussed her calling with other family members and some agreed to support her divine assignment to establish a church for the un-church and others.  After much prayer, Reverend Horton asked her third cousin, Minister Ginger Adams (who accepted) to help her move the ministry forward as the Assistant Pastor. 

It had been the desire of Reverend Horton to be part of a church that sought to help people overcome personal obstacles that prevent them from seeking a personal relationship with God. It is Rev. Horton’s belief that God’s people are bound with so many earthly problems that their souls have been block from seeking a relationship with him.  She furthers believes that, if the disciples of God would understand that we’re called to serve others by being an instrument to share and demonstrate the love of God. In so doing those obstacles will be removed and souls will be claimed in the name of Jesus.         

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Over the two year period, through the leadership of Rev. Horton, the commitment of the members and supporting family and friends the church motto have been realized; “We are Saved to Serve”.

While it is beyond the scope of this summary document to adequately recognize all of the contributions from members, family and friends of the church, brief mention will be made of the highlights during the two-years of the church existence.

2006

August 28, 2006

Rev. Gwen Horton sent letters, e-mails and wrote a newspaper article to announce the formation of In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church and to invite friends, family and the community at- large to join a church that is called to witness to the un-church. 

September 21, 2006

In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church is incorporated on under laws of the State of North Carolina. Federal tax identification number obtained. 

November 21, 2006 

Organizational meeting was held in the home of Rev. and Deacon William Horton at 5325 Thistlebrook Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Committee formed to draft Church By-laws for the church’s approval.

December 15, 2006

First Business Meeting and the election of Officers.

December 24, 2006

Reverend Horton and Minister Adams officiated at the first worship service (Sunday) at the Ezra Conference Center, 3670 Bastion Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina

2007

First Sunday Morning Worship service was held at Lions Park Raleigh, NC.

Reverend Horton and the members of In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church distributed introduction flyers in the surrounding church community.  Reverend Horton conducted a community outreach assessment to determine the needs of the community.

January 25, 2007 

Raleigh City Wide Missionary Union accepts In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church as a member.

April 2007 

Reverend Horton publishes article in The Carolinian Newspaper to announce Church services and outreach activities.

April 21, 2007

Church members and friends volunteered to serve lunch to the residents of the Wilmington Street Shelter, Raleigh, NC.  Serving approximately 250 individuals. 

May 4, 20007 – Sister Willie Mae Lane, Aunt In-law of Rev. Horton donates first Offering Plate.

May 5, 2007- Hosted the first Adoption and Foster Care Gospel Concert featuring the Hope of Freedom Choir of Neuse Correctional Center at Lions Park Recreational Center.  Approx. 200 inmates and family and friends attended this event.

May 12, 2007 – Church members and friends prepared and served lunch to the residents of the Wilmington Street Shelter, Raleigh, NC.   Serving approximately 250 individuals.

May 16, 2007 – First Bible Study meeting was held in the home of Rev. and Deacon Horton. 

May 27, 2007 – The Pastoral Installation Service for Rev. Gwen Horton was held at Lions Park Recreational Center, Raleigh, NC.   Rev. G.A. Jones, Pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church officiated and gave the Charge to the Pastor.  Faith Missionary Mass Choir provided the music. Rev. Horton gave the Church purpose statement: “To bring people to Jesus and membership in his family, develop them to Christ-like maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and life-mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name”.

June 2007 Faith Missionary Baptist Church presented Pastor Horton with 40 Bibles, Baptist Hymnal Books and communion set as a blessing to help the ministry. 

July 15, 2007 – The Usher Ministry is started by Sister Audrey Lett

July 28, 2007 – Rev. Horton and Sister Audrey Lett attends Wake Association Union Meeting

July 29, 2007 – Hosted first Youth Community Outreach Cookout Serving approximately 120 people. 

August 4, 2007 – Minister Ginger Adams coordinates our first Prayer Breakfast, which was held at Golden Corral on New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC. The theme was “Laying a Solid Foundation”.  Guest Speakers were Minister Keith Hicks of Faith Missionary and Rev. L. Highsmith Clark of New Bethel Christian Church.  Approx. 25 attended this event.

August 18, 2007 - Accepted for membership of Wake Baptist Association

September    2007 - Bylaws Approved   

November 4, 2007 – Sister Judy Hines and Deacon Horton coordinated the first Rainbow Tea, which was held at Lions Park Recreational Center.  Approx. 150 were in attendance.

December 23, 2007 – Rev. Horton coordinates our first Community Outreach Breakfast which was held at LionsPark RecreationalCenter.   Approximately 20 people were in attendance.

December 31, 2007 – First Church Anniversary was held at Lions Park Recreational Center.  Reverend (Doctor) Robert Jones, Pastor of Oberlin Baptist brought the anniversary message.

2008

In 2008, In the Beginning installed our first and only Deacon, Deacon William E. Horton and we added disciples to the fold.

Rev. Horton sought covering from Rev. J. Vincent Terry, Pastor Mount Peace Missionary Baptist Church (corner of Raleigh Blvd and Martin Luther King Drive), Raleigh, North Carolina, and he agreed.

Our Outreach ministry remained active serving and feeding over 800 plus homeless individuals and collecting over 600 pair of shoes to be sent to people of Third World Countries which also doubled as a church fund raiser.  We continued our Annual Outreach effort:  Prayer Breakfast, Rainbow Tea, Adoption and Foster Care and the Prison Ministry.  The Trustees started Application for our Federal 501 © 3 Non-profit status.

During the year, Rev. Horton requested of the Trustees to commence a search for a permanent meeting site.

Rev. J. Vincent Terry brought the Anniversary Message on December 28. 2008 and his Choir and Congregation accompanied him.

2009

During the year of 2009, the congregation led by Reverend Horton continued to be disciples of God’s Holy word by consistent Sunday School and Morning Worship Services at Lions park Community Center, Raleigh, North Carolina; going out in the highways and byways to tell men about the love of God and how they could be saved.  We continued to feed the homeless, minister to the needy, attend the Wake Association workshops and quarterly sessions and give God the praise for his many blessings.

Around November of 2009, we began to plan and ask God for directions for us to reach out for a permanent worship site so we could have Bible Study and other ministries and daily programs as thus said the Lord.

Again reflecting on Jacob when he marked the spot where he wrestled with God….we were wrestling for a better ways of doing things in our efforts to reach out.  And as Jacob, we knew God was guiding us even when he seem far away.

In December, the Lord allowed us to explore locations for a church and we found space for a church that met our needs in the Garner Area, 103 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC – 1000 Square Ft. Large open Room in the front, one ADA restroom, one office area and a tremendous amount of parking. 

The Congregation voted to rent this property and we were blessed to  keep some of the same furniture and equipment to prepare us for the first Morning Service at this facility.

2010

January 03, 2010 - we experienced the first Sunday School Ministry and Morning Service as In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church Disciples at 103 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, North Carolina

Bible Study was established twice a month; Various meetings, Ministries  were coordinated, i.e, Strategic planning, executive planning, Conference Business, School, Usher Training, Workshops, Annual Revival. We continued to feed the homeless and minister to the needs of others.

 May 12, 2010 – after review of the application for tax exemption status by the Internal Revenue Service, it was determined that the church, In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church was exempt  from the Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  

July 24, 2010 -  the church members cooked, served food and provided a mini-service for Blessed Homes, (a group home for 

Mental Health and disabled Residents) in Raleigh, NC

September 25, 2010 – the church members coordinated  a community Day to promote membership and fellowship in the community of Garner

September 26,2010 – The first Gospel Concert was coordinated

October 31, 2010 – The first hat Parade was conducted

October 29, 2010 – The first Dating and Marriage Game (entertainment Ministry) was coordinated that involved around  12 couples from the church and surrounding churches

December 12, 2010 – The second Gospel Concert was conducted 

December 31, 2010 – The first New Year Eve Service of In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church was conducted with (18) members participating in fellowship, brunch, praises, testimonies and a survey on how to allow God to intervene in their lives through out the 2011 year and witness his blessing.

2011

The second dedication ceremony was held at the church on January 02, 2011

That included the following: Elijah Lark Anderson, Birthdate – March 03, 2008;

Emmanuel Amari Lark, Birthdate – June 16, 2010 – Parents of the two – A.J. Anderson, Jr., and Christyal Jackson

Also, Jeremiah Jaden Baity Sanders, -Birthdate – November 10, 2004 and Jerren Michael Baity Sanders, December 10, 2010  - Parents of the two – Jeremy & Judith Sanders

Reverend Jamal Brown, Pastor of Sand Hills United Church of Christ, Sanford, North Carolina preached the first evening Quarterly sermon at the site on 103 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC. He was accompanied by his choir of Sand Hills and his former Church choir at Mt Pleasant Church  in Raleigh, NC

July 17, 2011, Deacon Willie George Hinton was voted in during the morning service as an official Honorary Member of In The Missionary Baptist Church, 1:00 PM, 103 Vandora Springs Road,  Garner, NC

October 01, 2011

The first Baby Contest was conducted at the church that was coordinated by Sister Ann Hodges with the following participants:
Ja’Mecca Bowen, parents -  Cortney & Latisha Bowens
Brionah Reid, parents - Brandon & Tiffany Reid
Kenzie Alayna Kay Wiliams – Parents -  Kenneth Williams & Aleisha Sanders

The Winners were:  First Place – Ja’Mecca Bowens
Second Place – Brionah Reid
Third Place  - Kenzie Alayna Kay Williams

The total Offering was $496.00 from the three contestants with each of the three contestants receiving 10% of their contribution

November 06, 2011

In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend Gwen Horton, assisted by Deacon William Horton coordinated the first Baptism for members of the church with Mt. Peace Baptist Church, Reverend Terry during the fellowship ceremony at Mt. Peach Church.

The Baptism Candidates were: Louis & Arlethia Gallop and AJ & Chrystal Jackson  Anderson, Jr.,  The Candidates received Baptism Certificates from the church.

2012

March 17, 2012

The first Men’s Roundtable Conference was coordinated at In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church with an attendance of (18) men from the church and other community churches, namely, Deacon William Horton, Trustee Earl Horton.  Trustee AJ Anderson, Deacon in Training Louis Gallop, Hilario Basurito, Robert Crowder,  Gerald Hines,  Clemenzer Robertson, Clinton Hinton,  Joe Alston, Tony lane, Mike Spruill, Deacon William Cassidy, Faith Missionary Baptist, Earl Badgett, Trustee, Faith Missionary Baptist, Deacon Charlie Fleming, Faith Missionary Baptist, Deacon Michael Atkinson, Redemptive Blood Church, Deacon Larry Deans, Faith Missionary Baptist, and Robert Stewart, President of the Usher Board, Faith Missionary Baptist. Deacon William Horton was the coordinator and originator of the Ministry Sister Ann Hodges & Patricia Powell assisted in donating refreshments. To God be the Glory.

June 10, 2012

The second Deacon Ordination was observed on June 10, 2012 at Garner United Methodist Church in Garner NC, ( bigger place) to ordain Sister Judy Hines and Brother Louis Gallop.  The Reverend Stephen Pierce from Christian Home Missionary Baptist Church in Moyock, North Carolina was the Guest Speaker. Reverend Gwen Horton, Pastor moderated the Service.  Approximately 100 people attended the service. Just Friends Choir coordinated the music/Songs;  Deacon Jackie Johns, Springfield Baptist Church  presented the charge to the Deacons

September 12, 2012

The first noon day prayer service was planned at the  church and Deacon William Horton and Trustee Ann Hodges found time to be present to conduct this service as thus said the Lord.

September 15, 2012

The church conducted the first Disciples Training Class for the members of the church that included doctrinal information, polity, basic church operations, responsibilities of the members and the church, financial obligations and other information.  In attendance were:  Reverend Gwen Horton, conducted the doctrinal training; Deacon William Horton conducted the other training as listed, Lena Robertson Ridley, Karen Sanders, Judy Sanders, Jeremy Sanders, Louis Gallop, Arlethia Gallop, Brandy Mitchell,  and Aleisha Sanders.

February 22, 2013

In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church purchased the first church Van, 1995 Ford, 15 Passenger; the owner was Denzel Ray Johnson, Jr., from Garner, NC

The Van was purchased at an amount of 2500.00 and the money came from the on-going Van Raising Drive from March 2011.

• Signed contract for  518 Village Court, Garner, NC 04-13-13

In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church coordinated the first funeral for Baby Rashad McNeil, Jr., on June 22, 2013 at the new facility at 518 Village Court, Garner, NC.  The parents were Diedra McNeil and Rashad McNeil, Sr., Reverend Gwen Horton, Pastor preached the funeral, approximately 85 people were in attendance.

November 17, 2013, the First Male Chorus at in The Beginning Missionary was organized under the directions of Deacon William Horton and Deacon Louis Gallop for the Annual Men Day Anniversary Celebration.  They only sang (1) song, #147 “Nothing But The Blood”  The Chorus consisted of Deacon Louis Gallop, Deacon William Horton, Alvin Anderson Sr., Alvin Anderson Jr., Gerald Hines, Robert Crowder, Marquez Holmes, Antwan Holmes,  and Clemenzer Robertson.  To God be the Glory for this Historical Chorus and we pray that this will be the beginning. 

2014

The second Associated Minister of In The Beginning Missionary Baptist was presented to the church on May 04, 2014

On Friday Evening, the First Dinner Play was coordinated at the church 518 Village Court, Garner, NC, July 25, 2014.  The play was entitled, “Changing in the House of God” The cast were: Ann Hodges, Deacon Louis Gallop, Arlethia Gallop, Gerald Hines, Karen Sanders, Aleisha Sanders, Diedra McNeil and the angels were Jamecca Bowens, Rico owens, Kenzie Williams, and Khahyah Gordon; Light Tehnician was Jaquel Gallop.  The play was written and directed by Deacon William Horton. 

2015 - 2020

As the years went on, 2015 -2020,  In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Disciples were still in the Vineyard doing the will of God preaching, teaching, praying to maintain the ministries that God had previously blessed us to formulate under the auspices of the Holy Spirit.

2016

December 24, 2016, we lost a most faithful Mother of the church, Mother Irene Wright, a mother of spirit, mother of love and a consistent financial contributor.  Her words were, “I’m just talking about me now, trying to get the splinter out of my own eye.  What a devoted servant of the Lord even during the times she was sickly at home and the periods she was in the Rest Homes, her spirit, her wisdom, her willingness to lift others up remained alive unto death.  God bless her soul.

2017- the church began coordinating a Community Ministry at the Seniors Rest Home facility in Garner NC that reached out to residents monthly in the areas of bible discussions, reading poems and varied stories to residents as well.  In addition to this planned ministry, a Birthday Card Ministry was formulated to recognize  those individuals having birthdays in a given month with cards and sometimes with refreshments.  This ministry went into the beginning of the year of 2019 and had to close down due to the spread of the Covid 19 virus.

2018

The roster remained intact for the faithful disciples but the later of 2018 - 2019, we experienced a lost of members for obvious reasons but the dedicated Disciples continued to stand firm in believing the God we serve, in spirit and in truth would be with us thru the thick and the thin.  Base on that assessment, we feel that too many churches are merry-go-rounds of programs and activities, and not enough churches are mission post of help and hope for lost souls, those experiencing Health failure, family crisis, and support for lost of love ones.  We continued to reach out to the aforementioned because at In The Beginning, we have always been in the beacon of hope position for all disciples to assist them during their times of need.

2019 – 2022

 The church as much as the world experienced the shocking Covid-19 crisis that created a scared emotional mindset of having on site worship services and other programs because everyone could catch this dreadful disease. There was a decline in membership attendance, could not coordinate ministries or any programs on site and church finances were down. In view of this pandemic, thoughts were in order on the continued existence of In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church.   In as much the seriousness of the pandemic, the struggle to coordinate the flow of church worship, varied ministries was a challenge.  March 10, 2021, we lost  Sister Willie Mae Lane.  She was not a member of In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church but a family relative thru marriage, quiet, humble with the spirit of the Lord glowing in her heart each time she would fellowship with us, (which was often).  We had a special chair for her during Morning  Service to accommodate her Inability to sit comfortably and also exhibiting our love and admiration for her presence each time. 

2019-2022 continue-

We continue to reflect back on the loss of members; the down side of giving Tithes and offerings that hurt the flow of programs and ministries; lack of young disciples participating in those programs and ministries. All of these things seemed to have had a negative effect on membership.

However, in view of the church Building being close for active on site participation, the Lord provided ways and means to worship, to move on with His Ministry at In The Beginning Missionary Baptist via of technology thru Trustee Brother Earl Horton. It seem that we came alive using Zoom for meetings for varied ministries and Face Book Live for Sunday Morning Worship Service.  To God be the glory for technology!

2022-Present of 2023

The latter portion of 2022, we began to coordinate full scale Sunday Morning Worship Service still reaching out to all wishing to be apart of the service via Face Book Live that continues to serve approximately 5- 8 disciples in the Community, city, state and surrounding states.  We continued to coordinate Meetings via zoom but April 29, 2023, the first Executive Committee Business Meeting was held on the church site since the year of 2019.

 Thursday, May 18, 2023, A community Donation Project initiated by Reverend Horton thru Mrs. Virginia Tally for the church to receive ten (10) computer to be used for the church Business and for others to receive as well that may be used for educational/school curriculum. 

 Sunday, June 04, 2023 Joined the church -E’Daisha Chatman, Raven Davis, Raine McCloud’ June 05, 2023 Leroy Harris joined the church

June 25, 2023,  Under the efforts of Pastor Horton, the Dance Ministry was re-established and performed during the Morning Worship Service under the watchful eyes of the congregation.  Approximately 5-6 Youth and teens engaged in this ministry, To God be the Glory! In addition, Sister Dawn Kee was assigned to be the  ministry coordinator.

November 05, 2023 – In The Beginning Missionary Baptist Church witness history under the auspices of the Holy Spirit by the first Baptism on the grounds of the church in the sanctuary during the Morning Service. The Candidates were: Dawn Kee that became a member 01-25-23 and her granddaughter Ta’niya Kee that joined 05-14-23.  May God send his blessings upon both candidates and family. “To God be the glory in sending more candidates to the Vineyard to serve and praise his Holy name.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:9 And let us not get weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.   Planting a church has indeed been a challenge that requires much faith and work in the name of Jesus.  A small congregation requires that the pastor as well as members serve in numerous capacities without complaint and continuing the assigned tasks even when the body is weary.  Our goal is to administer the work of the Lord with the love of Jesus and serve all men, especially those of the household of faith.  In doing so, we will realize our primary goal is that of pointing people to Christ.  We have our charge to inherit the kingdom of God through the fruits of the Spirit, which are patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

May God continue to bless In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church as “We are Saved to Serve”.

We give thanks to Rev. Gwendolyn Marie Robertson Horton and Deacon William Earl Horton updating information, answering questions and providing the needed documentation of major events for recording In the Beginning Missionary Baptist Church History.