History of Ascension Missionary Baptist Church
Ascension Missionary Baptist Church was organized in October of 1990, under the leadership of the Rev. Willie S. Williams, Jr. He and his wife Shirley, along with three other members made a tremendous faith step, and started what has proven to be a truly Christ-centered and ministry-driven Church in the Raleigh area of Memphis. Being well aware of the array of problems that people are facing today, Ascension is dedicated to the holistic approach to ministry.
The Ascension congregation met for six years in facilities at the Best Western-Raleigh (later known as the Comfort Inn Motel). During this time, in response to God’s leading, Pastor Williams pursued the vision to purchase land for the construction of their own worship facilities. Eventually, land was purchased at New Allen Rd. and Emmons Dr., and in February 1998, the congregation held its first service in its new building. In 2003, these facilities were expanded to accommodate the continued congregational growth, and the increase in ministries operating at the church.
The motto of the Ascension Church is “A Church On The Way Up.” Our teachings at Ascension do not ignore present realities; that people need to know how to live in this world. Therefore, we endeavor to teach life principles that will enable people to live successful and satisfying lives in this world. But also know that this world is not our home. So, the greater stress of our teaching is to prepare people for the future-the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. To borrow from the words of a popular Christian song, “We’re living this life just to live again.” Also, the Apostle Paul recorded these words in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”