More than 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth to establish His church, and faithful men went into all the world and preached the good news that we can be saved from sin, coming only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-14.

The local church body, a group of 22 men, women and children, that formed Long Creek Baptist Church, began in October 1885. The church had 25 pastors before its twenty-sixth pastor, Rev. Jim Meadows, served as pastor for 50 years from July 12, 1965 until his death on July 8, 2015.

In 1982, during Bro. Meadows’ pastorate, Marty Harper accepted Christ as his personal lord and savior. Having a desire to serve the Lord, Bro. Marty eventually became a deacon at Long Creek. Several years later, Bro. Marty accepted God’s call to preach the gospel. He continued to serve in the church as outreach minister and associate pastor, in addition to preaching in other churches, until God called Bro. Meadows home. Only a short time passed, and Harper was unanimously elected as pastor of Long Creek.

“Mrs. Linda Meadows, Bro. Jim’s wife is still here at Long Creek serving the Lord Jesus and is a wealth of knowledge to me,” Harper said.

“I am very humbled when I say that I have been the pastor here at Long Creek for three years,” Harper said. “The people here at Long Creek Baptist Church are the best, as we strive to reach men, women, boys, and girls for the Lord Jesus.

“It is all about Jesus.”

Long Creek Baptist is a missions-minded church, having supported evangelical missions in Mexico, France and Southeast Asia, as well as in the United States. We continue to financially and prayerfully support mission efforts in Southeast Asia, Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse, Crusade for Christ ministries, Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary and Crosslife Church, a new church plant in Anthem, Arizona. Crosslife is a part of Planting Arizona effort of the North American Mission Board. Our mission endeavor locally is our AWANA program and support of the Baptist Crisis Center in Marion, Mississippi.

About the church:

Name: Long Creek Baptist Church.

Pastor: Rev. Marty Harper – three years.

Denomination: Southern Baptist.

Founded: Oct. 7, 1885.

Address: 4631 Causeyville Road, Meridian, MS 39301.

Members: Currently, Long Creek Baptist Church as 415 members.

Contact Info: Rev. Marty Harper, 601-917-4611 or Church phone, 601-693-2966.

Service Times:

Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.; Morning Worship – 11 a.m.; Discipleship Training – 5 p.m.; Evening Worship – 6 p.m.

Weekly programs: Wednesdays AWANA program 6-8 p.m.

Special upcoming events:

Our AWANA kickoff will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22. This program is geared for ages 4 through high school. Long Creek focuses on children in the community, teaching them the Word of God, with the love of Christ. AWANA stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed,” as based on 2 Timothy 2:15.

Worship Site Profile appears Saturdays in The Meridian Star. Recommend your site to Cheryl Owens, cowens@themeridianstar.com.