The Baptist Ministers’ Alliance

HISTORICAL SKETCH

In the year of our Lord 1908, a small group of Baptist
ministers of Memphis Tennessee united to organize what
was called “The Baptist Pastors’ Association.” Reverend T.J.
Searcy, pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, was chosen as
their president. Rev. Searcy served until Reverend A.L. Bartlett,
pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, was selected to succeed
him. During the leadership of Reverend Bartlett, the name of
the organization was changed to The Baptist Pastor’s Alliance.
Reverend Bartlett served for several years, and was succeeded by
Reverend W.W. Whitten, pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. He
served with honor until Reverend B.B. Roberts, pastor of St. Paul
and Salem Baptist Churches, was elected president. Rev. Roberts
was a great leader and attracted a large number of ministers to the
Alliance. During his administration many changes took place in
religious and educational connections. Reverend Roberts was
also elected treasurer of the National Baptist Convention,
Inc., and served until his death in the year of 1936. Dr. Roy
Love, pastor of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, was elected
president of the Alliance in 1936 and served until his death
in June 1976. During the long administration of Dr. Love,
many developments took place. The Sunday School B.T.U.
congress of Memphis was formed. Changes in structure and
purpose were evident in subsidiary groups throughout our
local Baptist organizations, such as Women’s Work, Laymen,
Ushers and musical groups. Dr. Love became leader of The
Pastors’ Seminars in the National Congress, where he led with
distinction until his death. He was a trustee of Owen College
and Treasurer of the State Convention for many years.

      Reverend L.M. McNeal, Vice President to Dr. Love, filled
the unexpired term of President Love and was elected to the
presidency of the Alliance in January 1977.
     The Alliance has tenure in the Constitution which limits
terms in office from now on. During the year 1979, the
Alliance experienced its greatest growth in its history. This
accomplishment under the leadership of President McNeal
reveals his dynamic personality and leadership. Reverend
McNeal’s tenure in office ended January 1, 1981 when he was
succeeded by Reverend V.B. Brown.
In the month of July 1981, a group of ministers left the Alliance
and joined with the conference brethren without returning
for final vote by the Alliance. Reverend L.M. McNeal former
president of the Alliance was recalled to serve in the place of
Reverend V.B. Brown.
     In the month of July 1984, the Alliance celebrated its 75th
Anniversary with a banquet and Reverend J.L. Patterson of
Michigan was the guest speaker.
     Dr. P.L. Rowe was elected president for the 1986 session
and served the position with dignity and distinction until his
death on March 24, 1988.
     During the latter part of 1986, the name was changed to
Memphis Baptist Ministers’ Alliance. Reverend L.D. Wortham,
Vice President to Dr. Rowe, filled the unexpired term of Dr.
Rowe and was elected to the presidency of the Alliance in
January 1989. Reverend Buford R. Tyler, General Secretary
to Reverend L.D. Wortham was elected to the presidency in
January 1994. Rev. Robert Williams, Vice-President upon
the death of Rev. Buford Tyler was elected to the Presidency,
January 2003. 

      Rev. Robert Williams resigned in August 2011, and appointed Dr. Jerry J. Jones, Alliance Treasurer, to serve as President.  Dr. Jones served until his death in January 2020. 

      Rev. Henry L. Key, Pastor of St. John Baptist Church--Vance Avenue, was elected President March 2020.

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Memphis Baptist Ministers Alliance

Officers Elected as of March 2020

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Pastor Henry L. Key---------------------------------------President

Dr. James E. Delaney-------------------------------------1st Vice-President

Rev. Charles L. Ewing, II---------------------------------2nd Vice-President

Vacant--------------------------------------------------------3rd Vice-President

Rev. Chester Berryhill, Jr.--------------------------------Secretary

Dr. Stephen Walker----------------------------------------Asst. Secretary

Dr. Lynn Dandridge----------------------------------------Treasurer

Vacant---------------------------------------------------------Asst. Treasurer

 

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