Rev. Curtis Whittaker, Sr

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church celebrates its 65th Year Church Anniversary, serving God’s people.  We thank God for the sacrifice and labor of so many before us.  They have afforded us the opportunity to continue in the service of the Lord through various ministries.  The true spirit of the Progressive Family has been blessed to continue these ministries, which were started under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin F. Douglas.

          The Church moved to 2256 Washington St. where Rev. Douglas was called as its first Pastor.  This Church was organized under the guidance of Rev. J.J. Overstreet and a council of Christian Ministers.  Under the leadership of Pastor Douglas, the Church grew and prospered.  Based on the growth of the church, it was unanimously agreed and accepted to purchase and relocate to our present location, 656 Carolina St. in April 1978.  At this time the membership had grown to over 300 members, and the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was a viable entity to a culturally changing community. 

          Pastor Douglas had a lingering illness and some injuries, which kept him out of the pulpit for more time than he cared to be.  The church has experienced some difficult changes and hardships over the years, such as the Church splintering, but the faithful remained.  Pastor Douglas had the opportunity to call as his Co-Pastor, Rev. Bennie Hartfield, Jr. in December 1995.  Pastor Hartfield worked closely and faithfully with Pastor Douglas in the rich heritage that this Church has been blessed with, until Pastor Douglas’ home going on February 19, 1996.

          As our history continues to be written, the Progressive M.B. Church Family called as their second Pastor in the history of the church, Pastor Bennie Hartfield, Jr. on April 14, 1996.  The Church continues to grow in its various ministries and rebuilding the membership.  The heritage continues to prosper under the leadership of Pastor Hartfield, with a strong commitment to Evangelism, and Soul Winning, Community Outreach and Social Concerns.  The Lord has blessed us to add more ministries as the Progressive family continues to do the work of Kingdom Building.  The Lord has given the Vision to our Pastor and allowed him to add the following Ministries:  The Church Financial Ministry, Trustee Ministry, Jr. Trustee Ministry, Sr. & Jr. Armor Bearer Ministry, Sr. & Jr. Laymen’s Ministry, Mother’s Ministry, Youth Counselors, Children’s Learning Lab Ministry,  Affirming Children/After Care (AC/AC) Ministry, Nurturing the Total Family (NTTF), Families Anchored in Total Harmony (F.A.I.T.H.), Faith Works, Generational Educational Motivational Skills (GEMS), Discipleship Training Class 101 & 102, Computer Lab, Benevolence/Funeral Ministry, Beautification Ministry and The Pastor’s Aid Ministry, and two Praise Dance Teams.

          Pastor Hartfield had the opportunity to call as his Co-Pastor, Rev. Curtis Whittaker, Sr. in December 2008.  Pastor Whittaker worked closely and faithfully with Pastor Hartfield in the rich heritage that this Church has been blessed with, until December 25, 2011, when Pastor Hartfield retired. 

          The Church continues to grow in its various ministries and rebuilding the membership.  The heritage continues to prosper under the leadership of Pastor Whittaker, with a strong commitment to Spiritual Development, Community and Economic Development, Evangelism, and Soul Winning.  The Lord has blessed us to add more ministries as the Progressive family continues to do the work of Kingdom Building.  The Lord has given the Vision to our Pastor and allowed us to purchase 12 lots, rebuild the house of God from the front door to the back door, purchase AV equipment, pave the parking lots, start an investment fund and add the following Ministries:  The Milk-to-Meat Ministry, the Holy and Healthy Ministry, Financial and Investment Ministry, the Ministry Leaders Line and the A/V Ministry. 

          As we continue to listen to the Lord, we are experiencing and expecting greater things to occur in the life of the Church and in the life of every believer that is connected to the Church.  The vision God blessed Pastor Douglas and Pastor Hartfield with, ‘teaching the powerful good news of Jesus Christ in a real and practical way to equip believers to exhibit love, patience, forgiveness and hospitality to all of God’s creation” continues to guide us to be Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ as we move from faith to faith and from glory to glory.