Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church began as a mission in the Prince Hall Building located on N. West St. in September 1963. 

 

The late Rev. O.W. Owens was inspired by the Holy Spirit to carry forth this much needed work for the cause of Christ.  Rev. Owens, his wife Roberta and other Christian workers joined in to help support this mission. The mission was located in a storefront at 502 West Michigan St.  It was in that building that Rev. Owens received a vision to organize a Missionary Baptist Church.

 

On October 3, 1964, Rev. Owens called a group of Pastors and Christians together for a recognition meeting.  The late Rev. Claude Evans, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church presided at this meeting. The mission was given the name Travelers Rests Missionary Baptist Church.  Rev. Owens was elected Pastor with the blessing of God and the members. Rev Owens served faithfully and was a dedicated leader while trusting God for the increase. Rev. Owens continued to serve as the dedicated leader of Travelers Rest until God called him home to rest from his labors in the year 1969.  Rev. Charles Early served as interim Pastor of for a period of 3 months. Rev. Charles Bledsoe was called as Pastor on April 28, 1969, until God called him home on May 19, 1980. On July of 1980, Rev. Charles Willis was called as Pastor and served until 1982. In July of 1982, Rev. Leon Porter, Jr., was called as the Pastor of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church.

 

By: S. A. Miller