About US
Who we are
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world. to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress, to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.
Church History
With the permission of the Home Buyers Association and with the cooperation and guidance of
The Gulf Coast Missionary Baptist Association, the Late Rev E. Lewis Fox, Moderator, and
other interested pastors of the Gulf Coast organized a Sunday School on May 11, 1969. The
Rev. Lawrence Collins Sr. served as Superintendent of this newly formed Sunday School
until September 30, 1970, when he was called to Pastor the 1st Missionary Baptist Church of
Bay St Louis.
Following Rev. Collins’ departure, the Rev. Charlie Dargan and his Family continued the
Christian work until December 1970, when he was transferred out of state with the US Air
Force. Rev. E.L. Hartwell then took up the mantle and continued the work in the Forrest Heights
Community, organizing it into a Mission. Under his leadership, the Mission, which had 75
members, continued to grow. This growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our
leaders and members, and we can all take pride in the progress we’ve made.
On October 22, 1971, the Mission was organized into Forrest Heights Missionary Baptist
Church. Rev. E.L. Hartwell was called to Pastor the church. March 2, 1975 – Groundbreaking
service took place @ 2:30 pm on the site where the current sanctuary now sits. The church
continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. Hartwell, and in March 1976, construction was
completed, and the members marched into the new Education Department. March 1979 –
members marched into our existing sanctuary. August 5, 2001 – A dedication ceremony was
performed, and The Education Building was renamed the Rev. E.L. Hartwell Education Building.
2001 – God chose a phenomenal man of God from Georgia named George D. Rouse to lead and
pastor the Forrest Heights Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Rouse, the
church continues to grow – physically and spiritually. Many new ministries were formed, and
existing ministries have been re-vamped, including the Young Adult Choir (now the Inspirational
Choir), Gospel Rap Ministry, Praise and Mime Ministries, Intercessory Prayer, and the Singles’
Ministries — just to name a few. The church has weathered the storm, wind, and rain of
Hurricane Katrina (2005) and Hurricane Isaac (2012). We are still standing today because the
church was built upon the rock, and that rock is our incredible savior, Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the longevity of our church. We are
committed to upholding the legacy of our founders by continuing to spread the word of God and
serve our community. This dedication ensures that the spirit of our church will endure for
generations to come.
CHURCH MOTTO: “We are a church were EVERYBODY is SOMEBODY and NOBODY is
better than ANYBODY.”
Service Time
Sunday:
Sunday School 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Worship 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Monday: Close
Tuesday: Close
Wednesday: Bible Study/Table Talk 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday: Close
Friday: Close
Saturday: Close
Baptist and Communion on the 1st Sunday of every month
Forrest Heights missionary baptist church
