ABOUT US
HISTORY OF SUNNYSIDE MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
1900-2022
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122 years ago, a group of ministers and laymen decided to organize an Association. Among this group was Rev. R.D. Mason, Dr. M.L. Burton, Rev. George Owens, Rev. Rufus Beaird, Rev. G.E. Ragland, Professor Roberston, Mr. Whit Coleman, and Mr. John Mormon. They held their first meeting at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
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While the sun was shining very bright that day, everyone was concentrating on what to name the Association. Mr. John Mormon, a member of the Sunflower Baptist Church, was sitting by a window. He raised his hat to shade the sun from his face and said, “Let’s name it the Sunnyside Missionary Baptist Association.” The motion was made and seconded, the name was unanimously approved and it became the Sunnyside Missionary Baptist Association. The early officers were:
Moderator ……………...........Dr. R.D. Mason
Moderator…………….........Rev. S.E. Ragland
Vice Moderator…....…..........Rev. W.J. Beaird
Recording Secretary…..........A.J. Cunningham
Corresponding Secretary….Bro. A.W. Faulkner
Treasurer…………........…….Rev. Grant Adams
Auditor…………......................Dr. M.L. Burton
The objective of this body shall be the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fostering of Christian Education. Through the years many have benefited from this body. At the present, our membership consists of 20 churches, the Ministers and Deacons Union, the Women’s Convention, and the Church School Convention.
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“They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth and forever.” Psalm 125:1-2
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Today, the Sunnyside Missionary Baptist Association continues to be active in the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.
MISSION
The mission of this body is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who foster Christian Education to men and women through Bible-based principles, being equipped with the whole armor of God, and shining as God's Light in service to the community.
VISION
The vision of the Sunnyside Missionary Baptist Association is that we continue to thrive spiritually, mentally, and physically as individuals and collectively as an Association. It is the endeavor of this Association that we will make an impact in the community as we enhance the Kingdom of God as shining lights of hope.