Damascus Missionary Baptist Church began when Brother and Sister Walton Thomas held a prayer meeting in their home the last Thursday in March 1926. Prayer meeting attendance increased weekly and a Missionary Society was organized in April 1926. Sister Viola Thomas was elected President and held the position for 10 years. Damascus Missionary Baptist Church was organized from this Mission on July 11, 1926 at 3:30 pm the late Reverend Rockwell W. Dumas as was elected as Pastor. The first three members to submit their letters were Brother Samuel D. Dumas, Sister Alice Tufts (Collins) and Sister Piccola Dumas.
Reverend R.W. Dumas served faithfully for 33 years. Under his pastorate the church relocated to their former church home at 2690 East 81st Street. He ordained numerous ministers and deacons and trained many disciples. In addition to the leadership and dedication he demonstrated, Sister M.L. Southers served as church clerk for 26 years and sister Alberta Dumas served for many years. Other faithful leaders were his sons Reverend Samuel D. Dumas and Deacon James H. Dumas, Sister Alice Collins, SIster Anna Mae King, Sister Lillie Keith and Brother Arthur Walton. Damascus’ service to the community was recognized in the Progressive Baptist Voice newspaper’s first issue in June 1951. The entire publication was devoted to celebrating Damascus 25th Church Anniversary. Some eight years later Reverend Dumas resigned June 19, 1959 due to ill health.
Reverend Samuel D. Dumas served 2 years after his father and Reverend McKinney served as Assistant Pastor. After the departure of Reverend Samuel Dumas, Reverend McKinney served as interim pastor.
Reverend Dallas Lauderdale from Zion Hill Baptist Church was called to the pastorate August 31, 1962. Reverend Lauderdale was a dynamic preacher and teacher under whose leadership the church continued to grow. Improvements were made to the church property and throughout the 18 years as pastor he ordained ministers and deacons, baptized many members and welcomed numerous persons back into fellowship.
Reverend Otis Newton was called in 1982. Pastor Newton continued the Damascus tradition of preparing disciples to the serve the Lord. He ordained many into the body of Christ throughout the 5 years he served. Among the ministers he ordained was Minister Samuel V. Harrell. Minister Harrell served as interim pastor from 1987 for more than a year until 1988.
Reverend William C. Bacon was installed in April 1988 from Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church in Lorain, Ohio. Minister Harrell remained as Assistant Pastor. Pastor Bacon installed a deacon, trained disciples, taught, directed a choir and preached tirelessly. Pastor Bacon envisioned Damascus’ move to a new church home at 9719 Ramona Boulevard. He led a tour of the new property in February 1994. On March 27, 1994 Pastor Bacon was called to be with the Lord. Again, Pastor Harrell served as interim Pastor. Damascus continued with the move culminating with the entire church marching up Kinsman Avenue, over the bridge with police escort. The Church Incarnation was the prior occupant of 9719 Ramona. They marched to Damascus old church home on East 81st Street. The two churches met at the top of the Kinsman bridge and July 1994 Damascus celebrated the 68th church anniversary in their new church home.
Reverend Samuel V. Harrell was installed in November 1994. A myriad of physical changes have been made to the property. Among them are installation of a baptismal pool, converted steam heat to gas furnaces and central air conditioning, a special needs lift was installed, a sound booth constructed, bathrooms renovated, new lighted sign, church garage and rental property demolished and the parking lot paved and fenced in. A deacon was ordained and souls have been added. Our hope and prayer is that the Lord will continue to use us in His kingdom building and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will continue to worship Our Lord and Savior, lead others to Jesus Christ and work to honor and glorify God.