Our Vision: CMBC exists to care for all people, connect with communities, while equipping believers to evangelize and exalt the name of Jesus.
Our Mission: We believe we can achieve our vision by being a
Community-focused Church
Mission-oriented Church
Bible-based Church
Christ-centered Church.
HISTORY
In 1857 the Blacks in Paris organized the First African Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Elisha Greene. In 1867 some of its members went out from this fellowship and organized another church. This was the beginning of the Centerville Missionary Baptist Church. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Gant of Lexington, KY. This fact is documented in Rev. Elisha Green's Book, "The Life of Rev. Elisha W. Green.
After multiple damaging events, the current structure was rebuilt in 1904 through the assistance of deacons and other members of the church. 13 pastors have been chosen by God to watch over his flock in this pasture. Rev. Michael L. Zachary Sr. has been the Pastor since 2016.
As one can determine, Centerville Missionary Baptist Church has a great mark in Kentucky history. In 2007, the church received its own Historical Marker, #2178, which reads:
"Established in 1867 under Rev. Thomas Gant after members left the fellowship of First Baptist Church Paris, Rev. Elisha Green, pastor. Current structure of wood mold brick built in 1904. Membership includes descendants of the original congregation."
Rev. Dr. Michael L. Zachary Sr. is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana. He is the youngest child of Joseph Zachary Sr. and Vera Hollier. Pastor Zachary is married to the former Elma J. Kinnerson, and they have four children: Michael Jr., Anaiya, Malaya, and Alijah.
Pastor Zachary served as the Pastor of Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas, for nine years. He has also served as an associate minister at First African Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, First Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas, Little Zion, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana.
Pastor Zachary is the 13th Pastor of Centerville Missionary Baptist Church. He accepted the call in December 2015 and preached his first sermon, "Reach Forward," on January 3, 2016. He was installed on March 13, 2016. He leads us as we strive to be the church where "The Difference is Worth the Distance." His vision from God for us to achieve our mission is centered around "2 Chronicles 7:14 and 1 Corinthians 2:9."
Dr. Zachary earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. He earned a Master's and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Pastoral Studies with a minor in Youth Ministry from Southwestern College in Winnfield, Kansas.
Dr. Zachary has a love for community and helping youth. He has partnered with community and church leaders to promote peace and safety in our cities. He is dedicated to the spiritual education of God's people and is the former Dean of the Consolidated Baptist District Educational Convention. He serves as the President of the Consolidated Baptist District Educational Convention and the 2nd Vice President of Ministers and Messengers for the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky.
Dr. Zachary is a retired First Sergeant in the U.S. Army, having dedicated over 20 years of service to defending our nation. He is also a Kentucky Colonel, receiving his commission from former Governor Steven Beshear on September 3, 2014.
He has been blessed to preach and teach in various churches and conventions nationwide. His inspirational sermons have been uplifting and life-changing. He lives and preaches the Word of God with passion, boldness, and excitement, hoping that someone will hear, receive, and respond to the Call of Jesus Christ.