OUR HISTORY
The Martin L. King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention was birth in 1967-68.
The history of our pilgrimage since 1968 as a spiritual body of Christians so the benevolent purposes we share can be advanced by our growth into a body of churches throughout the state of Indiana.
Rev. Dr. R. T. Andrews, of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Indianapolis, IN was the Presider of the organizational meetings held, and as a result, the founding meeting held in 1968 elected Rev. E.J. Odom as the first President of the state convention and thus, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana was formed.
Our living co-founders/organizers are Rev. Dr. James Hunter, Sr., pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN who supports the precepts, programs and plans of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. - Rev. Dr. Melvin B. Girton, Sr., pastor emeritus of Christ Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis, IN, now affiliated with the National Baptist Convention (Historian).
FROM A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE:
Our existence by way of the PNBC-MWR & PNBC, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana, embrace the principles of social justice which is the Baptist denominational home, fellowship, support and pulpit platform of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - We reflect the core values and beliefs of the Civil Rights Movement.**
FROM A RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE: -
PREAMBLE:
The people called Baptist have always believed in the principles, tenets and doctrines as are proclaimed and advocated in the New Testament with reference to the rule of the people, by the people and for the people and the vestment, of the authority and power to act, in the majority and not in an individually-designated board or official cabinet. - Therefore, we the members of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana, do now federate ourselves together in the name of and under the direction and guidance of the true God for the purpose of giving wider range, deeper significance, loftier heights and a glowing realization of the practices of Christian brotherhood. - Baptist churches from the northern and southern regions of Indiana were strongly influenced to become a visible and prophetic witness in its theological preaching and teaching.**
OBJECTIVE: -
• To Encourage.
• To promote and
• To support Evangelism, Education, Christian stewardship, Missions, along with such other Christian work of the convention that may select or deem necessary. **
In 2004, the Constitution of the MLK, Jr. MBSC of Indiana was amended under the leadership of Pastor Raymond McDonald and the by-laws committee confirming the convening of the Martin L. King, Jr. Annual Session to be held on Tuesday, following the 2nd Sunday in July and closing on Thursday with the President's annual address.
**Also, members of non-affiliated Baptist churches may participate in the activities of the MLK, Jr. MBSC
of Indiana; however, such individuals may not hold any convention office.