About Our Church
Our Pastors
Senior Pastor
Bro. Chris Cates
Bro. Chris Cates began his ministry journey in 2005. Throughout his ministry, he has served in several capacities including mission work, praise team, college ministry, youth ministry and associate pastor. He and his wife, Kristi are proud parents of nine children and four grandchildren. Chris is a U.S. Army veteran. Chris' prayer is that God will bless his work in Hughes Springs to reach those who do not know Christ, by showing his love for God and extend his love toward neighbors through sharing the Gospel with intentional evangelism and discipleship.
Associate Pastor/Music Minister
Bro. Gary Fields
Bro. Gary Fields and his wife Diana married in 1981. They have three children, as well as several grandchildren. Bro. Gary has been in ministry since 1995; he joined HSMBC in 2014 as Minister of Music. He enjoys music, spending time with family and walking.
Pastor Emeritus
Bro. Larry Neeley
Bro. Larry Neeley has been in ministry since 1959. He served as pastor of HSMBC from 1972 until his retirement in 2000. He returned as pastor in 2014 to 2017, and in 2018 the Church elected him to the honorary position of Pastor Emeritus. He and his wife Dorothy have three children and numerous grandchildren.
Our History
On December 17, 1951, our beloved Church was organized to be "an old-fashioned Missionary Baptist Church" with Elder R.E. Rodgers, State Missionary for the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas, as the acting Moderator. Dr. Albert Garner as Clerk, Dr. A.T. Powers preached the sermon, Rev. A.J. Wall read the Articles of Faith and Rev. G.P. Allen read the Church Covenant as found in Pendleton's Church Manuel. These were adopted by the group and declared to be a Church. The Church voted to name themselves the Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. R.E. Rodgers was called as Missionary Pastor and Mrs. Johnnie Hall was elected to serve the Church as Clerk and Treasurer. The visiting preachers who took part in the forming of the Presbytery were Bros. R.E. Rodgers, A.L. Powers, Albert Garner, G.P. Allen, A.J. Wall, W.M. Sneed, H.R. Church, Arthur Smith, Ed Rhodes, B.A. Grant, L.N. Owens, C.O. Rhyne, and T.P. Lee.
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The Charter Members consisted of: Bro. and Mrs. Johnnie Campbell, Bro. and Mrs. O.L. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Jones, O.D. Amox, Mitsie Amox, Cleo Storye, Bennie Lou Storye, Lela Bell Moulton, Donald Moulton, Shirley Sutton, Geraldine Breazeale, Nadine Breazeale, Jo Ann Campbell, Edrey Campbell, Cathryne Barrett, Mr. Frank Gilbert and Betty Walker.
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On May 31, 1952, the Church purchased a lot from Mr. Thurmon Bolton for $500 and on September 10, 1952, the American Legion Hall was purchased for $750 and moved to the Bolton lot, which was to serve as the first Church home. Dedication services were held June 9, 1954.
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The organization of the Baptist Training course for Sunday nights was August 23, 1953, and on October 25, 1953, the Church voted to hold "full-time" services. The first three men for Deacons were set aside on April 7, 1954, and ordained May 14, 1954. They were Bros. Virgal Hall, Egeal Baker, and B.T. Beasley. The first Ladies Auxiliary was formed on November 7 that same year.
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In 1960 membership reached 106 and on January 31, 1960, the Church voted to construct a new 40' x 60' Sanctuary. On April 12, 1961, a new building fund was set up to be separate from the general fund. The lot adjoining the Church property to the north was purchased April 14, 1965. On October 5, 1966, the Church voted to build a 40' x 70' building which was dedicated on October 1, 1967 under the Pastorate of Bro. Glyn Gary. Dr. A.J. Kirkland brought the Dedication Message. In 1967 membership was 201.
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On June 21, 1972, the Church voted to purchase the Frank Crabbe house on School Drive to be used as the Parsonage to house the new Pastor, Bro. Larry Neeley and family. Membership grew to 318 in 1976 and in order to keep up with the growing membership, on February 8, 1976 the property west of the building was purchased to build a larger Sanctuary, add class rooms and remodel existing rooms. The former Sanctuary became the present Fellowship Hall and on July 19, 1987, the present Sanctuary was dedicated under the Pastorate of Bro. Larry Neeley with membership at 535. Final payment on the Sanctuary was made September 8, 1995, and much-awaited Note-Burning was held on December 17, 1995. Bro. Neeley retired in December of 1999, after 27 and a half years of service. The church has called several pastors since 2000.
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In 1980, the Church hired her first Minister of Music & Youth, Bro. Craig Griffith, who served until 1982. Bro. Jay Pollan served as Minister of Music & Youth from 1982 - 1997. Bro. Gary Fields has served as Minister of Music since 2014. Several pastors and ministers of music and youth have served throughout the years.