St. Luke Free Will Baptist Church LaGrange, NC, was organized around 1866 to provide a place of worship for devoted Christians from nearby communities. Those ten or fifteen people held prayer meetings in a home on South Carey street with their first pastor Rev. Alfred Carmon who served as founding Pastor. Later a wooden building was erected on the southeast corner of Carey Street. Around 1902 the church moved to another frame structure on West King street under the pastorate of their second pastor Rev. Griffin Suggs. In 1908 a brick sanctuary was erected with the cornerstone being laid around 1916. Following Rev. Suggs death Rev. Ransom Becton was elected pastor. In 1943 Rev Earl L. Hardy was elected pastor. During His Tenure many repairs and renovations were made to the sanctuary and a basement was added. By this time St. Luke had become one of the Leading churches in the Northwest B Conference Division. In 1954 Rev. Herman R. Reaves, former General Moderator, became pastor. In December 1957, the church burned the mortgage. Following the death of Rev. Reaves, Bishop Dr. William Mitchell became pastor. During his Tenure new projects were began to beautify the church. A fellowship hall with a baptismal was added, The sanctuary was expanded, new pews and pulpit chairs, and hymnals were purchased also. In 1987 Bishop Mitchell Resigned. Following his resignation Rev. Jerry O. Wilson became pastor and served for three years. After his tenure Dr. William M. Bessent was elected pastor. During his time a children's church was established as well as a pre-school, kindergarten, and primary choir was formed. A new mortgage of $190,000 was obtained in 1994 and the church broke ground for a new structure. The building was completed and dedicated in July 1995. The new structure included a fellowship hall, a baptismal, pastors study, kitchen area, office, ladies lounge, and two enlarged classrooms, making six classrooms and a lecture room. In 1999 the mortgage was completely paid.
In 2000 St. Luke added new chandeliers and new lighting in the vestibule. A church van was also purchased. A praise team and classes of Christian Doctrine were added. Elder John Hunter and Wife Eldress Eleanor Hunter were the teachers. In 2004 Dr. Bessent Resigned. Following His resignation Eldress Geraldine Atkins served as Interim Pastor. In 2005 Dr. Stanley Williams was elected pastor. During his time a new air-conditioning unit, ice machine, and sound system were installed. Dr. Williams resigned in 2008. Following his resignation the church was led by the deacons and Ministers. In 2009 our 10th and current pastor Bishop Joe N. Dixon Was elected. During this time Dr. Dixon brought Greater Mt. Zion bible institute and seminary to St. Luke. The Men's fellowship have added tile to the fellowship hall and corridor and the women's fellowship added new decorations to the fellowship hall. At This current time St. Luke Has 5 deacons, 12 mothers, 5 trustees, & 4 associate ministers (all found under the officers tab). Bishop Dixon has served as pastor for 11 years and under his leadership we are steadily progressing forward.
In 2000 St. Luke added new chandeliers and new lighting in the vestibule. A church van was also purchased. A praise team and classes of Christian Doctrine were added. Elder John Hunter and Wife Eldress Eleanor Hunter were the teachers. In 2004 Dr. Bessent Resigned. Following His resignation Eldress Geraldine Atkins served as Interim Pastor. In 2005 Dr. Stanley Williams was elected pastor. During his time a new air-conditioning unit, ice machine, and sound system were installed. Dr. Williams resigned in 2008. Following his resignation the church was led by the deacons and Ministers. In 2009 our 10th and current pastor Bishop Joe N. Dixon Was elected. During this time Dr. Dixon brought Greater Mt. Zion bible institute and seminary to St. Luke. The Men's fellowship have added tile to the fellowship hall and corridor and the women's fellowship added new decorations to the fellowship hall. At This current time St. Luke Has 5 deacons, 12 mothers, 5 trustees, & 4 associate ministers (all found under the officers tab). Bishop Dixon has served as pastor for 11 years and under his leadership we are steadily progressing forward.