Where Lives Are Renewed
Through Jesus Christ

Mrs. Hazel Thomas had a vision to build a church. After informing Rev. Solcooper of her vision, she asked him, "How can a cripple woman build a church?" He responded, "Go in the name of the Lord."

Mrs. Thomas shared her vision with Sis. Maggie Davis. Together, the ladies met with Pastor H.I. Jenkins of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and Rev. T.H. Jones. Both ministers suggested the ladies host a community prayer meeting. Dedicated community members began attending weekly prayer meetings and selling dinners in the hopes of purchasing property to build a church.

Community members raised $1,000 toward the purchase of property located at 3848 St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL. The church was built and named St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church. On October 19, 1953 at 3:00 pm, the church was dedicated to God, with Rev. Jenkins as guest speaker. Following the death of Mrs. Thomas, Rev. Jones facilitated weekly prayer meetings on Tuesday nights, and Sis. Maggie Davis called a business meeting to discuss the need for a pastor.

Rev. L.J. Coleman was called to pastor the church from December 1956 until March 1959.

Rev. N.J. Green served as pastor from March through September 1959. Rev. James Bryant pastored the church from 1959–1972, when the Lord called him home. Under his leadership, 14 men were ordained as deacons and many souls were saved.

Rev. J.C. Burney was called to pastor after the death of Pastor Bryant, serving from 1972–1991. Among his noteworthy accomplishments was the erection of the annex and hall, constructed by Deacon Willie Brown and sons.

Rev. L.C. Brown was installed as pastor in November 1991. St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church was renovated in January 1994 and rededicated on January 22, 1995. During the renovation project, Deacon Willie Watson served as Chairman, Deacon Harold Manning Sr. as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Sis. Marcia Jefferson as Clerk, and Sis. Rutricia O'Berry as Financial Secretary.

In January 2000, the Lord spoke to Pastor Brown and instructed him to change the name of the church to Renewed Life Ministries. At this time, Dr. Barbara Brown began serving alongside her husband as co-pastor. By the power and anointing of God, many souls have been saved and lives renewed in Christ.

Pastor & Dr. Brown preach the unadulterated Word of God. Through their sermons, members are taught that the way to Heaven is straight and narrow, and parishioners are challenged to represent Jesus to the lost. "The only Bible that some people will ever read is the life you live" — L.C. Brown. Dr. Brown reiterates that Jesus came down forty-two generations to die on the cross for our sins, granting an opportunity for eternal life. Pastor & Dr. Brown have ministered internationally, traveling to Haiti and Guatemala to win souls for Christ.

Weekly ministries include Sunday worship services, Prayer meeting and Bible study, Noon day prayer, Thursday 5:30 PM broadcast on WCGL 1360AM/94.7 FM, Friday Night Deliverance Service, and Saturday Outreach.

Accomplishments and services include the establishment of Renewed Life Restoration Corporation, Pokey's Angelic Christian Children's Academy, annual Women's and Youth Conferences, Men in Christ Ministry, the annual Book Bag giveaway, the Love Food/Clothes Pantry, and ongoing evangelistic efforts in church and via Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.