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Our Story
From a small gathering on three acres to a legacy stretching from 1871 to today.
Denmark Missionary Baptist Church originated in Denmark, Tennessee on three acres of land acquired from Jeff French. A small group of men and women met in that selected place to sing, pray, and read the Bible. As they continued to meet, one of the oldest members, Jerry Merriweather, asked the group what their thoughts were regarding organizing a church.
The Founding Era — 1871
The church was organized in 1871 under the guidance of Rev. Dave Jeffers. Seven men, later to be called deacons, were appointed to oversee the construction of the building. Those original deacons were Booker Bond, Jack Johnson, Steven Theus, Aaron Fuller, Jerry Merriweather, Allen Norman, and Joe Newbern.
Rev. Perry Freeman was elected pastor and served for ten years. Succeeding him was Rev. Timothy, who served for sixteen years; during his tenure the church grew to one hundred and fifty members. He organized the Sunday School and instituted prayer meeting once a month. Following Rev. Ford’s pastorate, the church elected Rev. Aubry Walker, Rev. Bowels, and then Rev. W.H. Nelson, who served faithfully for eighteen years. The membership increased numerically before Rev. Nelson resigned in 1912.
In 1915, a new church was built under the leadership of Rev. J.T. Dodson. Many organizations and ministries were developed. Rev. Dodson resigned in 1927, after which Denmark was blessed with several strong spiritual leaders: Rev. A.L. McCargo, Rev. W.E. Ragsdale, Rev. N. Nabors, Rev. A.L. Theus, Rev. J.S. Burris, Rev. W.M. Monroe, Rev. J.H. Johnson, Rev. C.H. Smith, Rev. Sowell, Rev. C.H. House, Rev. H. Robertson, Rev. A. Edmondson, and Rev. A. Hardaway.
Growth Through the Decades
In 1964, Rev. S.P. Sanders became the pastor and was instrumental in the financial and membership growth of the church. During the 1960s, the congregation worshipped in a big white church situated about where we are now. After Rev. Sanders’ resignation, God once again smiled on the parishioners at Denmark Missionary Baptist Church and sent Rev. Homer Gatlin, Jr. Due to deteriorating conditions, a new church was gravely needed. On Sunday, June 7, 1970, the final worship service was held in that building. Denmark C.M.E. Church, our sister church, graciously invited us to share their house of worship.
On Sunday, July 4, 1971, Rev. Homer Gatlin, Jr. delivered the first message in the new church facility. Denmark Missionary Baptist Church has proven to be spiritually grounded and stable. After Rev. Gatlin’s resignation, the congregation was blessed by Rev. C.J. Johnson, Rev. Rayford Murphy, Rev. Richard McBride, Rev. Charlie Anderson, Rev. John McBride, and Rev. Felton Marcell.
In 1994, our first female was elected to the Trustee Ministry — Denise Bond, who also served as Trustee Chairperson for several years.
On June 28, 1995, Rev. Calvin Martin became pastor. Under his leadership, additions were made: an extension to the foyer area entrance with two bathrooms, two classrooms, and renovation to the pastor’s study. Denmark was blessed beyond measure — numerically, financially, and spiritually.
Associate Ministers Who Blessed Denmark
Throughout the years, the congregation was blessed by the ministry of many faithful associates: Rev. Dave Jeffers, Rev. Gile Snipes, Rev. John Snipes, Rev. Willis Johnson, Rev. John Theus, Rev. L.A. Theus, Rev. Melvin Murchison, Rev. Timothy Grimes, Rev. P.T. Northen, Rev. Boyd Snipes, Rev. J.T. Horton, Rev. Griff Grimes, Rev. James R. Grimes, Rev. Fiberus Grimes, Rev. J.H. Johnson, Rev. Abner Grimes, Rev. B.F. Bond, Rev. S.B. Grimes, Rev. L.E. Theus, Rev. Lofton Reid, Rev. George Bond, Rev. L.A. Theus Jr., Rev. Earnest Weddle, Rev. Kenneth Williams, Rev. Travis Brown, Rev. Willie Miller, Min. Mae Anna Miller, and Min. Joyce Wright.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Bufford — A New Century of Ministry
In January 2002, Denmark Missionary Baptist Church was blessed with a leader and teacher, Rev. Dr. Daniel Bufford, as pastor. Pastor Bufford focused on the church’s needs of moving forward to a clear and better future.
In March 2006, the church acquired 19.5 acres of land, paid in full. Later that year, the church purchased a 20-passenger bus, and a storage shed was built to accommodate the bus and other items. Several new ministries were established under Rev. Bufford’s leadership: the Hospitality Ministry, Bereavement Ministry, College Ministry, Mother Ministry, Scholarship Fund Ministry, Security Ministry, and others.
The following members became ministers under Pastor Bufford’s leadership: Min. Paul Fuller, Sr. and Rev. Ray Wainwright.
Faithful Members Who Served Under Pastor Bufford
Deacons (deceased): Roscoe Burton, Sylvester Hill, Harvey D. Weddle, John Taylor, Willie Bond, Hubert Bommer, and Terry Springfield.
Trustees (deceased): Sylvester Hill, Harold Samuels, Ivory D. Maholmes, Billy L. Montgomery.
Renovation, Resilience & Renewal
Because of continued growth and needs at Denmark, renovation of the church was in high demand. In January 2020, renovation began — during the height of the COVID crisis. Though all houses of worship were restricted from gathering, the church body still supported the renovation project by bringing their tithes, offerings, and building fund gifts.
On June 6, 2021, the congregation held its first worship service in the newly renovated church. New carpet was laid, new pews were installed, new pulpit furniture was added, bathrooms were updated, and the fellowship hall was enlarged to seat one hundred people.
In January 2025, the church received some amazing news: Denmark Missionary Baptist Church is debt free, having paid off the loan in 5 years. To God be the Glory!
In March 2025, Rev. Dr. Daniel Bufford announced to the congregation his retirement after 23 years of faithful service. On January 11, 2026, Rev. Antonio Reaves was installed as pastor. Rev. Reaves is a dynamic, Holy Ghost-filled pastor, singer, and Bible-based preacher.
Milestones of God’s Faithfulness
From a small gathering on three acres to a thriving, debt-free congregation — every milestone is a testament to God’s provision.
1871
Year Founded
19.5 Acres
Land Acquired — Paid in Full (2006)
2025
Declared Debt Free
2026
New Chapter Under Pastor Reaves
Those Who Serve Today
Rooted in the legacy of the original seven deacons, faithful men and women continue to lead and serve Denmark Missionary Baptist Church with dedication and purpose.
Deacon Ministry
- Aaron Ellison — Chairman
- Earnest Standifer — Co-Chairman
- Dascal Merriweather
- Hersie Tyson
Trustee Ministry
- Dennis Nelson — Chairman
- Callie Nelson — Co-Chairperson
- Jason Ellison
- Dascal Merriweather
- Gwennette Ellison
- Marco Standifer
- Odell Weddle
- Melvin Ellison
- Bruce Holloman
- Kwame Tidwell
- Reginald Merriweather
- Lonell Bond — Advisor
In 1994, Denise Bond became the first female elected to the Trustee Ministry, also serving as Trustee Chairperson for several years.
You Are Welcome Here
Join Our Church Family
Denmark Missionary Baptist Church has proven to be spiritually grounded and stable. Under the leadership of Pastor Antonio Reaves, we continue walking forward in faith — and we’d love for you to walk with us.