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THE CHURCH OF GOD in Bay St. Louis
In 1884, because of dissatisfaction over creeds and rituals in the established churches, Reverend Richard G. Spurling, an ordained minister of a Baptist church in Tennessee, began to renew his study of the scriptures and church history.
A new church was formed in 1886 with eight members. It was called the Christian Union. However, the name was changed in 1902 to the Holiness Church, and again in 1907 to Church of God.
There are three Chruch of God colleges in the United States and many Bible schools abroad. They also sponsor a childrens' home as well as missions in 63 countries, a ministry to the Military, and radio and television programs.
The Church of God in Bay St. Louis is a mission work, with no record of the first pastor or when the church was started. The present minister, Reverend Charles H. Hand, has been pastor since January 1976. There are twelve members at this time.
At present, the Bay St. Louis Church of God is entering into a remodeling program, with plans for a new building and additions to the existing building for a much needed day care center. They also hope to begin a Christian by the fall of 1977.
As a community service, this church sponsors Tel-A-Thought. Dial 467-4385 for a daily spiritual thought for the day.
Members of the Church of God work to help overcome drug addiction as well as many other problems of society today.