In the year of 2005 of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Grace and Mercy Missionary Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Donald Watson, Bishop Milton McSwain, Rev Louise McSwain and Shervie Watson.
On April 3rd, 2005, Grace and Mercy Missionary Baptist Church was founded by 12 children of God: Rev. Donald Watson, Shervie Watson, Bishop McSwain, Rev. Louise McSwain, Gloria Scott, Curtis Graig, Andreesa Graig, Janice Young, Doreese Walker, Quinn Walker, Jackie Robson and James Perry.
The Lord blessed us with a three room area on the second floor of a fur and dress shop, located at 120 Washington Street in Middletown, CT. On May 15th, 2005 at 2:00 pm we went into one of the rooms, which was to be the sanctuary, and had prayer service. That afternoon the Lord led three people to join us and become members at this location. They were Karen Dorsey, Damarius Dorsey and Lashonda Heath. May 22nd, 2005 our first official service was held at 11 am. We had two people to join on that day, they were, Darlene and Tamara Ellis.
June 5th, 2005 was the day we’ve waited a long time for. At the morning service Grace and Mercy had its first Communion service. That afternoon at 4 pm was the Installation Service. Apostle Roberta Knotts, of The Christian Training and Healing Center in New Haven, CT, officiated over the service, which was held at Zion Baptist Church in Middletown. It was a great celebration in the Lord.
One of our first Outreach Ministries is the Christian and Recovery meetings, which is held at the church on Monday nights. This started on June 6th, 2005. Our other Outreach Ministry is when we go out into the community and hold service at the Women and Children’s Center once a month. This started in February of 2006.
First invitation sent out, was to Pastor Nelson and his congregation from St. John Church in New Haven, CT to come and fellowship with us was on September 18th, 2005. All those in attendance were truly blessed. As we continue to service the Lord, our numbers grew, and the Lord blessed us with larger accommodations. October 7th and 8th 2005 we moved down the hall in the same building. October 14th, Pastor Watson and the congregation of Grace and Mercy were invited to The Christian Training and Healing Center to fellowship. We had a blessed time in Jesus name.
On November 5th, 2005, we had our first baptism service in our own church with the help of a portable pool. Service was held at 5 pm. We had four candidates for baptism: Karen Dorsey, Damarius Dorsey, Jackie Robson and 85 years young, Mother Faye James. We held our first Revival Service November 14 – 18, 2005. Evangelist Lenwood Brooks, from North Carolina, was the revivalist. The first two nights were held at our church the remaining nights were held at New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Middletown, CT. There was a snow storm the night of our first New Year’s Eve service of 2005. With God’s grace we had a well attended service. We continued our fellowship with breakfast, which was served after service. New Year’s Day fell on a Sunday, service was at 12 pm.
June 2006
Our present officers are as follows:
Pastor Rev Donald Watson
Co-Pastor Rev Louise McSwain
Overseer Bishop Milton McSwain
Reverend Middiree Gibbs
Minister Damon Gibbs
Deacon Curtis Graig
Treasurer/Mother Gloria Scott
Secretary/First Lady Shervie Watson
Updated January, 2010
