Submitted photoClarke-Venable Baptist Church Choir as they perform one of their cantatas during the year.

Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur was first called Enon upon organization on March 5, 1836. It was located seven miles east of Decatur. On January 12, 1850, the members voted to move its location to Decatur in what is now the Decatur Cemetery. Under the leadership of the pastor, N. L. Clarke, a Sunday School was reorganized in 1867. Reverend N. L. Clarke served the church as pastor continuously for 58 years.

Dr. R.A. Venable became the pastor in 1916 and through his leadership, the church was moved to its present location in 1927, a building still in use by students of CVBC. Dr. Venable completed his tenure in 1927 as well, and the church’s name was changed to Clarke-Venable Memorial Baptist Church.

Clarke-Venable Baptist Church current staff members are: Mark J. Vincent, pastor; Billy Williams, worship pastor; Shaun Selman, student pastor; Ronnie Richardson, discipleship pastor; and Jennifer Davis, director of preschool and children’s ministries; Jackie Etie, business administrator; Tammy Cutway, ministry assistant; and Richard Stamper, facilities director.

About the church:

Name: Clarke-Venable Baptist Church.

Pastor: Mark J. Vincent since June 1, 2004.

Denomination: Southern Baptist.

Founded: March 5, 1836.

Members: 961.

Address: 362 West Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327.

Contact Info: www.clarkevenable.com, 601-635-2828.

Service Times:

Sunday morning worship – 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Sunday Small Group Bible Study for all ages – 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship – 6 p.m.

Weekly Programs:

Wednesday – Prayer Focus – 6:30 p.m.

Students and Children’s Activities – 6:15 p.m. (Aug.-May).

Special upcoming events:

Sunday, August 6 – 3 p.m. KidZone Kick-Off – a church family outdoor event introducing fall/spring church activities.

Annual event special to your church:

Joy of Christmas, involving children-adult choirs in one presentation.