“Enlarge the place of thy tent…” – Isaiah 54:2
The Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church is a symbol of God’s faithfulness and missionary vision. Founded on 29th November 1959 in honor of Rev. Dr. William Author Stanton, who served as a missionary in the Kurnool fields from 1894 to 1934, the church has grown from humble beginnings into a flourishing congregation. Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson, along with Marjorie Gipson and Alice M. Findlay, established the church inspired by Isaiah 54:2 and with the support of the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church. With the encouragement of thirty dedicated believers, the church began its journey, trusting in the promise that “they go from strength to strength; every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:7).
In its earliest days, worship was held in a simple thatched hut built on donated land. The foundation ceremony, attended by missionaries, pastors, and believers from across the Kurnool field, marked the beginning of a vibrant fellowship. During this event, Rev. Dr. T.G. Gipson baptized eleven new believers as a sign of the church’s commitment to its mission. Late Mr. G. Rajaratnam, Late Mr. O. Jeremiah, and Late Mr. B.J. Immanuel served faithfully as the first office bearers, helping to lay a strong foundation for the church’s ministry.
Under the leadership of Late Rev. S.C. Samuel, who became the first pastor in April 1960, the congregation began to grow in both faith and number. His dedicated service, along with the tireless efforts of his wife, Late Mrs. S. Krupamma Samuel, and their family, helped establish the church as a strong pillar of the Christian community in Kurnool. In later years, under the ministry of Late Rev. Dr. S. Devasahayam, the church continued to flourish spiritually and structurally.
By 1978, the permanent church building was completed and consecrated in a special ceremony attended by several church leaders and dignitaries. From its original membership of thirty, the church expanded to over two thousand believers, serving as a beacon of faith for the region. Officially registered in 1988 under the Societies Act, the church stands today on 1 acre and 53 cents of land in Srinivas Nagar, beside the BSNL Office in Kurnool.
In 1990, the church introduced an English worship service in the presence of Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson and his wife, marking a new chapter in its ministry. Over the years, Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church has extended its outreach, establishing eleven satellite churches to share the Gospel in unreached towns and districts. Nineteen members have completed theological education and continue to serve the Lord in various ministries.
From a humble beginning in faith to a thriving community of believers, the Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church continues to glorify God through worship, discipleship, and service. Truly, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).