Church History

The Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church was founded on 29th November 1959 in honor of Rev. Dr. William Author Stanton, who served faithfully as a missionary in the Kurnool fields for forty years, from 1894 to 1934. The church was established by Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson, Marjorie Gipson, and Alice M. Findlay, inspired by the Scripture verse “Enlarge the place of thy tent…” (Isaiah 54:2) and with the cooperation of the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church. What began as a small fellowship of thirty believers meeting in a simple hut has grown into a vibrant congregation of more than two thousand members. Over the years, the church has been blessed with dedicated pastors, leaders, and missionaries who strengthened its ministry, expanded its outreach, and established several satellite churches. Remaining steadfast in faith, the Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church continues to move “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7), carrying the Gospel to unreached communities across the region.

“Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” — Isaiah 54:2, KJV

1959

Church established on 29-11-1959 in honour of Rev. Dr. William Author Stanton (missionary in Kurnool 16-11-1894 – 13-03-1934). Founded by Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson, Marjorie Gipson, Alice M. Findlay; 30 members; foundation ceremony held with Kurnool Field pastors; 11 baptized by Dr. T. G. Gipson.

1960

On 16-04-1960, Rev. Dr. T.G. Gipson advised appointment of Late Rev. S. C. Samuel as pastor; first office-bearers: G. Rajaratnam (President), O. Jeremiah (Secretary), B. J. Immanuel (Treasurer).

1978

Church completed and consecrated in Nov 1978; present were Rev. B. Victor Emmanuel (STBC Gen. Secy.) and Rev. R. Samuel Sadu; organizers: O. Jeremiah, G. M. Vidyasagar, A. Peter; special mention of Rev. S. C. Samuel & wife S. Krupamma Samuel.

1983

25-09-1983:Rev. Dr. S. Devasahayam appointed pastor.

1988

Registration under Societies Act No. XXI of 1860, Reg. No. 167/88 dated 08-08-1988, located Sy. No. 123, Srinivas Nagar, Kurnool, area 1 acre 53 cents.

1990

English service started at 7:45 AM in presence of Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson couple.

Present day

Membership growth from 30 → 3000, 11 satellite churches, 19 members with theological education; scriptural inspiration from Isaiah 54:2 and Psalms 84:7.

THE GREATEST COMMISSION

We believe the true mission of the church is found in the great commission; first to preach the gospel; second to make disciples; third, to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and fourth, to teach and instruct as he commanded. We believe that the great commission to proclaim the gospel to the whole world is clear and unmistakable and. this commission is given to the churches as it is written in Matthew 28:19,20 “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

THE GRACE OF GIVING

We believe that God’s method of financing His earthly work of spreading the Gospel to all nations, the care of the churches and the support of the ministry is by the tithes and the offerings of His people. That it is to be given to the Lord through His Church to be distributed as directed by the leadership of the Spirit as the need arises. The tithes to be brought is on the lord’s day, the first day of the week; that everyone is accountable to the Lord for one-tenth of their income and that tithing was instituted long before the Law was ever given and was practised by the early church.