ABOUT US

The St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church legally came into existence August 29, 1940. The St. Luke and Mosley Baptist Churches, listening to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, decided to effect a merger. On the third Sunday, September 15, 1940, the members of St. Luke Baptist Church, then located on Lucas Street, marched to Mosley Memorial Baptist Church located at 3619 Finney, and the merger became complete. Rev. J. L. House was accepted as Pastor of the merging congregations.

In 1975, Rev. J. L. House’s ill health caused him to resign his pastorate. In October of 1976, Rev. Jimmy L. Brown was called to pastor the St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. God has greatly blessed our church in the 49 years that Rev. Dr. J. L. Brown has served here. Called to pastor at 28 years old, Pastor Brown came in with new and energetic ideas for the church. During the 49 years of his pastorate, many programs have been initiated and accomplished:

Remodeling of main sanctuary
Replacement of windows in the church
Additional lighting to the main sanctuary
Complete air conditioning to the lower level
Handicapped lift system to main sanctuary
Mobile Ministry (1980)
Food Pantry Ministry (1982)
Scholarship program that not only has assisted over 200 students but has given the exposure to educational trips (Grand Canyon; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, P. A.; Memphis, T. N., etc.)
In October 1987, the Berean House Christian Care Center was established under the leadership of our Pastor, Rev. Brown. Because of a vision he had, and his faith in God his strong dedication and persistent determination, this facility came into existence. It provides food and shelter for the homeless of St. Louis and is sponsored by the Berean District Association (where Rev. Brown served as Moderator for 5 years).
Helped to develop Covenant/Blu Community development with St. Alphonsus “Rock” Catholic Church and Scruggs Memorial Methodist Church
Established SLM/Grand-Finney Community Development (501C3) Corporation
8 AM Officers and Leaders Prayer (1st Sunday)
New Members Orientation
Christian Life and Witness Class
Reorganized the Sunday School and Christian Education Department
Radio Broadcast
Construction of Current Facility ($1.8 Million)
SLM Youth Learning Center
Involvement in Faith Based Program: Girls Holla Back

along with many other activities and ministries. In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, with our in-person worship experience limited to no more 15 people, we began livestreaming our morning worship via social media on Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, Pastor Jimmy Brown began Morning Meditation, live on Facebook, daily Monday through Friday at 9am, as a bible study for all. In August 2020, with social distancing practices in place, we welcomed our members back into the sanctuary and continued online streaming of morning worship.

St. Luke Memorial has stood at 3619 Finney for more than 57 years as a beacon of light and a symbol of hope and faith in an eternal God. On Sunday, June 6, 1999, we were blessed to march into our new edifice located at 3623 Finney Avenue. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! The Food Pantry Ministry continues to feed the poor and homeless in our community from our original location.

Even now, more than 85 years later St. Luke Memorial continues to be a beacon of light and hope!

Revised: September 2025