CHURCH HISTORY

OUR BEGININGS: New Prospect A.M.E. Church (1942–2000)

Divine Purpose Church traces its roots to what was formerly New Prospect A.M.E. Church. The original church was built in 1942 after Mr. Newman Grimes donated 1.6 acres of land to the congregation. Many of the early members came from Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church in the Hickory Withe area of Fayette County, Tennessee.

The first building was described as “old and barely standing,” supported by telephone poles. Recognizing the need for a safer place of worship, members donated land from within the congregation, and a new building was erected in June 1946.

For decades, the church operated under the A.M.E. structure, receiving pastor after pastor as assigned by the denomination. Over time, younger believers grew weary of constant pastoral changes and increasing financial obligations. By 1999, a group of bold officers began discussing a future where the church could grow under stable leadership and pursue spiritual development without denominational control.

Their desire for independence led to a difficult struggle. Membership split, leaving only 12 committed individuals to fight for change. They faced threats of being locked out, told they could not leave the denomination, and warned they would lose the building they had built and paid for. Yet they continued to trust God.

A NEW CHAPTER: The Arrival of Elder Ron Alexander (2000)

In July 2000, a deacon contacted Elder Ron Alexander, asking him to preach on Sundays as the church navigated its transition. Elder Alexander had previously served as their Youth Day speaker and was familiar to the congregation.

Upon learning of their struggle, Elder Alexander sought counsel from his pastor, Dr. Herman Powell of Early Grove Baptist Church in Memphis. Dr. Powell, connected to key A.M.E. leadership, helped bring resolution to the conflict.

In September 2000, after much prayer and by the favor of God, the A.M.E. governing council granted the church permission to become independent and agreed to sell them the building they had worshiped in for years.

The congregation then asked Elder Alexander to become their pastor. On October 8, 2000, Dr. Powell, Pastor Ydell Ishmon, and Rev. Charles Mabin held an Installation and Organizational Service, officially reorganizing the church and installing Pastor Ron Alexander.

BECOMING DIVINE PURPOSE (2003–2007)

The church operated as New Prospect Baptist Church until December 7, 2003, when Pastor Alexander announced a new identity:

“We are no longer Prospects (possibilities) but are called of God to fulfill His Divine Purpose.”

The congregation embraced the name Divine Purpose Baptist Church.

In 2006, Pastor Alexander was consecrated to the Office of Bishop, and the Episcopal order of church government was adopted. As the church continued to grow, Bishop Alexander discerned that God was transitioning the ministry beyond traditional Baptist structures. In 2007, the church dropped “Baptist” from its name, becoming Divine Purpose Church.

On September 22, 2007, Bishop Ron Alexander was installed as Founder and Presiding Prelate of Divine Ministries International Fellowship (D‑MIF). Divine Purpose Church became the mother church to several ministries and churches connected through the fellowship.

A NEW EDIFICE: Building for the Future (2020–2023)

Over the years, Divine Purpose Church underwent multiple renovations. In 2020, God blessed the church to secure funding for a new facility. Construction began in 2021 and was completed in August 2023.

After a month of prayer and preparation, the congregation marched into the new edifice on October 1, 2023 — a historic moment marking God’s faithfulness and the church’s continued growth.

OUR STORY CONTINUES