Celestial Haven Baptist Church

Celestial Haven Baptist Church was organized February 7, 1988 by the late Dr. Joseph Levi Holmes in the home of Mother Dorothy Butler. The church register began with members of his family. He labored long and hard to answer God's Great Commission. As a God-ordained, God-fearing man, he was a great leader, teacher, preacher, motivator and visionary.

The church met in a building at 1130 E. Ninth Street until December 1989. At that time, Celestial Haven relocated to 7230 S. Hampton Road. Services began with Sunday School at 3:00 p.m. because the building was shared with its owners, The Reorganized Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ Church) and another congregation. In the spring of 1990, Celestial Haven became the sole occupying congregation.

On November 29, 1991, Dr. Holmes was called home to spend eternity with the Lord. Reverend Floyd Williams was installed as the second Pastor on March 8, 1992. After much prayer, he resigned on August 8, 1992 to pursue his education full time and better prepare himself to accept God's calling.

Reverend James Foster, Jr. was installed as the third pastor on February 28, 1993, and continues to serve. Under his leadership, Celestial Haven was incorporated in September 2003.

On August 15, 2007, an overnight fire damaged the church building and many of its contents. Hampton Road Baptist Church in Desoto reached out in Christian love and offered Celestial Haven's congregation a building to worship in while the damage was repaired. Services resumed at 7230 S. Hampton Road in April 2008. We thank God for allowing us twenty years of history, ministry and service in His name!