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27 volunteers showed up on Saturday April 17 to tackle clean up and beautification at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on West First Street in Deming.
Volunteers arrived at 8:30am from El Paso, Las Cruces, Deming and Columbus. Pastor Reggie Price hosted groups and individuals from the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Luna County and youth community services.
“I’m impressed by the number of kids out here,” said County Commissioner Barbara Reedy. “They are such hard workers, kind and courteous. Everyone here is working hard. It’s a great community project.”
Teams caulked and painted interior and exterior walls, floors, doors and dragged pews out into the sunshine for a fresh coat of paint. They swept, washed and scrubbed. While volunteers labored at the front of the property, church members grilled up a thank you lunch towards the back.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is a small church with a big history. Founded in 1947, the church building goes back to WWI when it was part of Camp Cody. It then became part of the Deming Airfield in WWII. The church was established post-WWII during segregation as a separate church for black worshippers.
Back in the 60s, the church suffered significant fire damage. The current building consists of the rebuilt front section and original back section.
Pastor Price, originally from New York, has been with the church for 8 years after retiring from the Air Force. His last assignment was with Operation Jump Start as part of the border mission, which brought him to the southwest. “On behalf of the church, I’d like to say thank you to all who cam from far and near to help us revitalize our church. You are welcome any time at Antioch. God bless.”
Services are held Sundays at 10:30 and welcome all in the community. For more information check out their Facebook page.
