On a quiet block just south of Broward County’s oldest city, a brick sanctuary has stood at 145 NW 5th Avenue in Dania Beach for almost seventy years. Inside, the congregation of St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church carries a story that goes back much further: to 1908, when a man named Brother Charlie Chambers and a handful of faithful neighbors gathered to organize what is still recognized as the first Black church in Dania. Today the church is known across South Florida simply as St. Ruth, a Missionary Baptist community with deep local roots, an ambitious ministry network, and a continuing commitment to what its leaders call “A Church Beyond Sunday.”
“A Church Beyond Sunday”
St. Ruth’s mission is to live out the agenda of Jesus Christ while transforming individuals and communities for His glory. That mission is shaped around five verbs: Disciple the Lost, Deliver Love, and Develop Kingdom Leaders. The vision shows up not only in Sunday worship but in cancer support groups, a youth ministry named for a beloved member, a feeding program that began on Wednesday nights, and the steady presence of the church at the heart of Dania Beach for more than a century.
Faith on Fifth Avenue: A Century of Service
St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1908 by the late Brother Charlie Chambers and a few other faithful souls in Modello, Florida, the settlement that later became Dania Beach. The church was named in honor of Brother Chambers’ daughter, Ruth. The first worship services were held in a small house on Northwest 4th Avenue, and the first sanctuary was built nearby using lumber recovered from the shoreline, in what is now Dania Beach. In the early 1900s, the church also housed the first Colored Public School in Modello, which opened with nine students. Sister Mary Chambers, Brother Charlie’s wife, was appointed the church’s first “Church Mother.”
The first sanctuary was destroyed by the great Hurricane of 1926, the “26th Storm,” which left only the floor. Members continued to worship on the platform until they could rebuild. In 1920, the sanctuary had been moved from 4th Avenue to its present home on 5th Avenue, the site where the church still stands.
Reverend W. C. Edcar became pastor in 1948 and led the congregation for forty-four years. Under his leadership, members marched into a new and larger edifice on August 18, 1957, dedicating it to God. The building in use today is that sanctuary. Reverend Edcar retired on August 5, 1992. After brief interim leadership and a term by Reverend Randall Wayne Barr, the church called Reverend Timothy T. Shellman, Sr., as its tenth pastor in 2003. On February 5, 2009, Bishop Victor T. Curry became the eleventh pastor and was officially installed in early April, launching a period of growth that included Vision Day, conferences and workshops, a Wednesday community feeding program, and building renovations.
After Bishop Curry’s resignation in January 2015, Reverend J. C. Howard was called as twelfth pastor in February 2016, preaching his first sermon, “A Season of Discovery,” on March 6 of that year. Bishop G. Emerson Scott followed in August 2019, preaching “The Grace to Begin Again,” and served until September 2022. The church family marked 115 years of God’s faithfulness in August 2023, and the St. Ruth sanctuary is listed in the state’s historical registry.
Today’s Shepherds: Pastor and Lady Manuel
St. Ruth is currently pastored by Pastor Anthony R. Manuel, a South Florida native who was born on November 1, 1986, in Hollywood, Florida. He was licensed to preach at seventeen under Pastor Wilfred Jolly at Joy of the Lord Ministries in West Park, ordained in 2010 under Bishop Windsor D. Ferguson Jr. at Kingdom of God Ministries International in Coral Springs, and graduated from the Henry B. Fernandez Institute for Biblical Studies through the School of the Prophets in 2016. He founded Life Changing Empowerment Temple in 2016 and served there until the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastor Manuel is also the owner of Anthony R. Manuel Funeral Home in Hollywood and Anthony R. Manuel Funeral Central in Oakland Park.
He is joined by his wife, Lady Melissa Danielle Manuel, a Fort Lauderdale native and daughter of Apostle Windsor Ferguson Jr. and Prophetess Camille Ferguson. Lady Melissa is a mother of five, an entrepreneur, and an active ministry leader at St. Ruth. She chairs the church’s Administrative Team and directs the Rosie Mildred Bryant Youth Ministry.
What We Believe
St. Ruth teaches a classic evangelical statement of faith rooted in scripture and centered on the Triune God.
- The Bible. The Bible is God’s Word, true without any mixture of error, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
- God. There is one living and true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, worthy of all possible honor, worship, and praise.
- Jesus Christ. Members believe in the full humanity and deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, death on the cross for our sins, bodily resurrection and ascension, present ministry of intercession, and personal and visible return in power and glory.
- The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a divine person Who regenerates the unbeliever, indwells the believer, transforms them into the likeness of Christ, and keeps them by the power of God until the day of Jesus Christ.
- Humanity. Men and women were created in the image of God for fellowship with Him. All people since then are under the just condemnation of a holy God.
- Salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, Who is the only and all-sufficient Savior and the only Mediator between God and humanity.
The congregation’s heartbeat verse is “There is one Body, and one Spirit… One Lord, One faith, and One baptism; One God, and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The growth verse is from 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
Sunday Mornings at 10
Sunday School begins at 8:30 AM, and Morning Worship follows at 10:00 AM. First-time guests are greeted at the door by members of the Hospitality Ministry and acknowledged during the service. A Connection Card is provided so the church can follow up and get to know visitors better. Services are livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram, allowing members who are traveling, ill, or away to worship with the congregation in real time. A replay archive of recent services is available through the Media page.
St. Infant Baptists are asked to dress modestly and comfortably; visitors are welcomed as they are. Baby dedications are scheduled on the second Sunday of each month, with a request form available in advance.
Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study
The middle of the week is a second rhythm at St. Ruth. A Noon Day Bible Study meets at 12:00 PM for those who want a midday pause for scripture. In the evening, Intercessory Prayer gathers at 6:45 PM, followed by Bible Study at 7:00 PM. Together these services give members a chance to dig into the Word in a more conversational setting.
Music & Arts: The Unity Mass Choir
Music is central to life at St. Ruth. The Music & Arts Ministry exists to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song, dance, and the arts, to encourage believers in their walk with Christ, to lead the congregation in worship, and to provide an avenue for individuals to share their gifts. The Unity Mass Choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:00 PM. A Dance Ministry complements the Music & Arts ministry with liturgical movement, and youth contribute their own gifts through the Rosie Mildred Bryant Youth Ministry.
A Network of Ministries
St. Ruth organizes more than fifteen ministries, each with a clear purpose and a named leader.
- Christian Education builds a firmer commitment to the teachings of Christ through Sunday School and ongoing study. Directed by Deacon Todd Allen and Elder Byron Moore.
- Deacons Ministry serves as a council of advice and conference with the pastor. Larry Black and James Williams, Sr. serve as chairs.
- Deaconess Ministry assists the pastor and deacons, prepares Holy Communion and baptism candidates, and reaches out to those in need. Led by Deaconess Sulie Spencer.
- Trustee Ministry oversees the upkeep of the church’s property and business affairs. Chaired by Bernice Ned and Gloria Grace.
- Evangelism Ministry organizes, plans, and implements outreach to share the gospel in Dania Beach and beyond.
- Stewardship Ministry challenges the congregation to be faithful stewards of time, talent, and treasure, meeting on Mondays before the third Sunday at 6:00 PM.
- Ushers Ministry welcomes and assists worshipers in a manner pleasing to God, led by Denise Jackson, Sandra Gass, and Senior Advisor Sister Ruth White.
- Pastor’s Support Ministry assists the pastor through finances, encouragement, and prayer. Chaired by Sister Angeline Flowers.
- Hospitality Ministry ensures every person who walks through the doors feels a part of the St. Ruth family. Led by Juliette Taylor.
- First Responders Ministry provides spiritual support and connection for emergency personnel. Chaired by Ava Jackson and Lisa Wilmot.
- Single & Saved Ministry offers fellowship and growth for single adults. Chaired by Minister Katina Butler.
- Marriage Ministry supports couples in building godly marriages. Led by Reverend Haywood Parrish and Deaconess Kim Parrish.
- Men & Women’s Ministries assist men and women to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose through outreach and fellowship, working in conjunction with Evangelism. Deacon James Dunn chairs the men’s side; Evangelist Valeria Tyler chairs the women’s side.
Cancer Support and Community Care
The JWS Cancer Support Ministry provides a safe place for people affected by cancer to come together for friendship, information, and coping skills, while also working to inform the congregation and community about prevention and awareness. It is chaired by Deaconess Bernice Ned with Tabatha Black as co-chair. The We Care Ministry extends personal care through birthday cards, thinking-of-you notes, gift cards, and care packages for sick, shut-in, and college-bound members, meeting on Mondays before the first and third Sundays.
St. Ruth also opens its doors to broader community health initiatives, partnering with area providers to bring mammography screenings and breast health resources directly to the neighborhood.
Family Life and the Next Generation
The Rosie Mildred Bryant Youth Ministry assists young people in reaching their full potential in a relationship with God, their family, and church. The focus is on spiritual growth and the gospel of Jesus Christ through discipleship. Lady Melissa Manuel leads this ministry. Beyond Sunday morning, the church’s Hospitality, Music & Arts, and Ushers ministries each create room for young members to serve.
Parents can request baby dedications for the second Sunday of any month through a simple online form. The church welcomes growing families and treats each dedication as a covenant moment for the whole congregation.
Giving and Getting Connected
Members and friends can support the work of St. Ruth in three ways:
- Mail or drop off. Contributions may be mailed to PO Box 698, Dania Beach, FL 33004, or dropped off with a church leader.
- Zelle. Gifts can be sent securely to strmbcfinance@gmail.com.
- Givelify. The Givelify app accepts gifts by searching for “St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church.”
Anyone who would like to grow deeper can fill out a Come Grow With Us form to take next steps, including accepting Christ, becoming a member, getting baptized, or re-dedicating their walk with the Lord. Prayer requests may be submitted at any time. The church is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), and services are livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram each Sunday.
Plan a Visit
St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church sits at 145 NW 5th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004, with offices reachable at (954) 922-2529 and (954) 922-2547. Sunday School begins at 8:30 AM, Morning Worship at 10:00 AM, and the Wednesday rhythm of prayer and Bible study fills the middle of the week. Whether someone comes for the history, the choir, the cancer support group, or simply to hear the gospel preached, they will find a community that has been doing the work of ministry on the same corner of Dania Beach for more than a century, and that truly believes the best is yet to come.