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FROM THE BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF PRIMITIVE OR OLD SCHOOL BAPTIST MINISTERS BY DAVID MONTGOMERY AND MARK GREEN:
ELDER MARK GREEN
I was born August 6, 1953 to Logan and Roberta Green. At least four generations of my family before me have been identified with the Primitive Baptists, a heritage for which I am most thankful. I grew up under the influence of the church, as my family attended regularly. For several years I was blessed to sit under the strong teaching of Elder B. Isaacs, who served churches in the area until he was well into his 90's.
Until the age of about twelve I had little concern for the things of God. Religion was mainly a hindrance to my youthful inclinations toward recreationand foolishness. At about that age, however, I began to have thoughts concerning my interest in God's eternal covenant, and began to talk with some of the ministers about that subject, several of whom exhorted me to do my duty and follow the Lord in baptism. Finally I presented myself for membership in Reveille Church near Magazine, Arkansas, at the close of their Saturday afternoon services the fourth weekend in June 1968. I remember distinctly that my heart was beating as heavily as if I had been running a race. When I reached the front of the church and turned around, there was my brother, Robert, right behind me. Our cousin, Wayne Green, came forward that night,and the three of us were baptized in Reveille Creek by Elder Garvin Green the next day.
After a few years, I would take part in a small way in public worship by offering prayer, reading scripture and perhaps making a few comments. During the mid-1970's, I moved my membership to Russellville Church, which later merged with Point Remove Church, the oldest body in the state. The pastor, Elder H. D. Fulmer, began to insist that I take part on a regular basis. After I had done this for a while, I began to have a desire to express myself more forcefully than I had thus far felt that I should, for I did not know if I was called to preach and did not want to be presumptuous in my manner. Finally, after struggling with it a while, I determined to go ahead and say it like I felt it, and let the results be what they might. I experienced some relief in my feelings when I began to do that.
In 1973 I was married to Pamela Sue Adams, who has been a faithful companion for over 26 years now. She has shared my sorrows and joys, not the least of which is being blessed to live to see our first grandson.
I was ordained April 29, 1978; was called to the service of Paris Church in early 1980; and have served that body as pastor since that time. The church has since moved to Caulksville, Arkansas, and changed its name to Six Mile Creek Church. In December 1999 I was also called to pastor New Hope Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, succeeding Elder M. R. Altom, who had served them for many years.
In late 1998 I assumed the editorship of The Christian Pathwayat the request of Elder T. L. Webb, Jr., who had edited that paper for several years. I was also an Associate Editor of the Advocate and Messenger for three years. Both papers have had a fine history of usefulness to the Primitive Baptists, and I have counted it a privilege to serve God's people through them. I heartily confess that I live and breathe only by the mercy of a kind and just God. My greatest desire is to serve Him among the people known as Old Baptists the rest of my days here. I have no desire to be anything but a plain Primitive Baptist. |
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