On Friday, December 1, the St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church held a street dedication ceremony to honor Reverend Willie L. Finney, Sr. and the late Reverend Peter R. Binns. You can watch the full ceremony here.
“My dad is a giant of a man when it comes to his heart, his character, as a father, pastor, and a friend. He has been a great example in so many ways,” said Pastor Willie L. Finney, Jr. “He’s always been supportive of helping this community. Ever since I could remember; I’ve always said I wanted to be just like my dad.”
Earlier this month, Commissioners approved dedicating a portion of Fort Hill Street running from Shurling Drive to Morrow Avenue. The sign’s name will be Pastors P. R. Binns – Finney Sr. Way. Pastor Binns founded the church in 1952.
“It was an honor to serve behind PR Binns and follow in his footsteps,” said Pastor Finney, Sr. “It means a lot to me to get this honor as it’s been a long time coming. A little boy coming from Haddock, I never had an idea that I’d be a pastor and be here today.”
About Reverend Peter R. Binns
On July 28, 1952, Rev. Peter R. Binns’ vision of filling a need for a church in this vicinity was realized, for no church was in this neighborhood. Under Rev. Binns leadership, the St. Peter Baptist Church was founded. The church was organized with four members: Sister Mary L. Binns, Sister Lena Washington, Brother Brooks Bell, and Sister Evancia Bell, who wanted to work for God. Every Wednesday night, a prayer meeting was held, rain or shine, at the little wooden hall which was located on Coleman Lane.
It began to get crowded and through prayer and hard work, they sought a larger facility. All made pledges. In just eleven months, they purchased the lot, and the church building was built and paid for. The congregation marched in June 1953. The facility was upgraded to include sanitary restrooms, drinking water, pews, carpet, and a piano. Rev. Binns served faithfully until God called him home in 1972. There were eight active deacons under his leadership: James Brewer, Turner Green, Will Byrd, Robert Williams, Brooks Bell, E. W. Baker, A. B. Thorpe, and Allen Washington.
About Reverend Willie L. Finney, Sr.
Willie Lee Finney, Sr. was born on September 26, 1951, in Haddock, Georgia, to the parents of Leonard Mason and Mary Finney-Washington, and he has four siblings. He was educated in the Bibb County Public School System. Upon graduating he entered the United States Army and served until 1972. On June 24, 1973, he married Ms. Vickie Holmes, and the Lord blessed them with four children. In 1974, he was hired by the Macon Fire Department. He later became a minister in 1987 and was ordained by the late Pastor Joe L. Hill of Mount Salem Baptist Church in Gray, Georgia. In January 1990, he was called to pastor the St. Peter Baptist Church at 1361 Fort Hill Street. He then decided to retire after 25 years and one day as a Lieutenant.
Dedicated to God and stepping out on faith, he has organized his work in a prayerful manner. Always putting God first, there have been many accomplishments at St. Peter under his leadership. A new edifice was built for a growing church in 2001. Worship Service every Sunday, five Sunday school classes, Street, Hospital, Jail, Nursing Home, Broadcast, and Soup Kitchen Ministry, weekly bible study, and many others. He has licensed 8 sons in the ministry and one evangelist. In August 2018 a children’s church was established under the leadership of Minister Anthony Bryant and Minister Dexter Brewer.
On April 29, 2007, Pastor Finney graduated from Crossroad Bible Institute of Biblical Studies in Macon, Georgia. On January 18, 2008, Pastor Finney was invited to serve as chaplain of the House of Representative to provide remarks of spiritual wisdom and insight. Pastor Finney has many other accomplishments, but his most important accomplishment is that he is a Born-again Christian. His motto is “To be a Good Christian Leader, one should always put God first and lead by example.”