The Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Association was organized in 1872 by Rev. R.H. Harper, who was in the organization of Educational and Missionary Convention, together with Rev. W.H. Croom, Rev. J. C. Carroll and Rev. I.N. Patterson.
Much credit is also given to Rev. A.A. Smith, the secretary who did much to strengthen the cause of the Bear Creek Baptist Association. Rev. A.A. Smith served as moderator until his death. Rev. W.L. Hood and Dr. E.E. Smith also served as moderator for many years.
In 1960, there were 34 churches and nearly two thousand members in the Association. The church property was valued at $12,175.00.
Among the leaders were Rev. J.E. Bowden, Rev. U.G. Moye, Rev. B.F. Johnson, Rev. C.C. Crawford, Rev. J.S. Lyon, Rev. V.A. White, Rev. E.G. Williams, Rev. M. Mitchell, Rev. W.C. Cotton, Rev. A.B. Bryant, Rev. H.B. Joyner, and Rev. R.W. Underwood. The Brethren included C.J. Wall, H. Draughin, J.C. Coore, L.S. Swinson, Fred Isler, A.B. Jones, H.C. Sutton, C.L. Loftin, A.W. Bizzell, J.F. Evans, Major Bizzell, and many others.
Rev. J.E. Bowden served as moderator during the latter part of the 1950's. He was succeeded by the Rev. E.L. Daniels of Goldsboro, NC. Rev. Daniels served until his death April 4, 1981. Rev. W.C. Cotton of Rocky Mount served as Vice-Moderator with Daniels until his death.
Rev. Spencer Williams of Goldsboro was elected in 1981 to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Daniels as Moderator and Rev. W.C. Horton of Morehead City, NC was chosen as Vice Moderator. In October 1987, the Association elected Rev. W.C. Horton, Moderator; Rev. C.H. Brown, Rocky Mount, NC, 1st Vice Moderator; Rev. J.A. Mumford, Kinston, NC, 2nd Vice Moderator; Deacon Allen Coley, Recording Secretary; Sister Elnora Grantham, Financial Secretary; Sister Ida Canady, Assistant Financial Secretary; and Deacon James Coley, Treasurer. Dr. Isaac B. Horton was chosen as Parliamentarian.
The Association lost some great leaders in 1987 and 1988, which included Rev. R.B. Sykes, who served as Financial Secretary for many years and Rev. Charlie Locklear who served as President of the Western Union.
The Association purchased a little more than 19 acres of land under Moderator Williams.
Dr. W.J. Cox was elected Moderator following Rev. Horton. In his cabinet was Rev. Roosevelt Taylor, 1st Vice Moderator and Rev. Johnny C. Sherrod 2nd Vice Moderator. In this administration, the building mortgage was paid and the Bear Creek fellowship Hall was built.
Dr. Michael A. Johnson was elected Moderator in 2003. Serving with him was Pastor Harold Warren, 1st Vice Moderator; and Pastor Joe A. Jackson, 2nd Vice Moderator. Under this administration, a new sound system was installed and the parking lot was paved.
As the Association celebrates its 140th Anniversary, the Moderator is Pastor Harold Warren, 1st Vice Moderator Pastor Joe A. Jackson, and 2nd Vice Moderator Pastor Larry M. Johnson.