MC TODAY
Maranatha Church, pastored by Pastor Mark and Dena Trice, is all about reaching people for Jesus Christ and equipping them to do the same. We are a dynamic, diverse, dysfunctional (as are all groups of sinners saved by grace) family, but we desperately seek to know God and strive to live according to His word. Reaching out to every age, every gender, every culture and every individual, MC is experiencing tremendous growth.
An interdenominational spirit-filled church, Maranatha Church serves the Gulf Coast area. We emphasize a positive message of power and hope and encourage each believer to live the successful life God has called him or her to. We love to worship because of the grace and favor Jesus has shown us through the work of the cross. We value joy, and you'll find a lot of laughter among us. We teach God’s Word simple, real and relevant to where you are in life, encouraging each believer to live it out daily. We value YOU, because you are a unique and special creation of God HIMSELF. |
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MC HISTORY
Maranatha Church was organized on December 31, 1973, by Ronnie and Sandy Trice in their home in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Services started with approximately thirty-five people. During the first month of existence, Lula Barber donated 1.6 acres of land to the church. Construction began immediately on the original auditorium facility. When the church opened for membership, one hundred people joined to become charter members.
In May 1977, construction began on a two-story education building, which now serves as the Youth building. Subsequent improvements to the property include: a 12,097 square foot Activities Building constructed in 1980; a 1,200 square foot Nursery and a 1,800 square foot Educational Building both constructed in 1981; a 1,100 square Maranatha Church foot Prayer Tower constructed in 1982; and a 4,000 square foot Administration Complex constructed in 1984. In 1985, a 44,000 square foot auditorium with seating for approximately 4,000 was constructed. All of this is located on 28.64 acres of land on Highway 146 in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Mont Belvieu has a population of approximately 2,400, with the surrounding area having an estimated population of 300,000. Mont Belvieu is located north of Baytown, Texas, where 80% of the membership reside.
Dr. Ronnie and Sandy Trice pastored Maranatha Church from its concepton. They did not work alone. It has taken the entire MC church family, working together and growing together, to accomplish what God has called them to do. No one individual can claim responsibility for the success of this church. It has been built on faith, hope and love. In December 2008, Dr. Ronnie Trice was ordained as a Bishop and surrendered pastoring MC to his son, Dr. Mark Trice. |
