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Stanton Compound, Kurnool, AP
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08518 220077
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smtbchurch661@gmail.com
- About Us
Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace
The Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church was founded on 29th November 1959 in honor of Rev. Dr. William Author Stanton, who served faithfully as a missionary in the Kurnool fields for forty years, from 1894 to 1934. The church was established by Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson, Marjorie Gipson, and Alice M. Findlay, inspired by the Scripture verse “Enlarge the place of thy tent…” (Isaiah 54:2) and with the cooperation of the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church.
What started as a handful of believers has grown into a vibrant congregation of over two thousand members. Through the decades, the church has been richly blessed with faithful pastors, leaders, and missionaries who have guided, nurtured, and expanded its ministries.
About Pastor
Rev. Dr. G. Karuna Sagar, Senior Pastor, is shepherding the congregation of Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church, Kurnool. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the church has grown into a congregation of over 3,000 members, with services conducted in two different languages. Rev. Dr. G. Karuna Sagar was born on 2nd December 1978 in Nellore District, India, and was brought up in a Christian family. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 17 and received God’s calling for ministry at the age of 21. By God’s grace, he was able to complete and pursue his theological education, and the Lord continues to use him mightily as a pastor, teacher, and missionary in His vineyard.
He pursued his Bachelor of Theology during 1999–2003 and a Bachelor of Divinity from Calvary Baptist Bible College, Mumbai, during 2003–2004. He completed his Master of Theology in Missiology from Hindustan Bible Institute and College, Chennai (ATTA University), during 2005–2007. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Calorx Teachers University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, during 2010–2012, and later obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad, during 2022–2024.
Rev. Dr. G. Karuna Sagar, Senior Pastor
Our Worship Services
English Worship Service
Sunday - 8:30 AM
Sunday School Service
Sunday - 8:30 AM
Telugu Worship Service
Sunday - 10:30 AM
Our Ministries
Church Ministries
Serving the spiritual needs of our congregation through regular worship, fellowship, and Biblical teaching, helping believers grow strong in faith and Christian living.
Youth Ministries
Guiding young believers through Christ-centered fellowship, discipleship, and mentoring, encouraging them to grow spiritually and build a strong foundation for life.
Women's Ministries
Supporting the women of our church through prayer, fellowship, and Bible study, equipping them to grow in faith and serve their families and communities with grace and compassion.
Our Pastors
Our Missionary’s
Dr. William Arthur Stanton
Dr. William Arthur Stanton (1867–1954) was an American Baptist missionary who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving the people of Kurnool, India. After graduating in theology from Colgate University and arriving in India in 1892 with his wife, Fanny Elizabeth, he worked tirelessly in education, evangelism, and community development. He helped establish churches, including the Kurnool Baptist Church—now the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church—and founded several schools, such as ABM High School (present-day Coles High School) and the ECM institutions. Known for baptizing 930 believers and strengthening Christian education across the region, Dr. Stanton’s legacy of faith and service continues to be honored through the Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church.
Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson
Rev. Dr. Tracy Greer Gipson (1917– ) was an American missionary who dedicated his life to ministry and education in South India. Arriving in 1947 with his wife, Marjorie, he served in village missions and later oversaw the boarding schools of Kurnool, where the number of believers grew from 8,600 to 14,500 under his leadership. He helped establish four churches, including the Stanton Memorial Telugu Baptist Church, and brought major reforms to Coles High School. After further theological studies, he became President of Andhra Christian Theological College in Secunderabad, continuing to teach and serve until 1981. Rev. Dr. Gipson and Marjorie remained devoted missionaries, returning to India as volunteers for many years.
The Lord’s Work at SMTB Church
Life is a Church that Loves
God and People.
Life is a church dedicated to loving God and serving people. We foster a welcoming community where faith and compassion drive everything we do, striving to make a positive impact both spiritually and socially. Join us in this journey.