History

of

First Baptist Church, Cedar Grove

The history of First Baptist Church is a chronicle of struggle, sacrifice, humanitarian service, undying commitment, and unyielding faithfulness.

In 1888, a group led by Reverend Barney met and organized a new church named Little Hope Baptist Church.  The initial congregation included Brother Joe Jonas, Brother Dan Johnson, Sister Pheeba Jones, and Sister Marie Wright.  Little Hope Baptist Church grew with the community consisting of Sunday School, a Choir and various auxiliaries.  By the early 1920’s, the church became an integral part of the community with diverse and various church-centered activities.

A new church building was erected on one acre of land purchased from Sister Marie Wright’s heirs at a cost of $72.00 to conduct weekly services.  The property was recorded at the courthouse as The Little Hope Baptist Church. The church survived the strain of World War I and withstood physical barriers of the Great Depression while ministers encouraged members to share their food, clothing, and household goods. 

Numerous ministers have served as pastor of such an awesome establishment including Reverend Johnson, Reverend G. W. Brown, Reverend Low, Reverend Penn Short, Reverend Nattie Gains, Reverend G. Y. Young, Reverend E. R. Robinson, and Reverend Alfred Borton.  

On February 22, 1926, Reverend I. S. Embers was called as Pastor and served for 3 ½ years.  During his tenure, the church constructed a new sanctuary building on the corner of 70^th street and Line Avenue.  The church’s name was changed from Little Hope Baptist Church to First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove.  Following the resignation of Reverend Embers’, the church called one of its Associate Ministers, Reverend T. C. Bowie as Pastor.  Reverend Bowie rejected the pastoral position; however, he agreed to serve until a Pastor was called. 

On February 21, 1930, Reverend J. P. Powell was called as Pastor and served for 13 years.  Reverend Powell resigned and was eventually called as full time Pastor of Zion Baptist Church.  Reverend O. L. Dunn was call to Pastor at the resignation of Reverend Powell.  Reverend Dunn served as pastor for only a few months and accepted the call to Pastor Trinity Baptist Church  full-time.

On December 11, 1957, Reverend J. D. Jackson was called as Pastor.  Under his leadership, renovations were made to the sanctuary, an education building with classrooms and a dining facility with kitchen was added at a cost of $27,000.00 with state of the art equipment. Prior to resigning and relocating to New York, the $27,000.00 debt was reduced to a balance of $11,000.00.  Reverend T. C. Bowie agreed to conduct services until a Pastor was called encouraging the congregation to pray God send the next leader.

On March 7, 1958, Reverend Floyd Sheppard was called as Pastor.  After becoming Pastor, Reverend Sheppard changed the order of service which increased the attendance in Prayer Meeting, Worship Service, and membership participation.  During his pastorate, the church became debt free on September 6, 1960.  Once again the church was without a pastor because of the sudden death of Reverend Sheppard on January 14, 1961.  The Assistant Pastor, Reverend T. C. Bowie became leader again until Reverend Warren H. Brown was called as Pastor on August 6, 1964.

Under the leadership of Reverend Warren H. Brown, other activities were initiated such as ordination of ministers, new auxiliaries, annual events, children’s worship and deacons were added to the Board of Deacons, visitation of the sick, bus ministry, nursing home visitation. Annual Thanksgiving Dinner of the Needy, Outreach Programs, and other social concerns were added also. 

On February 16, 1967, the church purchased 4 ½ acres of land on the corner of Line Avenue and East 74^th Street for $55,000.00 and on July 9, 1967 the church purchased the First Assembly of God building at 6906 Henderson Avenue for $140,000.00.  During the transitional move from East 70^th Street location to Henderson Avenue location, services were held in the Eden Garden Junior High School Auditorium for two months.  On the first Sunday of December, 1974 the church held its worship service at our present locale of 6906 Henderson Avenue.  A Double-Note Burning Celebration was held on January 25, 1976, and two flags (the Christian Flag and the American Flag) were given to the church by Sister Mamie Palmer’s Family. 

After thirty-one years of service Reverend Warren Brown died, and Reverend Michael Anthony Brown was called as Pastor.  Reverend Brown was installed March 21, 1996 and served for 12 years until his death.  Under his leadership, the church membership continued to grow, renovations were made, Board of Deacons increased, Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, and Sunday School was restructured, a Women’s Auxiliary was organized, and a daycare facility opened (The First Step Child Development Center).  Pastor Brown serviced the congregation through December 2006.

The church united in prayer to God for the future pastor of our 119 year Christian family and on April 24, 2007, by majority vote, Dr. Henry L. Armington, Sr. was called to serve.  Dr. Armington preached his first sermon as the pastor on Mother’s Day 2007.  The church has been energized to rise, act, and sincerely accept the challenge of a Twenty Five Year Vision Plan.   Under his cognizance, an additional sixty ministries are added to accommodate future church growth and participation in Kingdom Building.  On, November 18, 2007, the First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove installed a man with skills and knowledge of administration, leadership, and management to enhance the membership and community continual “Rising Up, Bursting Out Without Restraints”.