Our History
Since 1855
Second Baptist Church was organized in 1855, originally named the African Baptist Church. Reverend T.J. Showers pastored the original nine organizational members. He was succeeded by Elder Burket. Other pastors who were then termed “Elders” were Elder Fay, Boulder, Warren, Russell and Thomas Scott. During the absence of Elder Scott, the congregation worshiped with the African Methodist Episcopal Church congregation. A framed building was begun about two years after the church, which was then called a society, was organized. However, that structure was not completed for about three years later. Even though the building project began during the leadership of Elder Burket, Elder Showers was recalled to the church as Pastor, and was appointed the agent to collect and solicit funds to finish the building. At this time, the membership was about 35, with about 45 attending Sunday school.
By 1926, the church had grown to about 100 families and moved to a structure on Kalamazoo Avenue, Reverend J.H. Redmond was the pastor. The church had changed it name and was associated with The Chain Lake District. It was also during this time that there was a split in the membership. From this division, the sister church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, was organized. From 1926 to 1936, there were three pastors. They were Reverends William Holmes, Titus Ward, and Emory Barnes. In November 1936, Reverend Bernie Warfield, Sr. was called to lead this growing congregation. Under his leadership we received letters of incorporation, also in 1936. The Moonlight Sewing Guild became the Women’s Service Guild, which expanded to become part of the United Church of Women. In this membership, the group not only gave help to the local needy, but to the community and national programs.
The church participates in religious retreats, The Nation Baptist Convention. Members spent time at Camp Farthest Out. There were teachers and leaders from Second Baptist Church who attended the National Baptist Congress and Convention was able to give much assistance to the general church in following the church’s theme during this period. The church’s theme was “Self - Development”, with emphasis on drawing closer to God through positive thinking. Membership growth necessitated search for larger accommodations. With fund raising project and help from First Baptist Church and other community leaders, the congregation move to its current location of 609 North Rose Street, in 1960. Reverend Bernie Warfield, Jr. succeeded his father as pastor, followed by Reverend Eugene Troxler.
In 1970, the membership called Reverend Dr. M.W. Wright as pastor. The congregation continued to grow while under the leadership of Reverend Wright, several auxiliaries were added. There were three new usher boards, four choirs, missionary department and Christian Education Department which saw the Sunday School grow triple-fold. Second Baptist continued to be an integral part of the community and has supported the NAEA Scholarship Fund, Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Northside Little League and the Family Health Center. Second Baptist had provided aid to senior citizens with snow removal and grass cutting, with an annual day outing to Shipshewana, Indiana.
The church actively participated in financial assistance to Foreign Mission, Second Baptist at this time was affiliated with the New Era District Association, the Wolverine State Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. The church continued to grow with the first phase of the new structure complete in August of 1985 with first worship service on August 10, 1985. The seating capacity of 630, with adequate room to accommodate church school and other educational facilities.
On December 31, 2009, Rev. M.W. Wright retired as pastor of Second Baptist after serving faithfully for 39 years. In January of 2012, Strick Strickland of Louin, MS was installed as pastor and served until July of 2020. On March 26, 2023, Rev. Chevez D. Marshall of Saginaw, Michigan was voted in as Second Baptist's newest pastor and began his serving in this position on May 7, 2023
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Second Baptist Church continues to be a pillar of ministry in the Kalamazoo community through its continued service and its legacy will grow God's Kingdom for many generations to come.
