Second Baptist Church
“Vintage Fellowship Hall”
130 years ago the Second Baptist Church took definite form as a church, and has had a continual and successful existence ever since. The church has passed through every crisis common to churches and, like all God founded organizations has grown through tribulations. The Second Baptist Church was organized in the fall of 1891. The church was held in the home of the Rev. Charles Wallace, who lived on Railroad Avenue, now known as Lincoln Blvd. Rev. J. M. Norton, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Indianapolis, Indiana, and his ordained Deacon, Mr. Anderson, along with fourteen members were in the organization.
On April 16, 1963, Rev, Johnnie D. Williams became our next pastor. By order of the church, property was purchased located at 26th and Torrence Streets on June 23, 1964. In a meeting on May 24, 1966, the church voted to buy two and one-half acres, which adjoins the new church property at 26th and Torrence Street, for the purpose of building a new parsonage and future investments. Pastor Williams contributed all that he could during his time as a leader until he was called home to be with the lord in the year of 2015. Greater Second was blessed in 2016 with Reverend Robert H. Jones who awakened the ministries within the church. He pushed for the Men’s and Women’s Ministries to become active again until his illness took him home to the lord also. We thank God for sending these men to us in these times of need.
GSBC went an entire year without a Pastor. During this time the church kept moving forward in praise and worship until the next man was to come by God. In early 2019, we were blessed with the presence and teachings of Benny L. Powell Sr. Transitioning from Fort Wayne, IN, he came in with an urge to keep God’s house moving. During his present pastorship, we have replenished the church pews in his sanctuary. We look forward to many blessings with him leading us, following Christ.
A pastor is charged by God to preach the Holy Scriptures, to teach sound doctrine, and to minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation. His primary concern is that people accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He must sacrifice all his personal desires and act solely upon the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so that God will be glorified in all things. Here at Greater Second Baptist we have had a record of 19 pastors to serve in His seat. (See Below)
- Reverend M.C. Elzy 1891-1892
- Reverend A.J. Cromwell 1892-1895
- Reverend Isaac N. Kimbrough 1896-1899
- Reverend J.W. Carr 1900
- Reverend Y.C. Terrell 1900-1908
- Reverend Reed 1908
- Reverend W.Z. Thomas 1901-1914
- Reverend J.H Thompson 1915-1916
- Reverend G.A. Martin 1916-1917
- Reverend Francis M. Story 1918-1919
- Reverend William M. Oglesby 1919-1931
- Reverend Melvin J. Battle 1932-1937
- Reverend Bernard L. White 1938-1944
- Reverend Lewis W. Mundy 1945-1950
- Reverend James R. Bradley 1950-1957
- Reverend Taft T. Newman 1957-1963
- Reverend Johnnie D. Williams 1963-2015
- Reverend Robert H. Jones 2016-2017
- Reverend Benny L. Powell Sr 2019-
Today, we are worshipping in our new edifice, The Greater Second Baptist Church. We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; trusting in His Holy Word; He’s never failed us yet. May he ever keep us humble at his feet and servants to His cause.
In conclusion, it is quite evident that our congregation has been greatly blessed throughout its 128 year history. God-fearing pastors, outstanding lay leaders, and dedicated members have enabled our church to thrive and flourish. What the future holds for Greater Second Baptist Church is unknown. But if we continue to trust God, have faith, and pray as our forefathers did, we shall not be moved.