The History of Antioch
"Pulling Down Strong
Holds and Building Up Relationships" (2 Co. 10:3-8)
Antioch at 601 Douglas Street
and members of the congregation in the early 1930's
In the year of 1912 a group of 15 or 16 Christians met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mose Dowden and organized a prayer band, meeting from time to time in their home. Their first definite meeting place was a store front in the twelve hundred block of Mulberry Street.
In April of 1913, we were organized into a church by Revs. Samuel Bates, J.H. Reynolds and Burton and chose the name Antioch as suggested By Deacon Charles Sims, now deceased.
Rev. Jenkins, a licensed minister, served as pastor a few months, then the late Rev. R. A. Broyles was the first ordained pastor of the church serving over one year. Rev. G. W. Bowels of Des Moines, Iowa, was then chosen and served until he was called to the eternal rest in 1919.
In the fall of 1914, we purchased McFarlane School at 601 Douglas Street, plus land extending east to Linden Ave., west to Van Buren and two blocks north. The excess land was later sold. The building was then remodeled and extended. Rev. E. W. Ewing of Des Moines, Iowa, was called after the passing of Rev. Bowles. During the pastorate of Rev. Ewing, the congregation remodeled the basement.
Rev. Ewing resigned in 1922 and Rev. G. W. Nesby of Greenwood, Ms was called in 1922 at which time a furnace was installed in the church. Rev,. Nesby resigned in 1925 and Rev. P. A. Pickney was called that same year.
Rev. Te. W. Day of Omaha, NE, was later called to the pastorate. Under his pastorate the two lots on the corner of Summer and Jackson Streets were purchased. This is now the present church site. He introduced the Circle plan of missionary work and Mrs. G. W. Day served as general president. Rev. William Bell was ordained by Rev. Day in 1920. Rev. Day resigned in 1928.
Rev. C. W. Turner was called in 1930. It was suggested by the Happy Hour Club (during Rev. Turner's administration), that the church be remodeled. A Building Fund Committee was set up to raise funds and the formation of the Gospel chorus resulted to help through gospel singing to raise finance. A positive decision was made to follow Rev. Turner. After serving six years, Rev. Turner reigned.
Rev. Samuel Davis served as supply pastor from August 1, 1937 to December 31, 1937. He was called to the pastorate on January 1, 1938. One of Rev. Davis' first tasks was to obtain a definite decision from the congregation whether to remodel or build. The decision was to build a new church. The contract for second unit was signed in the home of Deacon George Berdell who was, at the time, Chairman of the Deacon Board.
On June 4, 1950, corner stone services were held, assisted by the St. John's Masonic Lodge. This stone was donated by Mrs. Mamie, Church Clerk. The church moved into the basement unit on February 13, 1951. The property at 601 Douglas was sold to the Church of God in Christ.
Furnishing for the main auditorium was acquired in 1953, which the first carpet donated by Mr. and Mrs.. J. W. Childers.
On the second Sunday of October, 1953, the church was consecrated to the Lord with Rev. J. H. Reynolds, Moderator of the State Convention, as the Speaker. in 1954 Fred Webster Sr. was installed as Chairman of the Deacon Board.
The balcony was completed and furnished in 1958. Parking lost at the corner of Sumner and North Barclay Streets were purchased in 1958.
Rev. Samuel Davis served for 23 years. Revival meetings were held each year with much success. During one of these meetings, 53 candidates were received for baptism. Membership grew from 360 to 915 during the 23 years that Rev. Davis served Antioch. He succumbed to a heart attack on September 9, 1960, while attending the National Baptist Convention in Philadelphia, PA. Rev. William E. Parker served as interim pastor from September, 1960 until March, 1961.
Rev. Eugene H. Williams of Champaign, Illinois was called as pastor on March 17, 1961. Under his leadership the church grew spiritually, numerically and financially. The membership rose to 1400 members. The Music Department grew to include eight choirs: Chancel, Gospel Choir, Senior Choir, Mail Chorus Young People's Choir and Cantata Choir. In 1967, an education unit consisting of 18 rooms were added along with refurbishing of many other features to enhance the beauty of God's house. On January 12, 1975, the new addition was paid for and the church celebrated with a montage burning to all property and holding, thus leaving it virtually solvent and debt-free. Rev. Williams resigned in June 1978 and formed the Faith Temple Baptist Church.
Rev. Lonnie J. Jordan, III faithfully served as interim pastor from June 1978 to January 1979. Rev. J. Wallace Gains of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was called as the senior pastor of Antioch in January 1979. During his tenure. the membership increased and made it necessary to begin and complete Phase 1 of 4, 1.1 million expansion program. Phase 1 included a new sanctuary which seats over 1200 people, new baptismal unit, library and workroom, remodeled pastor's study and secretary's offices. The increased membership also made it necessary for Rev. Gaines to add an 8:30 a.m. worship service to our Sunday program. In September 1984 Rev. Gains resigned and organized the Peace Baptist Church.
During the period of September 1984 to January 1986, our associate ministers served diligently and faithfully. They were Reverends Albert Alexander, Tony Campbell, Mark A. Smith, Dwight D. Webster and Fred D. Webster, Jr.
Rev. George M. Howard, of Gary Indiana, was installed as pastor on January 26, 1986. Rev. Howard had great plans and aspirations for the church. During his 4 1/2 year tenure he reinstated the church in t the National Baptist Convention. The new sanctuary was dedicated on October 19, 1987. He reorganized the Music Department, began midweek Family Night, initiated weekly Media Ministry, encouraged and installed spiritual growth and worship through tithes. Antioch hosted the State Sunday School Congress in June 1987.
Due to medical reasons, Deacon Fred Webster resigned as Chairman of the Deacon Board in 1990 and Bro. J. Otis Coney was installed as Chairman. Fred Webster served faithfully for 36 years as Chairman of the Board and remains on the Board of Deacons.
Rev. Howard resigned as pastor in 1991 and organized the Christian Fellowship Church. Associated ministers Rev. Gary Cook and Rev. Lovie Caldwell served faithfully as pulpit supply for 1 year and 6 months.
On January 30, 1993, Rev. Michael E. Coleman of Sparta, Illinois was called as senior pastor. Rev. Coleman has introduced the vision of "Kingdom Building." He introduced the mission statement "The Church of Three Ships: Worship, Friendship and Fellowship". He is striving to encourage Antioch to be a community on the move for healing an building up God's Kingdome. Rev. Coleman emphasized the need for prayer and the need to be specific in our prayers.
Out of this emphasis on prayer has raised prayer partners. He encourages Wednesday night Bible Study and prayer meetings. The church has been reinstated into the National Baptist Convention. He has also instituted the mission of giving to foreign missionaries, Negro colleges and local agencies. Our church has truly been blessed under his current leadership
Rev. Coleman has challenged us to truly practice our mission in our daily living. Under his guidance we have increased our outreach by being a part of the worship in the part ministry, the Promise Keepers Ministry, March for Jesus Rally, the House of Hope for women, and the Nehemiah House for me.
Rev. Coleman believes that training is important to the growth of the church. Out of this belief the church has implemented solid financial backing to our scholarship program, constructed a new library and computer lab, and set up teachers training.
Rev. Coleman encouraged the church to continue the practice of faithful stewardship. The building debt of $143,727.82 was paid on October 19, 1997, the church had a mortgage burning celebration.
Some accomplishments in 2000 include: remodeling church facilities, new bathrooms, new sanctuary lighting, new flat roof in educational wing, new canopy roof, new landscaping, tuck-point facilities, new carpet in educational wing. Other accomplishments include; continuing Austin/Hutchins Loan Fund, continued family fund night, Leadership Conference Seminar, Youth Conference, Principles in Stewardship Seminar, Operation Expectations - Tutorial Program, Scholarships, Jail Ministry, Women's Retreat and Training. When we begin to list the accomplishments of the church, we are very much aware that some of the most significant accomplishments are intangible and we have not recorded them here, but they are inscribed on the scrolls in the archives of Heaven.
Doubtless, in the course of Antioch's history many names and events occurred that helped to sustain and bring us to this year but due to the loss of records, we can not tell of them all.
To all who have shared in any way in the spiritual and material growth of Antioch Baptist Church may God richly bless you.
Worship, Friendship, and Fellowship