Second Baptist Church History
Second Baptist Church is celebrating its 138th anniversary. The church body was founded in 1869 and
first worshipped in a log cabin on Water Street in Charlestown, IN. Later they purchases a lot, located at 472 High
Street, from Mr. O.C. Ross to begin their dream of building their 1st
church building. But though
the grace of God and the congregation’s determination, their dream came true.
Rev. William Brent, the current pastor, led the congregation into the new church building. He led flock for a few years before leaving. Afterwards, the
church was led by several other pastors such as Rev. Highball, Rev. O. Smith, Rev. M. Cockran,
Rev. Charles Owens, Rev. R. Butler Sr., Rev. Jessie Davis, and Rev. John Harris.
Under the leadership of Rev. Jessie Jefferson, the church building
was taken over by Urban Renewal which forced the congregation to find another place to worship. They worshipped on Harrison Street until once again able to purchase another building. In November 1965, Rev. Jefferson lead Second Baptist congregation into their new home at 855 High Street.
Rev. Jefferson was the pastor until God called him home. The
church body was later introduced to Rev. Eddie James by his pastor, Rev. Gay. Rev. Eddie James was later called to pastor
at Second Baptist and did so for 28 years until his heavenly homecoming. His
son Rev. Wayne James took over the flock for 3 years before leaving. Next Rev.
John Hardin took over the church for one year until his resignation due to health problems.
Our current pastor Rev. Clifford Leavell was called to lead
the church on March 5, 2003 later officially installed in August 2003. As time
passed we began to outgrow our building. Then, in Spring 2006, God blessed us
with the opportunity to purchase a new one. On July 28, 2006 the pastor and church
board met with Pastor and Mrs. Donald Schuler of Harvest Worship Community Center to sign to sign the purchase agreement on
our new facility, which we are now in currently. Our first service was held on
August 13,2006 and the church dedication on August 27, 2006. Second Baptist Harvest Worship Community Center is beautifully
decorated consisting of 3 floors, a kitchen, classrooms, a chandelier lit vestibule and room or expansion. We are very thankful to God for blessing us with this new Worship Center and it is our wish to extend this
blessing to the community. We open our doors to everyone.
Church History complied by: Sis. Mary E. Jones
