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In 1891, a small group of African American residents from the Pleasanton community met to organize a Baptist church. The meeting was attended by Reverend James Ellis, Mrs. Fannie Lamont, Mrs. Lucky Ross and others. The name Saint James Baptist Church was chosen for the new congregation and Reverend Ellis agreed to serve as the church's first pastor. Later that year, church trustees purchased from Elias Edmond one half acre on East Adams Street for the construction of a church building. In 1903, Reverend Hagood began his thirty-three year pastorate of the congregation, the longest since its inception. The church's first structure was demolished in 1950 in order to make room for a larger, more modern building, but construction was delayed, and many church members became discouraged and left the congregation to worship elsewhere. However, a core group of congregants worked hard to sustain the church. The congregation met for worship at a nearby mission church while funds were raised for the new building. In 1953 the congregation's name was changed to Second Baptist Church, and the new church facility was dedicated in May of that year. A former school building was moved to the property ca. 1957 to be used as a parsonage. Outreach to the community is an important part of church activities. Second Baptist offers several college scholarships each year, and members are active in Christian Assistance Ministry. Today, Second Baptist Church continues to stand as a symbol of faith and service within the Pleasanton community. (2010) |
