about us
CHURCH HISTORY
The First Baptist Church of Parchester Village was organized in February, 1951, on the 8th day of the month under the leadership of Rev. Luther and Mother Lothell Thomas in their home at the corner of Thomas Drive and McGlothen Way.
The First Baptist family began with 15 members. A Senior Mission Choir and Youth Choir were organized. After worshipping in the Thomas home for two years, the membership grew and a larger facility was needed. The groundbreaking ceremonies were held here at 3900 McGlothen Way in the summer of 1953. The members marched from the Thomas home to the new church building.
Rev. Thomas served faithfully until November 1961. In 1962, Rev. Vivian Harris was called as pastor. Under his leadership, the mortgage on First Baptist was burned. Rev. Harris pastored until his death in June, 1964.
In November, 1964 Rev. M. J. Jackson was called to shepherd, where he served until September, 1971. Rev. Robert J. Riley was appointed as interim minister. In August 1972, Rev. Joseph Harold Jr., who maintained membership at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Richmond, was called as pastor. Pastor Harold served faithfully until his death in August, 2005.
On January 29, 2006, Reverend Dr. Johnie B. Jones, who maintains his membership at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church was called as pastor.
From First Baptist three daughter churches emerged--Zion Hill Baptist of Rodeo, Paradise Missionary Baptist of Oakland, and Grace Baptist of Berkeley . Also, one of our own, Rev. Charles W. Johnson was ordained as a minister. Two members of the first youth choir still remain at Parchester First Baptist--Sisters Bobbie Owens-Arnold and Velma Cook.
Submitted by Sister Bobbie J. Arnold
"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:16-18