When Paulette Roberts moved to Columbus in 1970, there was only one predominantly black Christian church in Columbus. And the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s second black teacher quickly found that’s where she felt most comfortable and welcome to worship.
“I wanted to be at a place where people looked like me,” Roberts said.
Second Baptist Church, where she remains a member nearly half a century later, will mark its 140th anniversary at 3 p.m. June 23 at 1325 10th St. The theme is “Growing God’s Kingdom, Reaching Within, Reaching Around and Reaching Beyond.” It is based on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 and Jeremiah 29:11 in Scripture.
Roberts, a lover of history and heritage, knows the background of how about a dozen Christians launched Second Baptist on April 14, 1879, in area homes before moving to a location on the upper level of Woolie’s Livery Barn on Washington Street. Those people weren’t always readily welcomed at other churches slightly more than a decade after slavery ended and prejudice still reigned.
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“Over the years, I’ve seen this church grow, seen it sometimes stumble, and seen it come back strong through the years,” Roberts said.
In the community, the church has hosted programs such as Roberts’ weekend student tutoring program; has joined other churches such as First Christian Church for programs such as the free summer Sidewalk Sunday School in the past; currently assists with the Love Chapel free church meals; hosted neighborhood watch and similar meetings; and also participates in national outreaches such as Operation Christmas Child to help poor children in war-torn nations.
Regarding the theme, the Rev. Larry Rowe, pastor since 2005, wants his message to focus partly on individual believers’ spiritual responsibility.
“Each of us there has a responsibility to look within ourselves to find ways to make our church better as a body (of believers),” Rowe said. “And then as we each grow spiritually within ourselves, we can step out and reach beyond the walls of Second Baptist in more ways.”
He said that concept dovetails with Jesus’ Biblical command to “go ye” and reach other people with his love.
When Rowe assumed the church’s leadership, he knew it was time to clearly steer the congregation beyond its original foundation of a minority-based fellowship.
“One of my initial missions was to get rid of the idea that it is a black church,” the pastor said. “It is a church open to all who believe in one Lord, one faith and one baptism. And that doesn’t matter what culture or what ethnic background someone comes from. We are open to those who believe (in Christ), and are seeking a safe haven today to worship God.
“In fact, we’re open to all who may not yet believe and are searching for a God of their understanding.”
Rowe has met plenty of struggling unbelievers amid his work at Love Chapel Ministries. Some have struggled with everything from addictions to homelessness. And he believes churches such as Second Baptist must extend a hand of help and welcome.
The clergyman, who also works as Columbus Police Department chaplain, mentioned that he cannot know where exactly the Holy Spirit will lead Second Baptist in the future.
“We just have to make sure we follow his plan as we are led,” Rowe said. “And as we are led, we trust that he will provide what we need.”
Perhaps one of the best perspectives merging past and future came from Roberts just before the 129th anniversary in 2008. She mentioned that yesterday was significant to clearly see tomorrow.
“We look back in order to be encouraged by what God has done,” Roberts said then. “But we cannot rest upon what already has been done. We must go forward to fresh endeavors, greater accomplishments and new victories in the name of God.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About Second Baptist” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Where: 1325 10th St. in Columbus.
Members: About 110.
Began: April 14, 1879, with members worshiping in homes the first several years, according to The Republic archives. Then, in 1884, believers purchased a small frame house at Ninth and Wilson streets for $300. After that, the congregation moved to the current location in 1913.
Anniversary guest speaker: Pastor Derrick O. Jenkins Sr. of Howard Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of New Albany.
Information: Facebook page for Second Baptist Church 140th Anniversary.
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