Republic file photo Second Baptist Church, which boasts a significant history in Columbus, is in the midst of a $30,000 fund drive.
Historic Second Baptist Church in Columbus is halfway through a $30,000 year-end community fund drive to replace its aged and substandard HVAC system — and then aims to embark on a second-phase financial drive to fix other, more structural problems.
Church members have pledged the first $10,000, according to Pastor Larry Rowe. The drive began early this month.
But one of the challenges for the church currently is dwindling membership and attendance as low as 15 people at some Sunday services.
“We have put basically Band-Aids on the heating and cooling system through the years just to keep it basically functioning,” Rowe said.
Second Baptist began in 1879 as a place of worship for Black residents who either were not welcome at other local churches or did not feel entirely comfortable in a mostly white congregation.
It has been in its current location since 1913, and was the home church of the first two Bartholomew County women to register to vote in 1917. Its members also helped form the Columbus/Bartholomew County Chapter of the NAACP.
The leadership of the 143-year-old church at 1325 10th St. has enlisted the help of nonprofit Landmark Columbus Foundation for the current drive and for possible help with future grant applications and processes. Richard McCoy, foundation executive director, mentioned that he and his staff are providing guidance similar to what they have offered in their consulting roles with First Christian Church’s repair efforts and North Christian Church’s restoration and upkeep.
McCoy said that this assistance is part of Landmark Columbus’ emphasis on landmarks of cultural significance and not architectural significance such as First Christian and North Christian.
“That congregation is among those with the highest order of significance in this county,” McCoy said.
Rowe, though aware of his church’s roots, said the congregation has long welcomed people of all backgrounds. Currently, it is allowing a Latino congregation, The Church of Prophecy, to use its building for Sunday afternoon services.
“That’s part of what Christian ministry is all about,” Rowe said of allowing the newer group to use the building.
The pastor also mentioned that he wants to network however necessary to ensure Second Baptist’s future ministry.
“We are actively serving God and want to make sure that we can keep our doors open,” Rowe said.
This summer, he mentioned what many area smaller churches have said: that the pandemic interruptions to in-person services hurt attendance once the community opened up again.
After the current drive is completed, the church will pursue support for Phase 2 for a range of others repairs, ranging from the roof to the foundation. Leaders say those costs currently are estimated to be about $120,000.
How to help
Donations for Second Baptist Church’s fund drive can be sent to:
Roxanne Stallworth
Second Baptist Church
1325 10th St.
Columbus, IN 47201
