Central Baptist Church, its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott and its disciples kick off a year-long anniversary celebration.
When an illustrious, 160-year history meets a transforming present to create a promised future, it is truly an occasion for rejoicing. This was the case when the Central Baptist Church, its Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott and its disciples kicked off a year-long anniversary celebration on March 19.
Central Baptist is on the move with an ever-increasing body of more than 1,400 disciples – it has come a long way from its humble beginnings more than a century and a half ago. Central Baptist Church was birthed by a hearty band of 23 enslaved and free individuals who cleverly circumvented the limitations of Missouri’s slave state status by worshipping on a steamboat anchored in the middle of the Mississippi River.
More than 140 years ago, (prior to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation), the Second African Baptist Church became the Eighth Street Baptist Church, the precursor to Central. It was renamed Central Baptist Church in 1885, when the church moved from Eighth and Green Streets to a new site at 23rd and Morgan (now Delmar). The church has been located on Washington Blvd. since 1913.
During its long history, members of Central Baptist Church have been agents for social change and spiritual uplift including pioneers Harriet and Dred Scott whose case for freedom and equality under the law went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, paved the way for future members.
Bishop Thomas will launch an entire year of eloquent guest preachers, inspired teachers, spirit-filled revivals and fun.
Central Baptist church is a purpose-driven church, creating purpose-living disciples engaging in five-star ministry for building the kingdom of God. The theme for its 160th anniversary is “Creating Disciples, Transforming Lives.”
In the spirit of creating disciples and transforming lives, the church has recently acquired a building at 2800 Washington Blvd. that will eventually become a family life center. The church launched a year-long capital campaign and pledge drive to burn the mortgage on that building within the 2006 calendar year. The church will be accepting donations to the campaign dubbed throughout the year-long anniversary celebration.
The 160th Church anniversary scripture is Romans 15:5-6 and during 2006, the church will celebrate its legacy, involvement in politics and social activism and chart a course for its future.
The Central disciples have made an unwavering commitment to support the pledge drive, as well as to act with one mind and speak with one voice to accomplish all that God has predestined for its membership, our community, our city and our nation.
For more information on 160th anniversary activities or the history of the church, visit www.cbcstl.org.
