Founded on March 22, 1846 by 23 enslaved and free Christians, Central Baptist Church celebrates 170 years of existence and a rich history of providing spiritual leadership and working for social justice in St. Louis.
The church’s second pastor, John Richard Anderson, acted as spiritual advisor to Harriet and Dred Scott, whose infamous defeat before the U.S. Supreme Court was a catalyst in the nation’s move to abolish slavery. During the Civil Rights era, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached his first sermon in St. Louis at Central Baptist Church in 1961.
Today, through its Crisis Intervention Ministry, Central assists the homeless and working poor with food, clothing and spiritual guidance; is an active polling place and partners with local organizations, such as the American Red Cross for bi-annual blood drives; and conducts other community health initiatives.
Over 17 decades, Central Baptist Church has changed names three times. It was first called the Second African Baptist Church; in 1851 it became the Eighth Street Baptist Church; and it has been known by its current name since 1885. The church has assembled in four different locations, called 12 esteemed pastors, and had edifices completely destroyed by fire in 1971 and severely damaged by storms in 2007. Yet it endures.
“In recent years, Central has witnessed tremendous growth of our church family, experienced a wonderful vibrancy in our worship style and enjoyed expansion of our physical footprint – all for the sake of building God’s kingdom,” said Rev. Robert C. Scott, senior pastor of Central Baptist Church.
“We were delighted to honor so many of the disciples who have invested their time, talent and treasure for more than half a century into the life-changing ministries at Central.”
In a recent celebration, the church recognized 44 of its disciples who have continuous service to the church for 50, 60 and 70 or more years. Among the notable honorees were Deacon Steve Whitney, who is 101 years old, and his wife of 71 years, Deaconess Estella; and centenarian Dr. James M. Whittico, MD, who came to St. Louis in 1948 to intern at Homer G. Phillips Hospital.
The semi-formal affair, held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, featured a keynote address by the Rev. Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and musical guests Tim Cunningham and Karen Hylton.
The event’s theme was, “Building a Legacy for the Future on the Foundation of the Past.” More than 200 community leaders and other well-wishers joined the church’s family and friends for the celebration marking Central’s legacy of engaging in service to humanity and uplift of the St. Louis community.
The 170th Anniversary co-chairs Deacon James Clark and Deacon Gloria Givens have successfully launched a yearlong celebration, which will include, among other events, a street fair in July to serve the mid-town community near the church, located at 2842 Washington Ave.
For more information about Central Baptist Church, visit www.cbcstl.org or call 314-533-0747.
