The First Baptist Church of St. Louis was founded by a free slave named John Berry Meachum and an American Baptist missionary named John Mason Peck in 1817. On Saturday, April 22, the church, its pastor Rev. Henry Midgett and first lady Jacqueline Midgett celebrated the 200th anniversary of the church at the Randall Gallery, 999 N. 13th St. The First Baptist of St. Louis is the oldest African-American church west of the Mississippi River.
Guests and church members arrived dressed in red, white, gold and orange, which were the theme colors of the anniversary. The different colors represented the medals each member received based on years of service. It looked like a church Sunday in the building, but it was Saturday in a banquet hall. As guests enjoyed a snack and soda bar, they were invited to see First Baptist Church’s History Museum set up in the basement of the facility. It included pictures over the years, samples of robes worn, old programs, a photo booth, and some old gadgets like an 8-track tape player cartridge.
Emcee Sharon Joseph Tab offered opening remarks and introduced the first keynote speaker. Evangelist Mary Tillman, “Your Radio Angel.” She is the host of the gospel and prayer segment Sundays on 95.5 The Lou. “I will use my voice to continue telling everyone of the good things happening here at First Baptist Church,” said Tillman.
St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green, the first African-American woman voted into that position, spoke next. “Let the good work God has started here at First Baptist Church be forever blessed by the hand of God and his son, our Lord and savior,” said Green. “Here’s to 200 years today and 200 years to tomorrow.”
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, the first woman elected to that position, spoke next. Walking to the podium Krewson was welcomed with a thunderous standing ovation.
“I was only sworn in four days ago, and this is my first proclamation,” Krewson said. “The City of St. Louis joins with First Baptist Church and Rev. Henry L. Midgett in commemorating its 200th church anniversary. We extend best wishes for a joyful and spirit-filled Founder’s Day celebration. Therefore, I, Lyda Krewson, mayor of the City of St. Louis, due hereby proclaim April 22, 2017 as First Baptist 200th Year Day in the City of St. Louis. Thank you, God bless.”
Rev. Julius Scruggs, pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, and Rev. Linden Bowie, pastor of Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in Riverview, also spoke and blessed the food. The congregation then ascended upstairs to enjoy the wonderful meal. Afterwards, specific members received individual awards, then the anniversary celebration closed with a benediction.
The First Baptist Church of St. Louis is located at 3100 Bell Ave. in Midtown. Visit http://www.firstbaptistchurchstlouis.org.
Roderick Wilbon is an editorial intern for The St. Louis American from St. Louis Community College.
