Second Baptist Church

Was this church always called Second Baptist Church? Well, no. It actually started with a different name. Right here, on this very spot where Second Baptist Church stands today, there’s a history more captivating than you might imagine. This church, with its roots deep in the heart of New Orleans, was founded in 1869. Originally known as “The First Baptist Church,” it went through a name change after a division within the congregation, becoming “Second Baptist Church.” Eventually, it adopted its current name, the “Second Free Mission Baptist Church.” Imagine the tumultuous times this church has seen. The original structure fell victim to a powerful storm, a testament to the resilience of New Orleans and its people. But did they give up? No! The congregation rallied, rebuilding Second Baptist Church into the sanctuary you see today. As you stand here, consider the legacy of Reverend Moses Jackson, the church’s very first pastor. He was known for his powerful preaching before returning to his Virginia home in 1871. He left behind big shoes to fill, but fill them they did. After Reverend Jackson came a procession of devout leaders who shaped this church. Reverend Henry Davis, Reverend H.C. Foster, Reverend William Underwoods, Reverend Nelson Maker, Reverend F.W. Scott, Reverend H.P. Williams, and Reverend James W. Pace each left their mark on Second Baptist Church. And then came Reverend Peter Brown Fortner, a son of this very church, who served not once, but twice. His dedication to this place, to his home, is a testament to the kind of community Second Baptist Church fosters. The story of Second Baptist Church is a tapestry woven from resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of New Orleans. It stands today as a symbol of unwavering belief and a testament to the power of community.