How about stepping back to 1874? That’s when the seeds of Delaware Avenue Baptist Church were sown. It started as Olivet Chapel. This chapel was a humble Sunday School serving the North Street area residents.
The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church has a story that began with a small brick carpenter’s shop. It was on Delaware Avenue near North Street. The shop transformed into a school. Reverend Hotchkiss from Washington Street Baptist Church delivered the first sermon there on September 13 1874.
Two years passed. The church grew. The chapel needed expanding. So, in June 1882 construction began. Members felt it was time to become an official congregation. On December 1 1882 seventy-six charter members formed Olivet Baptist Church.
February 15 1883 marked the completion of the chapel’s construction. It could seat 400 people on the main floor. A rear gallery accommodated 100 more. On March 4 1883 the congregation held its first communion service. It was then that they became Delaware Avenue Baptist Church.
The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church experienced unprecedented growth. Members wanted a larger building. In 1892 they bought property on North at Park Street for $26000. But in 1883 members chose a different site. It was on the east side of Delaware north of Bryant.
In 1884 the old church was sold for $30000. From 1894 to 1895 without a building Sunday services took place in the original Temple Beth Zion. On September 11 1894 the cornerstone was laid. January 30 1895 marked their first service in the new building.
John H. Coxhead designed the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church. He was an architect and a member of the congregation. His design was in the Richardson Romanesque style.
The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church’s Board of Trustees plays a vital role. The Nominating Committee chooses them. They serve for three years. Other church council members are chosen annually. They serve for one year. New members gain approval through the Church Council.
The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church has been a spiritual home to over 3700 members. Currently the church serves 250 members. Since November 2007 Reverend Michael J. Robinson has been the senior pastor.
The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church offers many programs. Sunday School is available. There are also Growth and Development classes. Worship service is held regularly. Bible Study takes place on Wednesday evenings. A Youth Ministry program and Vacation Bible School are also available.
Today the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a legacy of leadership and Christian love. The cornerstone laid in 1894 symbolizes strength. This is a church for all people where everyone is welcome. The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church is a Christ-centered ethnically diverse house of prayer for all.