Saint Pauls Baptist Church

“A church born on Thanksgiving,” a woman whispered, adjusting her bonnet. We stand before Saint Pauls Baptist Church in Richmond, a beacon of faith marking its spot in the heart of the city. Saint Pauls Baptist Church didn’t rise from blueprints and a single groundbreaking. It emerged from a heartfelt desire for spiritual independence. On Thanksgiving night in 1909, a group from First Union Baptist Church received their letter of release, a formal blessing to forge their own path. Their first pastor, Reverend George Pinkney, led the fledgling congregation. He oversaw the construction of their first sanctuary on Botetourt Street, a modest space seating just over 50 souls. The church grew quickly under Reverend Pinkney and then his son, Timothy Pinkney. A second sanctuary soon became necessary, accommodating 200 worshippers under the leadership of Reverend Isaiah Hines. The church’s story took a significant turn with Reverend Journey A. Mosby, its fourth and longest-serving pastor. His 40-year tenure focused on youth development, nurturing theological students from Virginia Union University. He established many ministries that continue to serve the community today. The growing congregation needed more space. Reverend Mosby initiated an expansion campaign on Thanksgiving Day 1950. By 1957, they acquired a new home at 26th and Marshall Streets in Church Hill. This building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served Saint Pauls Baptist Church for 45 years. Under Reverend James Leary, installed in 1969, Saint Pauls Baptist Church expanded its reach beyond spiritual guidance. The Saint Paul’s Baptist Federal Credit Union, the Saint Paul’s Housing Corporation, the Saint Paul’s Manor, and the J.A. Mosby Scholarship fund were all established during his leadership. Since 1985, Reverend Lance Watson has guided Saint Pauls Baptist Church, overseeing tremendous growth. The congregation has expanded to over 12,000 members. Numerous ministries have been added, including a bookstore, multiple schools, counseling services, a community development corporation, and a media company broadcasting services nationally. In 2002, Saint Pauls Baptist Church moved to its current location on Creighton Road. The church’s influence extends throughout Greater Richmond with multiple locations, including the Marshall Avenue facility, now being developed into a performing arts center. Saint Pauls Baptist Church continues to find needs and meet them. It heals hurts and solves problems. It is a testament to the power of faith and community, standing tall as it has for over a century.