Here we are at the Good Neighbor Baptist Church. The story of this church starts with humble beginnings and a vision of community. Good Neighbor Baptist Church began in 1971. It started at 432-434 Springfield Avenue in Newark, NJ.
This church grew from the fellowship of the Good Neighbor Cathedral. Madame Louise Scott-Rountree founded it. Rev. Malachi David Rountree pastored it. The church’s name changed. A new church body formed. It became Good Neighbor Baptist Church.
In a remarkable partnership, the National Newark and Essex Bank worked with The American Baptist Extension Corporation. Two other banks joined them in a pilot project. They lent Good Neighbor $94,000. Rev. Malachi D. Rountree and his wife, Madame Louise Scott-Rountree, made sacrifices. Family and dedicated friends used their resources. Within three months, they purchased Good Neighbor Baptist Church for $270,000. Imagine that a small group making such a big step. In 1971, twenty members opened the doors at 100 Chancellor Avenue in Newark, NJ.
In 1973, the W.J.R. Club formed. Wilson, Johnson, and Rountree are represented in the name. Twelve members contributed $1,000 each. They bought shares that helped acquire the Claireese Hotel. It was a 24-unit hotel with two adjacent buildings. The club ensured all payments were made on time. The capital from this project assisted Good Neighbor with its financial obligations.
Rev. Rountree served as Pastor from 1971 to 1981. He established a mission of family-like membership. The church aimed to be good neighbors. Community outreach was important. At the height of his ministry, over 200 people worshipped here. They were part of the Good Neighbor Family.
Moses Rountree, Sr. was the first deacon. He also chaired the Deacon Board. He built upon his experience from Zion Hill Baptist Church in Newark. Deacons Perrie Wilson and Marlon Wilson served faithfully. Deacon Marlon Wilson also became the first Superintendent of Sunday School.
Sister Geruth Rountree was the first “Church Mother.” She chaired the Deaconess Board. Madame Louise Scott-Rountree founded the Hospitality Committee. She served on the Prayer Band. She worked with the Deaconess Board. She founded the Floral Club. She and Sister Geruth jointly chaired Women’s Day.
Sis. Elease Wilson-Archibald led the Usher Board. She sang in the Senior Choir. Her daughter, Rev. Jewel Boone McKoy, was the first Church Clerk. After ordination, she became Assistant Pastor until 1985. Then, she pastored Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Westwood, NJ.
Moses Rountree, Jr. headed the Trustee Board. The Cains, Doris and the late Douglas, also served. Doris was Financial Secretary for many years. In 1992, Moses Rountree, Jr. was ordained as a Deacon. Sis. Cain sings in the Adult Choir. She is on the Geruth Rountree Scholarship Committee. Deacon James Wallace serves on the Deacon Board.
From 1983 to 1994, Rev. John Theodore Teabout pastored Good Neighbor Baptist Church. He continued the church’s founding principles. The congregation grew spiritually and in number. The Youth Department expanded. The mortgage was paid off in 1993. The members moved forward prayerfully.
In November 1994, Rev. Dr. George Allen Blackwell, III became the Pastor. He was officially installed in March 1995. Under Pastor Blackwell’s direction, members redefined their spiritual aspirations. Spiritual growth became the foremost priority. The sanctuary was renovated in 1996. A Children’s Church ministry formed. They started a weekly community food bank. A weekly senior fellowship club began. Numerous capital projects were completed. The “Tree of Life” campaign started in 2002. In 2019, the first women Deacons were installed. God has truly blessed Good Neighbor.
Good Neighbor has become known as a place of healing. It’s a place of building and blessings. It is for all who seek the face of God. The Good Neighbor family will never forget the great contributions of its founders. Today, many worshipers have richer lives. They are grateful.