Here at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church, we celebrate a legacy of faith. It began in February 1924. Rev. E.D. Berry and his wife felt a calling. The Holy Spirit led them to minister to Christian believers.
Initially, they gathered in a humble space. It was a meeting room above a laundromat. The address was 7516 Woodland Ave. This small group became The Open Door Missionary Baptist Church.
As membership increased, the church needed more space. In 1938, Open Door Missionary Baptist Church moved. Its new location was 2566 E. 83rd Street.
Rev. Berry’s time came to an end on January 31, 1939. God called him home. Rev. E.L. Brown and Rev. J.W. Howard served temporarily. Rev. Howard was then chosen as pastor. He served for one year.
A new chapter began in 1941. Rev. A.P. Hines became the pastor. Under his guidance, the church’s facade was improved. In 1943, they celebrated a Mortgage Burning and Dedication Service. Four years later, a special ceremony took place. It was a Ground Breaking and Corner Stone Laying for church renovations on June 5 1947. Rev. Hines retired in 1970. He served as Pastor Emeritus. He passed away on February 18, 1975.
In 1971, Rev. Horace Rickerson took the helm. The congregation and ministries grew. In December 1975, another Ground Breaking Ceremony happened. This was for a new church building. This is where we stand today at 8215 Woodland Avenue. The congregation moved into the new building in March 1977. Rev. Rickerson passed away on February 1, 1982. In August of that year, they held a Mortgage Burning Service.
1983 brought Rev. Benjamin Franklin Jr. He served as interim pastor. In 1984, he became the full-time pastor. Open Door Missionary Baptist Church continued to thrive. It grew both spiritually and physically. The church needed more room. Pastor Franklin received a vision from God. It was called the Nehemiah Project. This project added to and modified the existing building. It accommodated the various ministries at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Franklin Jr. retired in January 2008. Minister Joseph Hopkins III became the Acting Pastor. After a search, Minister Hopkins III was installed as Pastor. This occurred on January 10, 2010.
Open Door Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication and growth. It’s a place where community comes together. It happened through many dedicated leaders and devoted members. The Open Door Missionary Baptist Church is ready to embrace the future. It will continue its mission of service and spiritual guidance. Its commitment remains strong. It will be a beacon of hope in the community for years to come.