King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church

Have you ever heard the tale of a church that started in a living room? The King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on Andry Street has an incredible history, starting small and growing into a pillar of the community. Solomon James, the founder, began holding services in 1926 in his home on North Claiborne Avenue with a handful of family members. The church would move around to different locations for a time, including sharing space with the St. Luke Baptist Church and a garage with a dirt floor on Industry Street. It was a humble journey. In 1957, the church purchased a piece of land, bringing a sense of permanence to their journey. Pastor James, respected and beloved, sadly passed away in 1964 just before the construction of the new church building was complete. In 1965, the completed church opened its doors with only 28 members. Later that year, Hurricane Betsy devastated New Orleans, destroying much of the 9th ward, including the interior of the new church building. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the church rebuilt, replacing their furniture, organ, and pews. The church’s motto “God said it, and that settles it,” inspired the congregation to pay off the church completely within 9 years and 4 months. This was a remarkable accomplishment, achieved through faith, dedication, and the generosity of its members. The King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on Andry Street is a testament to the power of faith and community. While the church was in the midst of this rebuilding effort, in January 1965, Presiding Minister Willie J. Steward was installed as the new pastor. The church flourished under his leadership, with many new deacons and ministers ordained during his tenure. In 1993, after 28 years of dedicated service, Pastor Steward passed the leadership to Minister George Guidery. Pastor Steward continued as Pastor Emeritus, and in 1996, he and Pastor Guidery, along with board members and church members, made another significant decision to build a new church building. The King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church remains a vibrant example of faith in New Orleans, a place where generations of families have sought spiritual guidance and community support.