“What if I told you a church started in someone’s living room?” That’s right. Mt. Airy Baptist Church began with a simple meeting in Mrs. Carla Blake’s home.
Today we stand before Mt. Airy Baptist Church a beacon of faith and community. But its roots are far humbler than this impressive edifice might suggest. Let’s journey back to 1972 when a small group of dedicated individuals envisioned a Baptist church in the Mt. Airy neighborhood.
On February 10 1972 an ad appeared in “The Leader”. This neighborhood newspaper sought those interested in forming a Baptist Church. The meeting took place at 1121 E Johnson Street. Reverend Joseph Haggler Jr Reverend Thomas Gilmore Mrs Yvonne Stevenson and Mrs Carla Blake attended. They established the church’s name. Reverend Joseph H Haggler became the first pastor of Mt. Airy Baptist Church.
Imagine that first service. It was Palm Sunday March 26 1972. The congregation gathered at Beth Or Synagogue now Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The Philippian Baptist Church and Reverend S Amos Brackeen joined them. A few weeks later on April 16 services moved to the Jewish Youth Center.
The Mt. Airy Baptist Church congregation continued to grow. Mr Roger Lewis joined followed by Mrs Yvonne Lewis Leroy Jackson and Mrs Cleo Jackson. Leroy Jackson became the church’s first baptismal candidate.
By July 1972 Mt. Airy Baptist Church had found a new temporary home at the Universal Church. In September they incorporated to purchase a building. The church joined the Southern Baptist Convention attracted by its focus on education. An agreement was made to purchase Dale’s Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery requested they name the rear chapel Dale’s Memorial Hall.
The church was officially constituted on Mother’s Day May 13 1972. Dr Ralph Abernathy spoke at this event. The Mt. Airy Baptist Church membership stood at 41. The Senior Choir formed with Sisters Dorothy Pressley Cleo Jackson Priscilla Poole and Cora Wilson.
On November 5 1972 the congregation of 26 entered their new building. Mrs Marjorie Haggler played the organ. Willie Ridehour provided the music. The building was dedicated on December 10 1972. Dr Roy Godwin preached the dedicatory sermon. The lower floor chapel became the Joseph H Haggler Hall.
In October 1973 Reverend Donald Young and his family joined. He later became an associate pastor. In March 1975 Reverend Young became the pastor after Reverend Haggler retired. Dedicated women raised funds for a baptismal pool. It was dedicated on December 12 1976.
In June 1983 Reverend Willis A Brown became the pastor. Under his leadership the church grew. Mt. Airy Baptist Church has many ministries. They offer transportation for shopping and medical appointments. There are Bible studies and prayer calls. The church supports healthcare access and education.
Mt. Airy Baptist Church is a beacon. It fosters spiritual growth and empowers individuals. It evolved from a simple idea into a vibrant community. The church is dedicated to addressing local needs and creating a welcoming environment. Mt. Airy Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit.