Saint Paul’s Baptist Church

“A million dollars…gone?” a hushed voice echoed through the pews of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. This isn’t a scene from a courtroom drama. This was a real-life scandal that rocked Saint Paul’s in the late 1990s. A lawsuit alleged Pastor Joel Anthony Ward misspent $1.1 million of church funds. The accusations were shocking. They included purchases of houses and real estate, lavish $50,000 chandeliers, and an elevator project that bypassed proper bidding procedures and congregational votes. Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles at Main and 49th streets, suddenly found itself at the center of a storm. Ward, however, vehemently denied the claims. He called them “lies from the pit of hell.” The case, mirroring a national Baptist scandal involving Reverend Henry Lyons, highlighted the lack of financial accountability plaguing some African American congregations. Deloris Perkins, a retired Los Angeles criminal investigator and devout churchgoer at Saint Paul’s, expressed both relief at Lyons’ conviction and hope that it would shine a light on such practices. The situation at Saint Paul’s became a microcosm of this larger struggle for transparency. The lawsuit, filed by Perkins, church elder Lucille Arthur, and others, detailed Ward’s ambitious agenda upon his arrival in 1997. He aimed to utilize the church’s $2 million reserves for community projects. These included low-income housing, job creation, and plans for a nursing home and a gospel radio station. While some lauded Ward’s dynamic leadership, others were wary of his rapid changes and extravagant style. This included his fondness for gold and diamond jewelry. The lack of financial transparency surrounding these property transactions ultimately fueled the discontent. Arthur, a devoted member of Saint Paul’s for decades, felt compelled to take action to protect her beloved church. The story of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency, even within sacred institutions. It’s a story of clashing visions, a struggle for control, and the deep love and concern that can bind a community together, even in times of crisis.