“An amazing tapestry woven together from God’s faithfulness” is how Second Baptist Church describes its history. We are standing before a church with a rich story. This Second Baptist Church has invested in changed lives since its very beginning.
Second Baptist Church started in March 1927. It began with a prayer meeting at the old Taylor School on Louisiana Street in downtown Houston. 121 people left their home church. They wanted to start a new congregation. Their focus was reaching the world for Christ.
One year later in 1928, Second Baptist purchased buildings. Twelve faithful families sacrificed to make this happen. They put up their homes as collateral. The church bought St. Paul’s Methodist Church at Milam and McGowan. This location was their home for three decades.
Growth spurred a move in 1957. The church moved west to 25 acres at Woodway and Voss. This move aimed to reach families. The area west of town was growing fast.
A pastor search occurred in 1976. The committee sought a great leader. He needed passion for soul-winning. He also needed a heart for Houston. They found Dr. Ed Young. He was a pastor in South Carolina. He accepted the call to Second Baptist. In 1978, Dr. Young moved to Houston with his family.
Years of growth led to a new worship center. It was built at the Woodway location. In the late 1990s, Second Baptist added a second campus. It was at I-10 and Fry Road. Second Baptist became a multi-site church.
More campuses followed. They are in Kingwood, Pearland, Cypress and Fulshear. There is even an online campus.
In 2024, Dr. Ben Young became the sixth senior pastor. The Second family remains committed. They worship and walk with Christ. They also win others to Him.
Second Baptist Church has grown immensely. In 2009, weekend attendance exceeded 22,723. Besides worship facilities, it offers many services. There are fitness centers and bookstores. You can also find information desks and a café. Single mothers even receive free automotive repair.
The church launched Spanish-language services on Easter in 2012. In 2016, Second Baptist partnered with Community of Faith Church. Together, they created Loving Kids. This ministry supports children. They provide mentors, tutors and teacher assistants in Houston elementary schools.
CBS News recognized Second Baptist Church in 2018. It was the 15th largest megachurch in the United States. Weekly visitors numbered around 20,656.
Membership exceeded 80,000 in 2019. In 2023, the church reported a weekly attendance of 17,998 people.
After 46 years, Dr. Ed Young stepped down in May 2024. His son, Ben Young, became the new Senior Pastor.
Second Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. It is also part of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Second Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication to community. Its history is a vibrant story. It is a story woven with God’s faithfulness. It highlights people changed by Jesus’s good news.