Southern Baptist Church

In 1955, a seed of faith was planted in Roxbury. This seed blossomed into the Southern Baptist Church. Originally named Lovely Zion Baptist Church, it stood on Shawmut Avenue. The church thrived under the guidance of its founding pastor, Reverend R.D. Slater. The Southern Baptist Church continued its journey in 1956. It moved to 6 Stanwood Street in Dorchester. The name officially changed to Southern Baptist Church. A pivotal moment arrived in 1959. The Southern Baptist Church was officially incorporated on February 25th. The church received its official charter on March 10, 1960. Sadly, Reverend Slater passed away in 1963. A new chapter began in 1964 with Reverend James C. Chance. He became the pastor and served faithfully until 1983. That same year, the congregation marched from Stanwood Street to its current home at 29 Winthrop Street. They declared, “All things are possible through God.” From 1984 to 2015, the Southern Baptist Church navigated various pastoral transitions. The church honors the legacy of Deacon Eugene Reid and Mother Sally Lamar. Their unwavering dedication and service are remembered. On December 27, 2015, Pastor James M. Harrison Jr. arrived as Interim Pastor. He was officially installed as Senior Pastor on August 28, 2016. Even during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, the Southern Baptist Church continued to thrive. Its online worship services reached over 40,000 views. They connected with over 3,000 people monthly. The Southern Baptist Church has deep roots in the community. It stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of community.