Here stands Victory Community Baptist Church a testament to faith. It is a beacon in Philadelphia. Victory Baptist Church has thrived for over 60 years. The church constantly evolves through Jesus Christ.
Victory Baptist Church faced many challenges. The Lord has been faithful to the church. They continue to follow His lead. The church loves God and His people. Their mission is to make disciples. They glorify Him in all they do. The members are imperfect people serving a perfect God. They strive to bless their community. They impact them through outreach.
In 1962 Victory Baptist Church began. Eight people gathered in Rev. Mother Preston’s home. It was a New Testament Church. Rev. James Alfred Smith Preston became the first pastor. The first service occurred at Myers Memorial Chapel. The Eastern Keystone Baptist Association recognized it. The service was at 4141 Westminster Ave. Rev. M.E. Gayton was the moderator. Rev. Alpheus L. Bright presided over the ceremony.
In 1964, the church bought property. It was located at 4918-20 Fairmount Ave. The mortgage was paid off in 1967. In 1968, the Articles of Incorporation were approved. Judge Raymond Pace Alexander made the decree. In 1970, the church moved. A dedication service was held on November 21.
Rev. Preston served until 1984. Then he passed away. Rev. William Cross became pastor in 1985. He served until his retirement in 2011. Rev. Rashid J. Goins then became pastor. He was installed on December 16, 2011.
Like many churches Victory Baptist Church faced tough times. Under Rev. William Cross, services moved. They went to Price Funeral Home. Carbon Dioxide was found in the building. Under Pastor Rashid Goins, two fires occurred. The first fire was in 2018. Services moved to St. Ignatius Nursing home. While repairs neared completion a second fire struck in 2019. God allowed the church repairs to be finalized. They moved back into their church home in 2019.
In 2020, Pastor Rashid Goins resigned. The church looked for a new pastor. Minister Dwight Chavis was chosen. The church unanimously voted him in. He became the new pastor in 2021. His installation service was in 2022 due to COVID-19.
Victory Community Baptist Church is a Baptist church. It is a fellowship of believers. They share the Good News. They learn, listen and pray. They work together actively. They reach out to their communities. It is a place to believe, belong, and become.
Victory Community Baptist Church continues its mission. The mission is to love God. The mission is to love all people. The mission is to make disciples. They discover their purpose. They make a difference for Christ.