In 1932, a small group of people under the leadership of Rev. Robert L. Harris met at the home of Mrs. Rosa Sample and began the Community Baptist Mission. Rev. Harris, Deacons Jackson, Down, and Livingston were the founding members. Eventually, this mission began meeting at 191 First Street.
In 1941, Rev. C. Robinson became the second pastor, and under his leadership, the Northern New Jersey Baptist Convention, presently known as the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association, on April 15, 1941, sanctioned the Community Baptist Mission as a Baptist Church.
In 1942, Rev. Joseph M. Wilson became the third pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Rev. Wilson was a master builder. April 16, 1945, two lots were purchased from Naomi and Herman Smith for the construction of a new facility for a staggering $300.
In 1941, Rev. C. Robinson became the second pastor, and under his leadership, the Northern New Jersey Baptist Convention, presently known as the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association, on April 15, 1941, sanctioned the Community Baptist Mission as a Baptist Church.
In 1942, Rev. Joseph M. Wilson became the third pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Rev. Wilson was a master builder. April 16, 1945, two lots were purchased from Naomi and Herman Smith for the construction of a new facility for a staggering $300.
On August 17, 1948, the church was incorporated. Ground breaking took place on Sunday, October 31, 1948 and on September 25, 1949 the cornerstone was laid for the new building. Four years later (1953), a grand march from 191 First Street was held as approximately 105 people joyfully sang and shouted as they moved into their new church located at 224 First Street, Englewood, New Jersey. Worship was held in the basement until the walls and the second floor of the sanctuary was completed. In 1965, the second phase of the building was completed and worship began in the upstairs sanctuary.
In 1972, the Rev. Joseph M. Wilson, architect and builder, retired and soon made his eternal transition.
In 1973, the Rev. Clarence E. Kenner became the fourth pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church grew both spiritually and organizationally. Many auxiliaries were added to the church. But most importantly, many souls were added to the church. In addition, many improvements were done to the facility to
enhance its beauty and comfort. After 19 years of pastoral ministry, Reverend Kenner retired.
In 1973, the Rev. Clarence E. Kenner became the fourth pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church grew both spiritually and organizationally. Many auxiliaries were added to the church. But most importantly, many souls were added to the church. In addition, many improvements were done to the facility to
enhance its beauty and comfort. After 19 years of pastoral ministry, Reverend Kenner retired.
In 1972, the Rev. Joseph M. Wilson, architect and builder, retired and soon made his eternal transition. In 1973, the Rev. Clarence E. Kenner became the fourth pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church grew both spiritually and organizationally. Many auxiliaries were added to the church. But most importantly, many souls were added to the church. In addition, many improvements were done to the facility to enhance its beauty and comfort. After 19 years of pastoral ministry, Reverend Kenner retired.
In 1993, Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. became the fifth pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Under his leadership, our church experienced significant growth and development. This is attributed to Dr. Taylor’s philosophy of ministry that was progressive and inclusive. Consequently, the church licensed and ordained its first female minister, Rev. Gladys Brown. The first female ordained as a deacon was Lorene Frasier. Subsequently, more than 40 women have been licensed as ministers, over ten have received ordination, and one serves in the pastorate, Dr. Olivia Stanard. Four additional women have been ordained as deacons, and both men and women provide leadership for the ministry.
In 1996, the Back to the Bible Independent Holiness Church, led by Pastor Dorothy M. Neal, merged with the Community Baptist Church of Englewood in efforts to further the cause of ministry. This was unprecedented for churches of differing denominations to merge for a common cause. But prompted by the Holy Spirit, both pastors sensed it was the will of God to do greater works together. Rev. Neal, an amazing bible teacher, became the Director of Christian Education, and her entire congregation became actively engaged in ministry.
In 1993, Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. became the fifth pastor of the Community Baptist Church. Under his leadership, our church experienced significant growth and development. This is attributed to Dr. Taylor’s philosophy of ministry that was progressive and inclusive. Consequently, the church licensed and ordained its first female minister, Rev. Gladys Brown. The first female ordained as a deacon was Lorene Frasier. Subsequently, more than 40 women have been licensed as ministers, over ten have received ordination, and one serves in the pastorate, Dr. Olivia Stanard. Four additional women have been ordained as deacons, and both men and women provide leadership for the ministry.
In 1996, the Back to the Bible Independent Holiness Church, led by Pastor Dorothy M. Neal, merged with the Community Baptist Church of Englewood in efforts to further the cause of ministry. This was unprecedented for churches of differing denominations to merge for a common cause. But prompted by the Holy Spirit, both pastors sensed it was the will of God to do greater works together. Rev. Neal, an amazing bible teacher, became the Director of Christian Education, and her entire congregation became actively engaged in ministry.
A visionary leader, our pastor began to share his vision for building a new facility. The church embarked upon several capital stewardship programs to raise the money needed to acquire property and to qualify for a construction loan. Ten surrounding properties were acquired debt-free for the purpose of securing the borders as the church sought to possess the land. In December of 2007, the Englewood Board of Adjustments approved our application for the construction of the new Community Baptist Church of Englewood.
In June of 2008, the Ground Breaking Celebration was held and the Community Family stepped out in faith and broke ground for our new facility. On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 150 faithful members gathered to witness the demolition of our old sanctuary. After crossing some hurdles, the construction of our new facility began in October 2009. During the construction period, Community Baptist Church gathered at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in the center of town in Englewood for worship, maintaining two services each Sunday. And the Lord added to the church
exponentially during this season.
In June of 2008, the Ground Breaking Celebration was held and the Community Family stepped out in faith and broke ground for our new facility. On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 150 faithful members gathered to witness the demolition of our old sanctuary. After crossing some hurdles, the construction of our new facility began in October 2009. During the construction period, Community Baptist Church gathered at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in the center of town in Englewood for worship, maintaining two services each Sunday. And the Lord added to the church
exponentially during this season.
On January 8, 2011, a sacred service of dedication was held to honor the Lord for our new church facility. The cutting of the ribbon was done by Dr. Lester W. Taylor, our Senior Pastor, Min. Gayle Taylor, our First Lady, Mother Magnolia Jones, Doretta Caldwell, and Alpheus Trumpet. This celebration was graced by the presence of Rev. Clarence E. Kenner and Mrs. Mary Kenner, who shared in the cutting of the ribbon, and Dr. Deforest Buster Soaries, and Bishop Keith W. Reed, Sr., who served as the keynote speakers for the dedications. More than two thousand people gathered in frigid temperatures to celebrate this epic and once in a lifetime occasion.
The bible teaches, “Except the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain” (Psalms 127:1). We acknowledge the gifts and skills of all who labored on this project, but we believe it was the hand of the Lord that brought us from the tabernacle to the temple.
In addition, this project was led to its completion by a group of committed and skilled individuals who comprised the official Building Committee. They were, Alpheus Trumpet, Chair, Curtis Belle, Wanda Goodloe, Terri Hunter, Magnolia Jones, Trustee, James Jordan, Emmanuel Lawrence, Robert Mangan, Jr., Theresa Messer, Nicole Osborne, Devry Pazant, Susan Perry, Vinnetta Singletary, and Harry South. These individuals, experts in every facet concerning matters of construction from architecture to finances, utilized their collective skillsets to navigate the church through the uncharted territory of constructing a facility from the ground up.
The church became the hub of the community, serving both its membership and the greater community at large. Efforts were made to interact with organizations that worked to accomplish the empowerment and liberation of all peoples. Supporting efforts such as food pantries, homeless shelters, voter registration, sports activities for both girls and boys, senior and elderly care, the church became an even more intricate part of the community life.
The bible teaches, “Except the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain” (Psalms 127:1). We acknowledge the gifts and skills of all who labored on this project, but we believe it was the hand of the Lord that brought us from the tabernacle to the temple.
In addition, this project was led to its completion by a group of committed and skilled individuals who comprised the official Building Committee. They were, Alpheus Trumpet, Chair, Curtis Belle, Wanda Goodloe, Terri Hunter, Magnolia Jones, Trustee, James Jordan, Emmanuel Lawrence, Robert Mangan, Jr., Theresa Messer, Nicole Osborne, Devry Pazant, Susan Perry, Vinnetta Singletary, and Harry South. These individuals, experts in every facet concerning matters of construction from architecture to finances, utilized their collective skillsets to navigate the church through the uncharted territory of constructing a facility from the ground up.
The church became the hub of the community, serving both its membership and the greater community at large. Efforts were made to interact with organizations that worked to accomplish the empowerment and liberation of all peoples. Supporting efforts such as food pantries, homeless shelters, voter registration, sports activities for both girls and boys, senior and elderly care, the church became an even more intricate part of the community life.
In October 2019, Rev. Rohin Beach became the Assistant Pastor by the unanimous vote of the church upon the recommendation of Pastor Taylor. His role was welcomed by the growing congregation and created a visual of multi-generational leadership. The emerging of something that would test the faith and fiber of all of humanity quickly put his role to the test.
In 2020, one of the most devastating crises to impact our world was the global pandemic caused by COVID 19. For the first time in its nearly 90-year history, the church building was closed. For nearly two complete years, all worship services, prayers, and bible studies were streamed virtually. CBC had become a digital community that connected primarily through the social media platform. During this period, there was a daily presence of devotionals, prayers and bible studies designed to give hope to its people during the most deadliest and unprecedented periods in modern history. The ministry was kept alive by the media team and Pastor Taylor who shared a 6 a.m. devotional every day. People from all over the country and other parts of the world, found Community Baptist Church to a virtual house of refuge. During this time, God expanded the reach and impact of our church’s ministry.
In 2022, congregants slowly returned to the sanctuary for in-person worship, however, most remained digital disciples until the year 2023 when the sanctuary began filling up again. Mask mandates were relaxed and people began worshiping openly and freely in-person, while the online platform still maintained a consistent number of virtual worshipers.
In 2022, congregants slowly returned to the sanctuary for in-person worship, however, most remained digital disciples until the year 2023 when the sanctuary began filling up again. Mask mandates were relaxed and people began worshiping openly and freely in-person, while the online platform still maintained a consistent number of virtual worshipers.
Presently, engaging ministry in a post-pandemic era requires the church to discover new paths for engagement. With the influx of new members, the emerging of new church leadership and volunteers, the focus is turned to reproducing, replenishing, restructuring, and redirecting. The models for church ministry in a fast-paced digital society are non- existent due to the rapid changes in culture. The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) has altered forever our approach to ministry. However, what is sustaining the ministry is awareness that the church is called to serve this present age, which demands a hybrid approach. Balancing the human touch with the virtual platform is challenging, but with committed congregants, skillful staff and volunteers, and the ever-present ministry of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. To date, so much has changed, however, what is constant is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The testimony of Christ is still being exalted, souls are still being saved, transformational ministry is being implemented, and the “fruit remains.”
The testimony of Christ is still being exalted, souls are still being saved, transformational ministry is being implemented, and the “fruit remains.”
