In 1903 South Baptist Church had her beginnings on the corner of Brock Avenue and Warren Street, only a stones throw away from her present location. In 1909 She was relocated to 745 Brock Avenue where the congregation still meets.
A group of members from the North Baptist Church in New Bedford started South Baptist as a response to the distance traveled by horse and buggy from the South End to the North End. You could make that journey by car today in 5-7 minutes, challenged by traffic lights and stop signs.
The congregation consisted of mainly English middle America. A month at sea, a day at the docks or perhaps 12 hours at the factory was the order of financial support for these families.
The first World War would change this forever. From now on this congregation received their marching orders off the docks and into the bunkers.
From World War I, World War II; the Korean War and the conflict in Vietnam, a list of names of those who served in the various Armed Forces overcomes a memorial to those who put their lives on the line to protect the religious freedom that South Baptist Church still enjoys today.
The 1970s and 80s boasted of large choirs, full Sunday School rooms, Pastors with doctors degrees and a lively kitchen that produced finances to keep this dream alive. Also a women's group that could compete with any other and men who weren't intimidated by paint, the roof, or 8' wooden banquet tables.
Much has changed since the thriving 80s. The next generation at South Baptist was forced to seek jobs elsewhere. Jobs that couldn't be found in this city of dwindling factories, depleting docks, and rising rents.
South Baptist Church was challenged through the 90s and into the new millennium. Some who stayed wondered how to keep the dream alive. A new diverse community of ethnicity, language and culture surrounded this tiny congregation that deflated to 8 members in January of 2007. Fear of drugs, alcohol and gunshots rang outside the doors of this modest group of faithful attendees. Hope had been all but a word that described the past. A far cry from the hard working men, the respectful ladies, and children who filled the halls obeying their parents and teachers. . "Someone must keep this dream alive" seemed to be the cry of those that endured into January of 2007. What our congregation is beginning to learn is this. That someone, is not of this world. That someone, desires to show this congregation that it has always been His dream to keep this place alive. That someone is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ! Perhaps another 100 years is in order for those who would dare to dream.
