History of
(Dry Branch Baptist Church)
Jackson Street Baptist Church
1888 – 2016
Theme: “Standing On The Promises Of God”
“…upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it”
Matthew 16:18
Our history dates back to 1869 when a few slaves from the Ruhama Baptist Church of East Lake voted to leave and organized their own congregation; this is where Dry Branch Baptist Church was organized.
From the insignificant edifice of long ago lacking in detail of so many things, Jackson Street Baptist Church has grown to this capacity with the banners of Christ ever hanging high that men might follow on.
April 4, 1888 Dry Branch Baptist Church adapted the name “Colored Baptist Church, Inc.”. Three Christian men and some followers founded the church with Rev. A. A. Scott in a small three-room house on Third Avenue South. There was little warmth, except the warmth of God’s Love and the love they had for one another.
On June 4, 1888, the church was recorded. And on August 4, 1888 the first celebrations of Colored Baptist Church Inc. was observed.
Record shows a stone was laid in 1890 by Rev. A.A. Scott alone with one deacon, named Deacon V.M. Winters.
In 1890 the church was named after the street (Jackson) called Jackson Street Baptist Church.
1891 – Rev. W. M. Winters erected a wooden building on the present site. Within these walls was love and together.
1902 – Dr. Philip Woolen, educator and divine leader bricked and stuccoes the church. He later resigned. Rev. C.L. Fisher, under the administration more people united with the church and a mortgage was paid off.
In 1904, another stone was laid by Rev. Philip Woolen along with four deacons; J.F. Massey, J.C. Ivory, J.H. Scar and I.C. Cromer.
1913 – 1934 – Dr. J.H. Eason, B.S., D.D., (Benedict College & Quadaloupe College, Texas) – First President of Birmingham Baptist College, President of Alabama Colored Baptist State Convention and New Era Baptist Convention. Founder of Easonian Seminary was called to Jackson Street Baptist Church. There were only one hundred members. Later the membership grew to 500. The handsome building was then valued at $10,000.00. To this building there was a demand for more Sunday School room. More land was purchased for the addition of an Annex. Under this administration he organized the Sunday School, B.Y.P.U., Usher Board, Choir, Deacon Board and Deaconess Board.
1934 – 1937 – Rev. O.C. Carter served until called to Little Rock Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama.
1937 – 1942 – Rev. M.L. Rucker, Rev. C.H. Taylor, and Rev. H.L. Wilson, each of these leaders served to make worthwhile contributions to the progress of the church.
1942 – 1957 Rev. J.E. Moss, a young man with creative power of faith and love was called. He mixed and served as a missionary talking, teaching, and encouraging the community to come to Christ. Under his guidance the church debt was paid off and the mortgage was burned. The Sunday of the mortgage ceremony was a happy occasion. His text “Speak Ye Comfortable to Jerusalem That a Warfare is Over.” Beautification of our place to worship was painted, smoothing of walls and replacing space heaters. The church became more progressive spiritually and financially. The membership grew.
We had many ministers of our church. They were Rev. Ed Jenkins, Rev. Ben Fowls (Poet Writer). He ordained Rev. H.L. Foster and later became the Assistant Pastor. Later Rev. Moss resigned.
1957 – 1972 – Dr. J.C. Parker was called. He was an excellent leader, counselor, educator and preachers. He exemplified in many ways to the community his ability as a true leader. Under his efficient leadership many souls were added to the church. Improvements were made in the Church Organizations. Every member of each auxiliary was promoted according to the specification requirement. We participate in the local, state and national organizations.
1972 – 1995 – Rev. W.H. Meadows served as pastor. Rev. Meadows, a young man, teacher, preacher radiating vigor and enthusiasm which was needed to inspire and encourage. The church’s remodeling was on the last call for renovation. This church was totally remodeled and stands as a monument giving silent testament to Rev. Meadows. Under his leadership much had been accomplished A van, new piano, covered pews, wall to wall carpeting, organized basketball team under Rev. Boone, educational building, cheese and butter distribution program, PA system, song books and Bibles, ordained two ministers – Rev. Brock and Rev. Ocie Burton.
On June 4, 1994, the Jackson Street Baptist Church fell to the ground due to a winter storm. After the storm, Rev. Meadows and the church membership moved across the street to our church house, where he served until his death on April 17, 1995.
1995 – 1998 – Rev. Gregory B. Hollis was pastor of the church. Under his leadership a new sanctuary was constructed. The first service was held on Easter Sunday, 1997. The pulpit later became vacant.
1999 – present – Rev. George England, III was called as shepherd of our flock. Under his administration the membership has increased, Deacons ordained, Missionary Department organized and Nurse’s Guild. Our first lady, Mrs. Peggie England organized the Children Church and the Youth Choir. In October 2000 the Matrons was reorganized by Mrs. Bertha Bell, with Rev. England’s approval.
Other accomplishments developed under Rev. England’s leadership includes: Women’s Chorus, Male Chorus, Male Usher Board, Junior Usher Board, Christian Youth Retreat, Youth Conference, J.S.B.C. Steppin’ For Christ & Girls Step Team, Women’s Conference, Hymnals, Food Pantry, Prison Ministry, Remodeled Church Annex, Painted Church Van & Fellowship Hall, Tutorial Program and Women of Excellence Fellowship. The church is still growing.