100th Anniversary

Where Our Story Began

Built on a Foundation of Faith

In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Rachel Garner, led by the Holy Spirit, sparked a drive to build a Baptist church in Springfield, New Jersey. A small group of Christians met at the home of Mr. Charles Davis on Ruby Street. Under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Russell, this soon led to the organization of The Antioch Christian Church. For their labors in helping found the church, the Garners were called the “father and mother of Antioch.”

The next couple of years ushered in rapid community development and greater numbers in attendance. This prompted the trustees, in 1922, to declare a goal to “build a church for the growing membership and to offer better service to the community.”

With their goal in sight, the trustees purchased a plot of land at South Springfield Avenue and Meckes Street. They also purchased lumber from a barn that was being demolished in Maplewood. It was then that The Antioch Christian Church edifice was constructed.

Faith Through Every Season

Laying the Cornerstone for the Future

After four years of faithful service, Rev. Russell was succeeded by Rev. Fred Clark in 1924. During that same year, the name of the church was changed to The Antioch Baptist Church. On November 4, 1925, the church was incorporated.

Having fulfilled his duty, Rev. Clark left to serve at another church and was succeeded by Rev. Price in 1926. In the same year, the cornerstone for the building was laid. After Rev. Price served with grace and dignity, he was succeeded by Rev. Turner Elijah, who led the congregation for some years.

After Rev. Elijah left the church for a period of time, a number of pastors filled the gap, including Rev. Kelly, Rev. W. McGriff, Rev. Swan, and Rev. J.N. Robertson. Even in the face of trying times, such as the Great Depression and World War II, the church remained strong in faith and in membership.

In 1944, Rev. Elijah returned, and the church experienced its greatest period of growth under his spiritual leadership. The pastor faithfully served God, the church, and the community for eighteen years, until he retired due to ill health in 1962. He was then succeeded by Rev. Laban Wellington.

A Growing Church Family

Decades of Building on Our Faith

In 1964, Rev. Clarence E. Alston was called to pastor The Antioch Baptist Church. Even as the nation’s attention was focused on events related to the Civil Rights Movement, the church continued to flourish both spiritually and in membership.

After seeing that the church building was beyond renovating, it was with prayerful consideration that Rev. Alston suggested building a completely new edifice. The members agreed. In January 1966, the last service was held in the original church building. That structure was demolished, and during the construction of the new building, services were held at the nearby Thelma L. Sandmeier School.

On Sunday, March 5, 1967, dedication services were held in the new building. Over the next 20 years, the membership continued to expand as new additions and renovations were made to the church.

Over the many years of building, the membership never lost sight of the fact that, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” — Psalm 127:1

Rev. Alston served The Antioch Baptist Church faithfully for over 50 years. He pastored the congregation through historic moments such as the first moon landing, the end of the Vietnam War, the events of 9/11, and the election of President Barack Obama. Pastor Alston was an anointed man of God, equipped by God to lead the congregation in the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God. In October 2017, Rev. Clarence E. Alston was called home to Glory.

Faithful in Changing Times

Ushering in a New Era of Growth

Rev. Alston was succeeded by Rev. Milton Hobbs, under whose current leadership the membership has remained strong.

In March 2020, as the world was faced with the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, the State of New Jersey banned public gatherings in an attempt to halt the spread of disease. This meant the members of The Antioch Baptist Church were unable to congregate in their beautiful church home. Pastor Hobbs, who was called for such a time as this, led the membership in remaining prayerful and connected, even while quarantined in their own homes.

Through it all, the church never lost its faith, remembering that God has been and will always be “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”