The History of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was founded on April 8, 1920 in the home of Mother Mary B. Evans, but it was organized in October 1920. The initial members, who lived in the downtown section of Norfolk, came from Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. With the support of the pastor of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Mother Evans, Mary Gaskins, Etta Spicer, Frank Hyman, Belle Purvis, Mary Turner, Minnie Hayes, Edna Saunders-Robinson, Fannie Spicer, Lula Haywood, Isaiah Riddick, William Briggs, and a few others began this new branch of Zion. The Rev. James M. Johnson was the founding pastor and organizer. The first Deacons were James Spicer, Chairman and C. W. Parker. The small fellowship was named Antioch Missionary Baptist Church by Mrs. Victoria Johnson, the wife of the pastor. Rev. Johnson served faithfully for six years relocating the church from the home of Mother Evans to Cove Street to Wide Street.

Our next venue was Burrell Street and the Good Samaritan Hall on St Paul Street. Our last location during his tenure was Garrett Community Church on Cumberland St. Following his farewell sermon in 1926, the church moved back into the home of Mother Evans while Deacon Isaiah Riddick was appointed to secure a preacher and a building for continued service.

Rev. Victor Newsome arrived on a rainy Sunday morning, in 1927, to preach for the little band. After the sermon and prayer meeting, Mother Evans suggested to the congregation that God had sent Rev. Newsome to them. The church began to take on a more organized ministry under his leadership. The congregation moved to a building on Falkland and Fenchurch Streets. The following ministries were organized:

Senior Choir:

Dea. C. W. Parker, Chorister

Mr. Willie Shields, Organist

Female Usher Board:

Sis. Lula Haywood, President

Male Usher Board: Bro. Roland Hill, President

Deaconess Board: Sis. Azzilee Ross, President

Missionary Board: Sis. Emma Jackson, President

Because of the powerful preaching of Rev. Newsome and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, Antioch grew so rapidly that land was purchased on the corner of Holt and Fenchurch Streets to build a new sanctuary. During the 19 years of service of Rev. Newsome, a new church was completed and paid for. Upon the death of the pastor in 1946, Deacon James E. Cooper assumed leadership until a new pastor was sent by God. He was ably assisted by Rev. H.T. Myers. During this interim time, three additional choirs were organized:

Gospel Choir: Sis. Emma Jackson, President

Male Choir: Bro. Clarence Levy, President

Choir # 2: Sis. Ruby Cooper, President

Our third pastor was Rev. James William (JW) Matthews (1948-1969). Building on the work of Rev. Victor Newsome, Pastor Matthews expanded the membership and added the following ministries and their initial leadership:

Busy Bee: Sis. Dora Liverman

Nurses Aide: Sis. Georgia F. Johnson

Visitors Club: Sis. Ethel Lathom

Jubilee Gospel Choir: Sis. Rosa M. Washington

Pastor’s Aide: Sis. Edna S Robinson

Angels of Mercy: Sis. Pattie J. Jones

Junior Angels of Mercy: Sis. Ruby Brown, Advisor

Sons & Daughters: Sis. Lola G. Brown

Jolly Pals: Sis. Emma L. Diggs

New Members: Sis. Louise Cooper

Matthews Singers: Sis. Mary Billups

Junior Ushers (Revived): Sis. Maggie Barringer and Dea. Rudolph Gilliam,

Advisors

The Jordan Gospel Singers: Dea Jake Manley, Advisor

The United Gospel Singers: Bro. Moses Harris

The Cooperettes: Children of Dea. James & Dea. Ruby Cooper Rev. Matthews had a spiritual magnetism about him that made people assemble on street corners to hear him preach. Membership continuously increased and plans were initiated to build a new church. While the church was being constructed, the congregation worshipped at Ruffner Jr. High School. Upon completion of the new building the congregation, led by Mother Evans and Deacon Carey Coppage, marched from the school into their new church.

The church’s first radio broadcast was launched under his leadership. Every Sunday, at 7 pm, on Radio Station WRAP, one could hear an hour long live broadcast coming over the airways from the church’s sanctuary.

Within seven years after the new construction, it became apparent that a larger facility was needed to accommodate the members and visitors to Antioch. While organizing the Floral Club, Newsome Memorial and Willing Workers, Pastor Matthews led the congregation in searching for a new location. He and the Church Official met with Memorial United Methodist Church, a White Congregation, and agreed to purchase our new location in the Berkley section of Norfolk, in 1959. With plans in place to relocate and build a new church in Virginia Beach, Memorial United Methodist Church sold the church to Antioch. Mr. Knight, the custodian for the Methodist Church, wanted to remain as custodian at the church. Antioch employed him and he worked alongside Dea. Coppage, our custodian.

On February 7, 1960 a massive march was held as the church walked from Fenchurch Street to our present site at 525 Dinwiddie St in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk. Rev. Matthews continued to lead the church into new areas of growth until his death on May 6, 1969. After his death, many Sons of the Church (Associate Ministers) continued to carry on the work with the Deacons and the Deacon Chairman, Dea. Herman Logan.

In 1964, the church was granted its Boys Scout and Cub Scout charter, under Scoutmasters Dea. Kever Dent and Trustee Lemuel McMurren, by Tidewater chapter of the Boys Scouts of America. It was assigned the number Troop and Pack 102.

However, on the first Sunday in May 1970, the Lord directed the church to elect Rev. I. Joseph Williams (later Bishop) as the church’s fourth Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, Antioch was united and healed. During Bishop Williams’s administration the word “Missionary”; was reemphasized in our name to indicate the worldwide ministry of our church. The congregation grew to over 3000 members, became a Stewardship Church, and excelled to new heights of community outreach. His keen insight led to the establishment of a theological training school, the Virginian Bible University, and the sending out of many sons and daughters to pastor throughout the nation. The “Dial-A-Prayer” phone line was established. The radio broadcast was revived and broadcast over radio station WPCE (1400 dial), the establishment of the Bread and Ice Cream Ministries were instituted under his leadership through the United Christian Front for Brotherhood.

After purchasing more property, Antioch expanded its physical facilities to include more parking lots and land, the I. Joseph Williams Fellowship Hall, additional offices and administrative space, the choir stand was lowered to accommodate those who could no longer climb the spiral stairs to get to the choir loft. Many musical instruments were purchased during his administration to enhance the church service (A new Organ, grand piano and a digital piano) and drums were added to the music ministry. Two vans were purchased to start a van ministry to aid people who had no transportation to get to and from church. The J. W. Matthews Ushers was formed to serve on fifth Sundays and to accompany the pastor when he had speaking engagements during week nights. The Visitors Hosts and Hostesses Ministry was established, with Mrs. Beulah Harris serving as President. The Pastors Hosts, Hostesses and Pastor Nurse Ministry was established under his leadership. The Social Service Ministry was established to help those in financial, clothing, and food assistance. Sis. Bertha Bennett was the Social Service’s first ministry leader. The Noon Day Prayer and Bible Study were established with Sis. Laura Vann and Bro. Tillmond Dixon as the leaders. The first Youth Church was established during the 1980’s to train our youth to learn church procedures and they would be able to continue the growth of the church in a spiritual manner with proper training. The first appointed Youth Pastor was Rev. James B Williams. The second Youth Pastor was, Rev. Pamela Castellanos. Rev Castellanos had a vision to start her own church and the mantle was passed on to Rev. Ernestine Barringer Burton. Upon Rev. Burton’s departure, the Rev. George “Billy” Cook became the youth pastor. The last youth pastor to lead the youth until January 2004 was the Rev. Larry Johnson. The youth were very vibrant and had an excellent choir under the direction of Mrs. Sharon Cook. Many youth, because of the training they had received, went on to do great things.

Later, the Ministerial Council for the Associate Ministers was formed and Rev. Luci Flemings was appointed as Ministry Leader.

During Bishop Williams’s administration, the church continued to be very active in the NAACP and through the years purchased 11 Life Memberships and two Golden Heritage Memberships.

The following choirs were revamped and renamed during his administration: The Senior Choir became the Sanctuary Choir; the Gospel Choir and Choir #2 became the Inspirational Choir; and the Youth and Young Adult Choirs became the Voices of Antioch.

Rev. Williams was instrumental in having women licensed to preach the gospel from Antioch’s pulpit. The following were licensed during his administration: Rev. Pamela Castellanos, Rev. Della Nottingham, Rev. Mary Billups, Rev. Bertha Bennett, Rev. Ernestine Burton, Rev. Priscilla Snipes, Rev. Roberta Barringer, and Rev. Sharon Cook.

Women were appointed to the Trustee Ministry during his administration. The following female members were appointed to serve as Trustees, in September 2000: Ms. Betty Bailey, Ms. Shirley Cabarras, Ms. Darlene Cofield, Ms. Rose Peoples, and Rev. Priscilla Snipes.

In July 2000, Pastor Williams was consecrated as Bishop. After serving for almost 30 years, the Lord called the Bishop from labor on earth to eternal reward in Heaven, on April 13, 2002.

Following the death of Bishop Williams, the Deacons Ministry under the leadership of Dea. John T. James appointed one of the associate ministers, Rev. Joseph Lassiter, to lead the Church. He served as Interim Pastor from 2002-2004. During this period, a computer lab was established to help train anyone who was interested in learning how to use a computer; and a handicap ride bus was purchased to support the congregation’s wheelchair members and the handicap members to get to church and to help them to get to their medical appointments. The Praise Dance Ministry was being established during this tenure under the supervision of Sisters Edith Peterson and Frances D. Johnson.

The congregation was Pastored briefly by two ministers, Rev. Dr. Mark Churn, the church’s fifth Senior Pastor (approximately 9 months) and Rev. Dr. Charles McKeller, the church’s sixth Senior Pastor (January 2005-April 2006). Dr Churn was instrumental in leading the church to become more computer oriented by having the Trustees to use computers to enter each Sundays finance collection for producing a finance report and to have computers to support the church office clerical work. The church’s first keyboard piano was purchased. During Dr. McKeller’s tenure, the Social Service Ministry and the Widows and Widowers Ministry were combined to form the Helping Hands Ministry. Under the Deacons Ministry and its leader, Dea. Willie J. Jarman, they requested assistance from the Tidewater Metro Baptist Conference to recommend someone to come to be the Interim Pastor. The Rev. Dr. Freddie Johnson was recommended. The duty of Interim Pastor was shouldered by Dr. Johnson from January 2007 until December 2007. During this period, the Restoration of Praise Choir was formed from the remnants of the former Voices of Antioch.

After an intensive worldwide search, the church extended an invitation to The Rev. James William Webb, PhD, to take the helm as the church’s seventh Senior Pastor. His tenure began December 1, 2007. Under Pastor Webb’s leadership, another van was purchased; the Maximize Academic Growth In Church (MAGIC) Program was instituted from 2008-2009, the property at 524 Dinwiddie Street was purchased to house and to support the Offenders Ministry; a new roof and boiler were installed, a STOP Head Start Program was established and opened in October 2009. In 2008, the Helping Hands Ministry launched an activity day for our senior members, The Senior Fund Day, that brings senior members and guest out, on the Third Saturday of the month for two hours of wholesome fun activities. This project was spearheaded by Rev. Nathaniel and Sis. Catherine W. Roberson. Also in 2008, the Belle Purvis Missionary Society launched a local program, the Community Meal, to feed the local community. This program was spearheaded by Missionary (Deacon) Lois Daniels and Missionary Willie Mae Dixon (Deceased), as a local mission. Our first website was launched, our first missions trip began with purchasing and sending Bibles to Zambia that were printed in the Zambians native language, Freemason Street Baptist Church of Norfolk partnered with the church to purchase bicycles to support the ministers in Zambia to spread the Word about Christ; the church partnered with Second Calvary Baptist Church of Norfolk and sponsored a missionary from our church to travel with Second Calvary to Kenya in February 2009 for missionary work; the administrative wing of the church was renamed in April 20009 and it was dedicated as the Ruby Rose Cooper Administrative Wing in honor of the late Deaconess Ruby R, Cooper who had been the church’s secretary for many years until her death, on February 9, 1995; a delegation from our church travelled to Zambia, in January 2010 to do missionary work; the first Antioch newsletter “Thee Gazette” was published in June 2010; and a touring bus was donated to the church in December 2010 by Mr. Otis Taylor(Deceased). The Music Minister was expanded to include the Youth and Adult Rejuvenated Praise Dance Ministry, the Silent Praise (Mimes) Ministry, and the Mustard Seed of Praise Dancers. During his administration the Inspirational Choir, Restoration of Praise and the Jubilee Gospel Choir were combined to form the Unity Choir. On, February 6, 2010, the Pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church and members were invited to come and help the church to celebrate 50 years of being at the Berkley location. To enhance the church growth, the youth program was revised to get our youth back to being active in the church. In 2010, the youth department was given a new vision and they operated under the name Young Gifted and Black (YGB) with a youth director and youth minister. To continue to enhance the ongoing changes of the church to accommodate members and visitors who cannot attend regular Sunday service due to their work schedule, the Weekend Workers Worship Come on Monday (WWW.Com) service was launched, on January 10, 2011. During this period, the church had its first ordination of female Deacons. They were Deacons Melody Armstrong, Lois Daniels, and Debra Jones. The ordination took place on April 10, 2011. Dea. Wilson Johnson was also ordained on that date. Dea. John Blount, III, led the Ministry (2009- 2010). Dea. Leroy Boone, Sr., led the Ministry (2010-2011). The late Rev. Webb’s (passed on February 8, 2017) tenure, as pastor, ended on May 1, 2011. After his departure, the Diaconate Ministry under the leadership of Dea. Isaiah Hill (2011-2015) assumed the awesome task of leading the congregation and to task the associate ministers to bring the WORD each Sunday. Under the Deacons’ leadership, the Antioch Women’s League was formed. The Lord had given Sis. Catherine Riddick-Love a vision to form the lead with a group of selected women to support the enhancement of the church’s finances in support of the needed repair works around the church. Dea. Hill had this ministry dedicated, in October 2011, with Mrs. Love serving as its first leader. The Youth ministry was renamed Antioch Youth In Action (AYIM) in 2012. On June 3, 2012, the Rev. Raymond Diggs, an associate minister, officially assumed the duties of Interim Pastor. Under Rev. Diggs leadership, the church has continued to grow as God leads us. He was instrumental in the church partnering with Second Calvary to sponsor the Homeless Project at Antioch. Our first experience in this project occurred the week of March 24-29, 2014. During this period a 2012 van was purchased to replace some of the vans that have needed major repairs due to age. Also, the fellowship hall underwent extensive repairs. The church appointed a Pastoral Search Committee during the winter of 2015 for a senior pastor under the Deacons Ministry Leader, Dea. Brian Edwards (2015-2017). Dea. Jarman (2017- ) is currently leading the Diaconates Ministry. On April 2, 2017, the Rev. Dr. Carl Sherrill accepted the invitation to become the Interim Pastor. Dr. Sherrill served for one month and was elected the pastor of his home church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Norfolk (Berkley Section). Again, Rev. Raymond Diggs was asked to serve as Interim Pastor and he accepted the call, on April 30, 2017.

In June 2015, the church sold two vacant lots to developers who erected a new home. During this period, the property located at 524 Dinwiddie Street was assigned to a real estate company to be sold.

The church purchased, in April 2015, an Automatic Emergency Device (AED) under the recommendation of the Wellness Ministry and its leader Dea. Melody Armstrong. The unit was vitally needed in case someone experience heart problems and needing immediate medical attention. Many members who were interested in learning how to use the device underwent training, a requirement and refresher training in CPR.

The church was still in search of a Senior Pastor. On September 9, 2017, the members cast their votes for a Senior Pastor. The two candidates were Rev. Raymond Diggs and Rev. Jonathan Pemberton. Rev. Diggs received the highest amount of votes cast and was elected to be Antioch ‘s eighth Senior Pastor. He preached his first sermon as Pastor-Elect, on Sept 10, 2017. His sermon was entitled, “Stay In The Race, Hebrews 12: 1-3. Rev. Diggs was installed, on December 10, 2017. Rev. Dr. Ervin Scott, Pastor of the New Rose of Sharon Elim Baptist church Chesapeake, was the installation speaker.

Pastor Diggs had a vision to honor members who are 80 and older with a program. On June 30, 2018, the vision was activated with a wonderful recognition luncheon. The Ladies were presented with corsages and the Men with boutonnieres. Each received certificates. These honorees were recognized as charter members of the “80+ Club”.

Pastor Diggs’ vision was to have the Church’s Mission Statement installed. The framed statement was installed in July 2018. He was instrumental in having the former Ushers and Activity Room renamed the J.W. Matthews Activity Room, the Pastor’s Conference Room renamed the Mary B Evans Founder Conference Room, and the Choir Room renamed the I. V. Uzzle and J.E. Handy Music Room on July 21, 2018. These rooms were dedicated, on March 10, 2019.

The Church had made exciting plans for its 100 th Anniversary, in 2020, but the Coronavirus-19 was a serious infectious disease in all countries and the anniversary plans had to be delayed. The 100 th Anniversary was in November 2020. Upon the illness of Pastor Diggs, on February 19, 2021, the associate ministers and guest ministers were invited to deliver the Sunday messages in support of keeping the Sunday services going. Due to his illness, Pastor Diggs was retired, on June 26, 2022. On December 2, 2023, Pastor Diggs was called from labor to rewards.

In March 2021, Rev. Dr. Anderson Clary, the Pastor Emeritus of Queen Street Baptist Church, in Hampton, Virginia was given the task of Supply Pastor while a Pulpit Search Committee was given the assigned task to search for a permanent Senior Pastor. Rev. Dr. Clary and Sis. Leann Clary were very dedicated to their assignment for the Church. His last and farewell message, at Antioch, was on March 10, 2024. The title of his message was, “Neither One Thing Nor Another.” I Samuel 3:9 and Revelation 3:15-16.

On February 10, 2024, the Congregation cast ballots in support of electing a Senior Pastor. There were three candidates chosen to be balloted on: Rev. Anthony Haynes, Rev. Michael Thomas, and Rev. Dr. Damion T. Batts. Rev. Batts was chosen based on the votes to become the Pastor. Rev. Dr. Batts assumed leadership, as the ninth Pastor of Antioch, on March 17, 2024. His first sermon as Pastor-Elect was, “ By Faith and Not By Sight,” based on the Scripture found in II Corinthians 5:7. He is accompanied by his wife, Sis. Danielle J. Batts and their son, Vernon Jones.

Today, the church has three choirs, the Youth Choir, the Male Choir and the Unity Choir. Over the years, many excellent Ministers of Music have directed the Music Ministry. The following have served as Minister of Music: Mrs. Ianthia Virginia Uzzle (Mother of Music), for over 40 years until her death, on June 19, 1995; Dr. James E. Handy, Jr., for 41 years until his retirement; Mr. Ronn Harris (February 2009-April 2011); Mr. Ronnie Williams (August 2012 – February 2014, and 2018); Mr. Anthony Cook (February 2014 to 2015); and Mrs. Marsha Foster assumed the task of organist in 2015 to 2018. Mr. Ronnie Williams returned and was organist from 2018 - 2019. Upon the departure of Mr. Williams, Mrs. Foster resumed the position in 2019 and remains the current organist.

The following persons have worked in the administration office in the capacity of church secretary: Mrs. Ruby Rose Cooper (Deceased), Mrs. Irma Hines, Also the administrative assistant to Pastor Williams; Rev. Priscilla M. Snipes, and Ms. B. Anne Boone, the current secretary. The following persons have worked in the administration office as Church Clerk: Deacon James Cooper (Deceased), Jr., Deacon John T. Parker (Deceased), Mrs. Evelyn Robinson, and Ms. Shirley A. W. Cabarras, the current church clerk.

The following have contributed to enhance our Music Ministry:

Mr. George Lee, Organist; Mr. Wilbur Wells, Organist; Mr. Michael Sumler, Organist for 25 years; Mr. Bobby Robison, Youth Church Choir organist; Rev. Michael Harris and Mr. Chris Ray, organist and pianist; Mr. Samuel Williams, organist; Mrs. Diane Williams, organist; Mr. Kenneth Robinson, organist, Ms. Karen Young, organist, Mr. Brian Wilson, organist; Mrs. Novella West-Harris, organist (February 2009 – April 2011); Dea. Leroy Boone, Sr., guitarist; Mr. Earl Lewis, drummer; Shawn Robinson, drummer; Mr. Richard Cowell, saxophonist and clarinet; Ronald Pittman, bass guitarist; Elijah Saunders, drummer; Frances Lamptey, Keyboard and drummer; Corey Brown, drums; and Mr. Sylvester Starks, youth choir organist. Mrs. Rosa Norman, pianist; Mrs. Hattie Bullock, pianist for the Jubilee Choir; and Mrs. Mary Miller, Sunday school pianist. With the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Harris, the Music Ministry was again without a Minister of Music and an Organist. The task to find a musician became the responsibility of Dea. Leroy Boone, music ministry advisor to secure an organist for Sunday Services and when the church went out to other churches. The following have served as temporary organists: Dr. Harold Holmes, Mr. Rudy Castellanos, Mr. James “Jimmy Bee” Green, Mr. Ronnie Williams, Mr. Anthony Cook, and Mrs. Marsha Foster.