Church History
In the month of October 1960, the Rev. Ivory Bimbow met with five brethren to discuss the vision given to him by the Lord to organize a church. On November 6, 1960, the five brethren under the leadership of Rev. Ivory Bimbow met with a group of 26 worshipers to discuss that vision. At this meeting, the idea of Philippian Missionary Baptist church became a reality.
For the next six months, the Lord called Rev. Bimbow to conduct services for his pastor, Rev. A.L. Collins at the New Prospect Baptist church due to Rev. Collins’s illness. On April 16, 1961 the group held its second meeting. Plans were made to hold services at the Melrose YMCA. On April 23, 1961, the first worship service was held at the Melrose YMCA and by a unanimous vote the name Philippian Baptist Mission was adopted.
On May 14, 1961, the Philippian Baptist Mission was organized as the Philippian Missionary Baptist Church, with a total of 63 members present. On November 11, 1961, Philippian ordained its first Deacons, bringing the Deacon Board to seven. On February 4, 1962, the Philippian Baptist Church moved from the YMCA to 3609 Montgomery Road. Due to the increasing growth of Philippian's membership, we were forced to find larger quarters to worship. On April 24, 1963, Philippian moved to 1310 Clarion Avenue until the Lord led Rev. Bimbow to purchase the property at 1812 Brewster Avenue. In 1973 Pastor Bimbow and the church experienced a great awakening. The church purchased the property at 1806 Brewster Avenue. A new sanctuary was to be erected for worship services.
Our prayers were answered on the day of the groundbreaking for the building we are now in. Much was accomplished by our Pastor Ivory Bimbow in the eighteen years he was with us. On April 26, 1979, Pastor Ivory Bimbow was called from his labor to be with God.
On October 14, 1979, the Philippian family called Rev. Henry Wilson Jr. to be its leader. During Rev. Wilson's four years with Philippian, many great things were accomplished. We purchased the property at 1798 Brewster Avenue, the cornerstone was placed, and God allowed the church to grow immensely. Later, Rev. Wilson would go on to establish Cornerstone Baptist Church.
In 1984 the Lord heard our cry and sent a man who had the church and its mission at heart. Rev. Jesse O'Conner was that man. On September 7, 1986, the Church's 25th Anniversary, we were blessed to burn the Mortgage on the Church. Under the leadership of Pastor O'Conner, the deacon and trustee board expanded, a Bible study was added to the Wednesday night service, the lower level was prepared for multi-purpose rooms, the Rosebuds Choir, the Male Chorus, and the New Birth Inspirational Choir were added to our service. After 21 years of pastoring, Pastor O’Conner retired and became Pastor Emeritus. He would often visit Philippian and continued to show support until the Lord called him home on May 21, 2017.
After Pastor Jesse R. O'Conner retired, the church once again petitioned God for a new leader. Our prayers were answered when God sent us Rev. Dr. Rhansyl D. Harris in 2006. Under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous growth. His passion for preaching and teaching the word of God with truth, relevancy, and enthusiasm brought new life to the church. As a true visionary, Pastor Harris led the church to purchase additional property on Brewster Avenue. In 2007 the sanctuary underwent a major renovation. As the church sanctuary was being remodeled services were held in the church’s basement. Although the worship space was smaller, the spirit was even greater. Several members were added during this time and throughout Pastor Harris’ tenure at the church. Several deacons and ministers were ordained during this time as well. Many programs and ministries were added under his leadership that gave more life to the church.
In 2012 God brought Elder Robert T. Owsley to be our new leader. A strong preacher and teacher that emphasized biblical foundations and character. As pastor, Elder Owsley increased our relationship with the community. We were able to reunite with the community through our different outreach programs such as The Food Pantry and The Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner. Pastor Owsley strengthened the youth and senior ministries. He took a special interest in making sure the youth and senior members of the church were well supported and taken care of. Under his leadership, the church basement and kitchen received some updates, and the fellowship hall was rededicated as the Min. Percy L. Hubbard Fellowship Hall.
At the beginning of 2023 God sent us our current pastor, Rev. Derrick D. Myers. He is a son of Philippian and the great-grandson of our beloved founding pastor, Rev. Ivory Bimbow. Pastor Myers’ zeal to offer love to everyone that we encounter is allowing the church to once again grow and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. We look forward with great anticipation to what God is going to do for our church in the years to come.
