ANTIOCH HISTORY About us.
HISTORY OF ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH
The Antioch Baptist Church was founded in 1917 in the homes of the Dunbar and Stewart families. As they met together to praise the Lord, it became necessary to move to a larger location where they would have enough space for their growing membership. They were thankful when they acquired a building on the 600 block of Central Avenue in South Camden where Rev. Sanders served as the first pastor. Sis. Lena Stewart, a founding member, donated the church’s first Bible and was appointed the church mother. The first official member was Ivory Adkins, who went on to become a Deacon and an ordained Minister of the Gospel.
During the following years, Antioch was served by many distinguished Pastors. Rev. Johnson, who became pastor after a brief tenure by Rev. Douse, accomplished much while at Antioch. It was under his leadership and guidance that the first organ was purchased and membership grew so great that the land was purchased at the corner of Ninth and Van Hook Streets in order to build a new church. However, due to economic hardships, the Antioch family decided to join their worship with another church. These two congregations praised the Lord together until Antioch raised enough money to build a church on the land they had purchased. The pastor of the new church on Ninth and Van Hook was Rev. Share. Under his leadership, membership rose and Antioch’s first choir was formed by Bro. Zena Nelson. His daughter, Willamea, was the organist.
Many men of God served as pastor after Rev. Share; namely, Rev. R. L. Thomas, Rev. B. J. Jackson, Rev. Hurst, Rev. L. C. Moore, and Rev. M. L. Henry. Antioch was proud to have been pastured by each one of these fine men. Under Rev. Henry’s direction, the Lord worked again to provide Antioch Baptist Church with another new home. Under his leadership, Antioch became incorporated on March 24, 1958. On October 4, 1959, Antioch purchased it's new home at Seventh Street and Ferry Avenue. A new church mother was appointed, Mother Beatrice Steele. Rev. Henry faithfully served Antioch for 14 years until he was called home to be with the Lord.
Rev. Rufus McLendon became the next pastor at Antioch Baptist Church until his resignation in 1979 in order to form his own church, Victory Baptist Church, in East Camden, NJ.
In July 1979, the Lord led Rev. John O. Parker, Jr. to become the next and present Pastor / Shepherd of the Antioch Baptist Church. Under Pastor Parker, membership continued to grow and again new property was acquired. An annex building next to the church was purchased at 1909 South Seventh Street, which housed the church office and meeting rooms. The church also purchased a parsonage located at 1152 Everett Street in South Camden.
Under Pastor Parker’s prayerful guidance, Antioch was ready once again to make a move. The Lord had given Rev. Parker a vision of a new church for Antioch. So, when a parcel of land became available bordered by Ferry Avenue, Seventh, Master, and Jefferson Streets, Pastor Parker urged the leadership to purchase this parcel of land. Once the land became the church’s property, the Building Fund Committee, Construction Committee and the Antioch congregation worked timelessly to bring the vision of a new church into fruition. On Sunday, October 15, 2000, Antioch Baptist Church moved into our new edifice at 690 Ferry Avenue and Master Streets.
Throughout Rev. Parker’s pastorate, Antioch has witnessed the birth of many new ministries. These ministries work diligently with the church’s other ministries to serve Antioch as well as the entire Camden community. A
few of these new ministries are: Bible Study Classes for all ages, Nurses Home, Multi-Media, New Members Classes, Food & Clothing, Outreach Prayer Substance Abuse, Men & Women’s Fellowship, Operation Manhood: a mentoring ministry for young boys, GLAM Squad: a mentoring ministry for young girls, Young Adult, Safe Surrender / Safe Path Program
The Church received its 501 © 3 IRS Tax Exemption on August 16, 1994, and established and filed for the incorporation of its Community Development Corporation on December 12, 1997. The first fruits of the CDC are Antioch Manor which was dedicated on October 9, 2006 and represents Phase I of the senior housing development and Phase II John Parker Hall which was dedicated on October 25, 2009 in Centerville, NJ.
For the first time in over 44 years, we enter the year 2022 without our shepherd our beloved Pastor, Rev. John O. Parker, Jr. a faithful and godly man, who gracefully retired in 2021. We know that God is faithful, and we are trusting that he will bless us with another godly leader.
In July 2023, the Lord led Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Steele to become our Transitional Pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church until June 2024 when his term was complete. We are still leaning on the Lord, in the pursuit of our search for a Senior Pastor.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, after a four year journey the Lord granted favor to Antioch Baptist Church and Rev. Jermaine T. Heath, Sr. to become our 13th Senior Pastor.
The church’s theme is “A Church on the Move for God”. Our theme is reflected in the progress we have made from our humble beginnings in the homes of the Dunbar and Steward families to where we are today.
To God be the Glory!
HISTORY
Rev. Jermaine T. Heath Sr.
