Our Church

Second Baptist Church was organized in Rockville Centre, NY in 1924 at the home of Deacon & Mrs. Benjamin Jenkins with 10 members and became a formal organization in 1925. The first Pastor was Reverend T.C.M Lockhart of Inwood, NY. As the membership grew, the church moved to a larger three family house located at 26 Banks Avenue in Rockville Centre with its second Pastor, Reverend F.B. Banks who served for three and a half years until relocating to California.

The third Pastor was Reverend J. Oscar Jones who served until January 1941. Under his leadership the Church became incorporated in 1932. Due to a building fire we temporarily relocated to Front Street in R.V.C. until repairs were completed. During the year of 1934, Second Baptist purchased a building and a 90 x 100-foot lot for $13, 500.00, making their monthly mortgage payment $50. After Reverend Jones resigned to become Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, N.Y. We were blessed with our fourth Pastor, Reverend I.T. Hayes, in July of 1941. During that same year, the Church was consumed by fire, and we moved to the Community Center on Nassau Avenue in Rockville Centre.

A new Church was built in 1942 at the cost $5,000.00, which was paid in full with no Mortgage. In 1947 with 300 members, Reverend Hayes sadly left Second Baptist to care for his ailing father, making room for our fifth Pastor, Reverend Howell Blacknall Perry who served from 1947 to 1962. Under Pastor Perry’s leadership we became a member of the Eastern Baptist Association, the New York State Empire Baptist Convention, and the National Baptist Convention. New Ministries were formed: the Excelsior Spiritual Choir, SBC Choir, Young Women’s Club, Usher Board, Missionaries, Pastor’s Aide, Trustee Board and the Up & Doing Fellowship.

On February 17, 1950, at 10:30 pm, two Long Island Railroad trains collided by our Church building, where 32 lives were lost and more than 100 people injured. The Second Baptist Church building served as a “Saving Station” for medical personnel and the local Police. In appreciation of our service, the R.V.C. Major, Mr. W. Harry Lister along with the Chamber of Commerce President, Mr. C.V. Days, and the Nassau County Building Department Superintendent, Mr. H. Longnecker donated funds to remodel our Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. In May of 1963 the Late, Reverend Charles W. Durden became our sixth Pastor in 1967. Under his Leadership a new building was erected at 26 Banks Avenue of Rockville Centre. During the construction of our new Edifice, we worshipped with the St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church of Rockville Centre. After the Grand Opening of our New Church, Ministries were re-organized: the Men’s Club, Male Chorus, Willing Workers, the Young Matrons, and the Junior Choir. Pastor Durden served tirelessly for 31 glorious years and was elevated to Pastor Emeritus in 1994.

In May 1995, Reverend Preston Harrington Drinks became our seventh and current Pastor. Under his Leadership a new and energized Second Baptist Church was born. Our Ministry increased greatly in in number and in spirit. We relocated from Banks Avenue to a brief stay at the Masonic Temple in Rockville Centre while our new home at 2040 Grand Avenue was being constructed.

Second Baptist made history by becoming the First African American Church in Baldwin, N.Y. Currently we have 782 members and growing. With his dynamic Leadership New Ministries have been formed, Men’s Fellowship Ministry, Sisterhood Fellowship, The Greeters, NIA Girls Fellowship, S.B.C. Praise Team, The Drama Ministry, Praise Dance Ministry, Youth & Young Adult Fellowship, The Spirit of the Dove Newsletter, The Scholarship Ministry, The Fellowship Ministry, the pew Committee, The Mothers Board, S.B.C. Girl Scout Troop 2494, The Health & Wellness Ministry, Chosen Generation Youth Choir and The Security Ministry.

On June 5, 2008 we broke ground on the McKenna Place Property which was purchased in 1997 with the vision to build a glorious 20,000 square foot Edifice, a holy Place; believing that God would be exalted in this Holy Temple. We remain prayerful while the construction continues and is nearing completion.

On Sunday, March 8, 2015, at approximately 4:30 am, our current Church sustained a major accident. A driver lost control of his vehicle while driving southbound on Grand Avenue. The vehicle hydroplaned hitting a tree, the fence and into the Church. The vehicle was lodged between the doorway and the vestibule. As Angels protected and surround the Church, the accident occurred before the regularly scheduled 8 AM Service and before many of the worshipers would have been in the Church building. Additionally, and miraculously the driver and passengers were able to free themselves from the wreckage and depart without any assistance. We are truly grateful that no one was injured as a result of the collision.

After the accident our Church Family began gathering in the Parking Lot. Under the leadership of Pastor Drinks, successful negotiations with the Building Officials and Pastor’s SBC Construction Team, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy was granted that very morning. Pastor Drinks held the first Worship Service at the 800 McKenna Place Edifice, still under construction but opened according to God’s Plan. To God be the Glory. Upon completion we will have full access to the edifice which would allow all ministries to go forth and serve in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In March of 2020 our seventh Pastor passed way during the Worldwide Pandemic, COVID 19 causing Second Baptist Church to close its doors to all Services and Events by Government Mandate. We were unable to Eulogize Pastor Drinks as a Church Family.

With our Church being closed and the uncertainty of the length of time that the Pandemic would exist there was an urgent need to maintain spiritual communicate and to keep our Church Family united. Thank God for the quick accessible technology of the Telephone. The Teleconference Worship Line was created to replace our Sunday Morning Worship and our weekly Bible Study. After a worshiping by Teleconference for nine months. In November of 2020 a Zoom Worship Experience was created that enabled our members to access by all modern technology devices and what world of a difference. As the Second Baptist Church was closed for two years due to the Pandemic, some governmental restrictions were being

lifted and we were able to reopen our Church doors for Worship on Sunday, December 19, 2021. We are so thankful for how our God has sustained this Ministry.

On, January 12, 2022, Reverend G. Maurice McRae was elected as our 8th Pastor to serve our congregation. We look forward to all the great things that God has in store for us. As it is written, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jerimiah 29:11

For 97 years the people of God called, the Second Baptist Church, have placed special emphasis on reaching men and women and restoring them to their rightful place, teaching our youth and being a blessing to the elderly. The God we have served for Nine Decades is a Protector, a Healer, and a Provider. He is truly an awesome God.

“But as it is written, Eyes hath not see, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9