You are welcome at ABC!

The Antioch Baptist Church was organized in 1890, in a log cabin at Knowlin Station, which is now known as Goodyear Tire & Rubber. Rev. R. W. Pope served as the first pastor. The church which is now known as the Antioch Baptist Church, moved to its’ present site, which was donated by Lemuel and Martha Green.  In 1892, a straight plank building was erected with approximately twenty members. After Rev. Pope’s pastorate, the following ministers served as pastors of the new church: Rev. H. H. Middleton, Rev. C. Curry, Rev. J. H. Blankenship and Rev. C. A. Mallory, until 1906. A more modern church was erected and other ministers were called and served from 1906 to 1943. On November 7, 1943, Rev. E. B. DeYampert was called and served successfully for twenty years.  Under his administration, a new brick building was erected which contained an auditorium and an annex.  Upon retiring, he was able to be a recipient of Social Security Benefits, of which the Antioch Baptist Church had been a contributor. The church called Rev. H. J. Hoyt as pastor, who served until 1977. In January, 1978, Rev. T. L. Lewis was called and served five years.  Under his administration, many accomplishments were achieved. In May, 1983, Rev. James M. Granger was called as pastor. Under his administration, many auxiliaries and offices were established.
In May, 1992, Rev. Larry G. Weathers was called as pastor.  Under his administration, the senior citizen group was formed, a youth group, B.T.U. was reorganized, a witnessing outreach ministry organized, mass choir formed, organized Laymen’s Movement, added drummer and guitarist to the music department, Television Ministry organized and a Day Care Facility was established.  Different ministries have been added through the missionary society, namely: the Spiritual Crusaders, the Focus Group, Circle # 1, R.M. Ellison Circle and other circles have been revised. The church adopted the Love Center, whereas, regular benevolence is contributed. There have been other accomplishments.  An annual pledge program was developed in 2005. The ABC Soup Kitchen, a food ministry, was organized June, 2006 to give a nutritious meal to people who are hungry. We started Boy Scouts Troop and were affiliated with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Amache Program.
The Family Life Center was officially opened February, 2007 where we originated the “Taste of Antioch” which has been celebrated each year.  We were spiritually and financially blessed. There are several programs held within the Family Life Center: namely, a cooking program for the young girls, a Tutoring class, an exercise class, a physical fitness program, a gym recreation, and a women’s bible study class.  We do, however, have other exciting programs planned for the near future.
The membership continues to experience great spiritual and physical blessings.  We are still financially blessed thanks to the teaching of fasting, praying, tithing and increased faith by our dedicated pastor.  God continues to bless us with people who are committed to the up building of His Kingdom.
The church has seen tremendous growth over the years from 1890 to 2019. We have come a long way, leaning and depending on the Lord. That’s why, “We don’t feel no ways tired, for we’ve come too far from where we started from”. For God has brought us from a mighty long way. “We’ve come this far by faith”. Looking back over the achievements we have made, it brings us together to commemorate the joys we’ve shared.