Pentecost Baptist Church History

1906-Present

 

Pentecost Baptist Church was established in 1906 at 2118 D'Abadie Street in New Orleans, Louisiana and it was originally named the '"Rising Sun Baptist Church” pastored by Rev. Henry Butler.  Rev. Joseph Getridge became the under shepherd of the church upon the passing of Rev. Butler.

In the 1940’s, during World War II, a request was made to change the name of the church from the Rising Sun Baptist Church to Pentecost Baptist Church because Japan was known as "The Land of the Rising Son.” As Rev. Getridge's health began to fail, the First District Baptist Association installed Rev. Robert Peterson as the new pastor of Pentecost Baptist Church. He held this position until 1964.

On August 26, 1964, Rev. Charles B. Winslow, Jr. was installed as the new overseer and pastor of the church. Pentecost underwent many structural changes at its D’Abadie Street location. In 1979, under Rev. Winslow's leadership, the church purchased a parcel of land located on Harrison Avenue to accommodate the church's growth and development. April 9, 1995, Pentecost held a ground-breaking service at the site of their future edifice. The new edifice was officially dedicated on September 15, 1996, at its present location, 1510 Harrison Avenue. Though grander in its appearance the church remained "The Little Church with A Whole Lot of Fire. "

Rev. Winslow was called from labor to reward on April 23, 2001. Associate Minister, Rev. Lionel Davis, Sr. was elected and installed as the next pastor of Pentecost Baptist Church on May 22, 2001.

Spurred by a tremendous growth in membership, Rev. Davis created the Golden Agers Senior Group and an Educational and Outreach Program to serve the community.

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated our church building forcing members to live in various parts of the country while our city and beloved “Penny” lay dormant. After major reconstruction, Pentecost became one of the first churches to return to the area. The church reopened its doors for service in October 2006, and was paid in FULL ten years after its initial groundbreaking. The church continues to invest in the surrounding community and has increased its community involvement. We purchased the vacant lot across the street from the church for additional parking to accommodate its growing membership. Pentecost continues to be a church on the move.

March 2019, a global pandemic due to the Covid-19 virus was declared across the world leading to nationwide shutdowns. Weekly conference calls with the membership evolved into live broadcast via Facebook which continues to serve the body of Christ today.  In August 2021, while still battling the pandemic, the city was hit by a Category 4 Hurricane, Ida. Pentecost temporarily closed its doors, while services continued to be held online, via Facebook and through weekly conference calls. Favored by Almighty God, the congregation of Pentecost Baptist Church was able to return to their beloved sanctuary.

After 22 years of service, Rev. Davis was called home on July 21,2023. Through a difficult and trying process to select a new pastor; the congregation voted on November 4, 2023, and elected Rev. Clayton Johnson as the next pastor of Pentecost Baptist Church. Rev. Johnson was installed as pastor by First District Association on November 26, 2023. As pastor Rev. Clayton Johnson’s vision is to preach and teach the gospel boldly.  As a community church, we will be designated to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to serve this community in love.

Now, 117 years later. Pentecost Baptist Church remains "the little church with a whole lot of fire, where the pastor loves his people, and the people love their pastor."