This group of dedicated souls were: Brothers Verinette Anderson, Willie Harris, F.W. Wilson, Reverend B.T. Mayfield, Sisters Bessie Mayfield, Lola Hayes, Helen Marie Pope and the Robinsons. Rev. Mayfield stated the purpose of the meeting and Sister Hayes was selected as temporary clerk. Rev. Mayfield played a major role in getting the group organized.
After organizing the church the question of a name came up. Someone suggested that since the white Baptist church was named the First Baptist Church, their newly organized church should be called the Second Baptist Church. And that is how Second Baptist got its’ name.
The church decided to call a pastor and were led by the Spirit to call Rev. B.T. Mayfield. There was no place to meet and hold services so the members took turns meeting in one another’s homes. Prayer services were held each Wednesday night and Rev. Mayfield brought the lessons. God blessed the members and they proceeded to purchase a parcel of land where the old sanctuary (fellowship hall) presently stands.
The members contributed money and bought a 20’ X 40’ tent for $35.00. They worshipped and praised the Lord in that tent for approximately nine months. Due to the rapid growth of the membership, they were forced to erect a building to accommodate the congregation. In one year, the membership had grown to a commendable enrollment of 300 and they added more than sixteen departments to the church.
We praise God with love and thanksgiving for the privilege of reaching another milestone in our rich spiritual history. Those that have built the foundation are remembered with honor for leading, teaching, and praying for us. We stand on the foundation of the Holy Scriptures. We will continue to love one another with Agape love. We will remain diligent in our prayer life, continually seeking our Heavenly Father’s guidance in all endeavors.
Over the past 77 years, seven pastors have served Second Baptist Church. The Holy Spirit led Reverend Mayfield to Reno, Nevada. Reverend C.H. Haden became the second pastor, serving for approximately two years.
Reverend I.W. Lewis was the third pastor and he served for about one year. It was under his leadership that in 1949 a $3,500 building fund was established. In October 1949,
Reverend V.C.L. Coleman accepted the call as Pastor, becoming the fourth pastor
of Second Baptist Church. Pastor Coleman served faithfully for over 25 years until failing health caused him to retire. He is fondly remembered for his service and dedication.
Reverend Joseph Jefferson became the fifth pastor serving for approximately two years.
In June 1978, Reverend Willie Davis accepted the call to pastor what is now called the “Miracle on Madison Avenue”. He was the sixth pastor. Pastor Davis’ 29 years of leadership is noteworthy. Through his vision and leadership, the Second Baptist Church membership, ministry, and outreach grew tremendously.
In July 2007, Reverend Namon Johnson became the Interim Pastor of Second Baptist. Reverend Johnson served until October 2008.
In November 2008, the membership called Reverend D. Edward Chaney. Reverend Chaney was installed in March 2009 as the seventh pastor of Second Baptist Church during our 67th Church Anniversary Celebration.
In September 2019, Reverend Clayton D. Moore answered the call of God to serve as the eighth Pastor of the “Miracle on Madison Avenue”
In 1997 Pastor Moore was called to his first pastorate at the St. Savior Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Under his leadership the church experienced great success by eliminating all church debt, the implementation of a full time staff and expansion of the Christian education ministries.
Pastor Moore was educated in the public school system of Caddo Parish. He has always had a passion for the Word of God, motivating him to further his studies earning a Bachelors of Theology from the United Theological Seminary and Bible College in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1995, Bachelors of Science degree in Organizational Management from Wiley College in Marshall, TX in 1997, and a Masters of Divinity degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas in 2003. Pastor Moore desires to continue his professional training by obtaining a Doctorate of Ministry and has been invited to do so at many seminaries.
Pastor Moore’s philosophy of ministry is simple but yet profound. He is committed to bringing humanity in relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by emphasizing membership in His family, maturity to Christ likeness, and ministries to demonstrate His love while magnifying God through authentic worship and praise.
On September 1, 2019 Pastor Moore began his tenure as the eighth pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Las Vegas, NV.
Pastor Moore is a dedicated husband, married to the humble and beautiful Ronda Renita Moore for 30 years. She is a graduate of Wiley College with a Bachelors of Science degree. She also is a graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in Religious Education. Her passions are administration and the education of the people of God to live and serve the kingdom of God. They are proud parents of Carlton D. Moore. His passions are sports and video games.
Lady Ronda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Willow Chute Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert Terrell. She later joined the Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Joseph E. Martin. After marrying Pastor Moore, in support of his ministry, she became a member of the Bread of Life Community Church, St. Rest Baptist Church and is currently a member of Second Baptist Church. During her spiritual journey, she has served as a Sunday School Teacher, Church Financial Secretary,
Vacation Bible School Teacher, Christian Education Director, Women’s Ministry Director, and she served on several committees. Lady Ronda currently serves on the Second Baptist Church Outreach Ministry and the Media Ministry, with her son. She is proud of serving with all the wonderful people of this church family. She considers it a double blessing to serve with members of her immediate family on church ministries. Her passions are administration, organization, and the education of the people of God on how to live and serve the “Kingdom of God.” Her favorite scripture is “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
God has faithfully guided our church through the years, blessing us with spaces where worship, fellowship, learning, and service can flourish. From our worship gatherings to spaces dedicated to ministry and community, every part of our church reflects His provision and our commitment to serving His people.
