Black History Month: Sandusky's pioneer African American church

Editor's note: Throughout February, commemorating Black History Month, the Register will profile significant people and noteworthy events related to Sandusky. The following is a piece published by the Sandusky Library History Blog. SANDUSKY — In May 1949, the Second Baptist Church, then led by the Rev. R.T. Booker, celebrated its centennial anniversary of service to the African American community in Sandusky. (The Sandusky Library Archives Research Center has a copy of the commemorative program, as well as one for the 150th anniversary in 1999.) The church, on Decatur Street in downtown Sandusky, was founded in 1849 by Sandusky residents, including Maria Winifred French, Laurence Johnston and Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Jones. At first called Zion Baptist Church, it soon became known as the Anti-Slavery Baptist Church until 1920 when the church was incorporated under its present name. Early members, most notably George J. Reynolds, were active in the Underground Railroad, aiding many people to escape to Canada. The original building was acquired by church members, and it served as the house of worship until 1934 when the present church was constructed around the frame of the earlier building. As the church grew and became self-sustaining, members were able to hire their first pastor in 1856, Rev. Israel Campbell. The longest-serving pastor at Second Baptist was Rev. W. Benson Stephens, who served from 1972 to 2008. The church continues to serve the community more than 170 years after its founders established the church as a weapon against slavery and a beacon to those seeking freedom and faith.