Second Baptist Church stands at 427 Chapman Lane, at 16th Street in Elyria, with a history that reaches back to 1933. It is known for Bible-centered worship and education paired with ministries for nearly every stage of life, from Children's Church and youth choirs to men's, women's, couples' and seniors' groups. The church connects that church life with local mission, a prison ministry, community events and support for a sister church in Jamaica.
Sunday worship at 427 Chapman Lane
Sunday begins at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school. Adult classes are offered in person and on Zoom, while children's classes for ages 4 to 16 meet in person. Morning worship follows at 10:05 a.m. in person and online. The 6:30 p.m. gathering combines worship with Bible study. Worship is presented as "real worship," and all are welcome to worship and serve. Online participation is available through the church's Facebook livestream, with morning worship also available on Zoom and by conference call.
- 9:30 a.m. Sunday school
- 10:05 a.m. Morning worship
- 6:30 p.m. Evening worship and Bible study
On the first Sunday, baptism is at 9 a.m. and communion is at 9:30 a.m. The weekly rhythm also includes Wednesday's Call to Prayer from noon to 12:30 p.m., The Connection Bible study at 7 p.m. by audio or Zoom, and Precious Moments with Him on Friday, beginning with meditation at 6:45 a.m. and prayer at 7. The Wednesday prayer meeting and Bible study is held at 3:30 p.m. by conference call.
For people arriving directly from a third shift, the church says to come as they are rather than go home first. The church office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at (440) 323-1510.
Children and youth have a substantial place in the church family
Children's Church meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second and third Sundays for children age 11 and under. The wider youth schedule includes:
- Teen Church on second Sundays
- Youth Day every fourth Sunday
- Vacation Bible School for ages four who are potty trained through 12th grade, with snacks served
Children's Sunday school classes for ages 4 through 16 meet in person. Beyond the regular gatherings, the youth roster includes Cherub Choir, Youth Choir, Puppet Ministry, Young Davids, Guild Girls, Hype Night, Praise in the Parking Lot and Praise Dancers. The church treats Christian stewardship for youth as essential to church growth.
Learning and fellowship for adults and families
Adult Christian education centers on the study of God's Word, worship, fellowship and service. Adult Sunday school classes meet in person and on Zoom. The men's class is intended to cultivate Christian life through Scripture, mentor young men and boys, and train unchurched men toward a personal relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ.
Men, seniors and fellowship circles
Laymen and Men's Fellowship meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays, led by Deacon Jeffrey McCullough. Its activities include seminars, retreats, mentoring, workshops, services and fellowship with other Christian brothers. Seniors on the Move meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on the Monday following the second Sunday. The Harrison and Rucker Circle meets every fourth Monday from 6 to 7 p.m.
Couples, singles and family fellowship
Singles, married couples and seniors serve through ministries that provide Bible study, group support, outreach and social events. Couples meet monthly for "caring and sharing," and the church also hosts spiritual enrichment retreats, bus excursions, family nights and special holiday events.
Music, welcome and practical care
Music for worship and evangelism
The Youth Choir meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. under Sister Karla Bowen. Its purpose is to edify and encourage the Body of Christ, evangelize the Word of God through song, and facilitate corporate communion with God. Musicians Noreena Porter and Deacon Mario Wicks are on the staff; Bro. Zion Corn serves as youth drummer and organist, Min. Hamp Horton as drummer, and Denzel Derrico as youth drummer.
Hospitality, local circles and health support
The Courtesy Ministry meets from 6:15 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday under Sister Alicia Flowers. Its focus is making visitors comfortable and officially welcoming them with the love of Jesus. The two usher boards meet on third Mondays: Board #1 from 7 to 8 p.m. and Board #2 from 6 to 7 p.m. Their doorkeepers assist with seating parishioners and visitors and help maintain order in worship.
The Outreach Circle meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Made up of working women, homemakers and mothers, it ministers to the needs of all ages and promotes local mission. The Nurse's Guild meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday, assists the membership during and after worship, educates congregants about health issues and healthy alternatives, and sponsors health programs each year.
Mission reaches from Elyria to Jamaica
Mission is at the forefront of the church's service to fellow human beings. Second Baptist supports its sister church in Jamaica both spiritually and financially. Local mission work includes the "A Taste of South" community festival, a prison ministry and a home mission DVD program. Pastor Carl P. Small calls evangelism "the heartbeat of the Baptist Church." He explains that a spoken profession of faith needs a foundation and understanding of God's love, so the church combines leading people to Christ with discipleship, knowledge of the Word, training and teaching. Financial participation is also available through online giving.
An education wing and fellowship hall extend the work
The addition of its educational wing and fellowship hall allows Second Baptist to serve the community more effectively and offer rental space for meetings and other gatherings. The expanded setting supports the congregation's Christian education, worship and fellowship, while the fellowship hall makes room for church and community gatherings.
What Second Baptist Church believes
The Bible is the sacred Word of God. The church confesses belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in worshiping and praising God. Matthew 28:18-20 frames its welcome with Jesus' command to go and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The ABCs of salvation, drawn from Romans 10:9-10, are: Accept Jesus Christ into your heart; Believe that Jesus died for your sins; and Confess with your mouth that He is Lord. The church also emphasizes growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, describing a personal relationship with God as essential to a faith that remains connected.
Long-serving pastoral leadership
Rev. Dr. Carl P. Small is the church's pastor. He was licensed December 21, 1975, and ordained January 7, 1981, as a Union District Missionary. The church's motto is "A Church Which Exalts The Savior, Equips the Saints, Evangelizes the Sinners." He is moderator of the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association and fourth vice president of the Ohio Baptist General State Convention.
The wider ministry team includes Rev. Jeff Mills as senior associate minister; Rev. Juanita Gray and Min. Rochell Corn as associate ministers; and Min. Renetta Hubbard as evangelist. First Lady Sylvia Small directs youth ministry. The Church Council brings ministry officers and chairpersons together for quarterly church updates.
Baptist associations across Ohio and the nation
Among the Baptist associations connected with Second Baptist are the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association, the Ohio Baptist General Convention and the Congress of Christian Education. The Northern Ohio district focuses on implementing the Great Commission through T.E.A.M. God and emphasizes teaching, evangelizing, affirming faith and ministry.
The Ohio Baptist General Convention traces its present form to the Ohio Baptist State Convention (Colored), founded in 1896, with earlier Providence, Eastern and Western associations dating to 1834 and 1872. The national body is the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., founded in 1886 and identified as the nation's oldest and largest African American religious convention.
At 427 Chapman Lane in Elyria, Second Baptist Church gathers across generations for worship, learning, music, fellowship and service. Rooted in 1933 and connected through district, state and national Baptist associations, the church carries a broad church-family vision into its work with children, adults, families and the community.