Second Baptist Church — the first African American church established in Baldwin — celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sept. 28 with a special service honoring a century of faith, resilience and community leadership.
Originally founded in 1924 by 10 charter members in the Rockville Centre home of Deacon Benjamin Jenkins, Second Baptist has grown from a small gathering of believers into a vibrant congregation of more than 700 members.
The church formally organized in 1925 under its first pastor, the Rev. T.C.M. Lockhart, of Inwood. As membership expanded, the congregation moved several times within Rockville Centre before eventually settling in Baldwin, where it has become a cornerstone of the community.
The Rev. G. Maurice McRae Jr., who joined the church as its pastor in March 2022, said he’s drawn inspiration from the warmth of the Baldwin community and the congregation’s energy.
“The Baldwin community has been great. We’ve been accepted with open arms — full of love,” he said. “It’s definitely a new atmosphere, but the transition has been great.”
McRae, who previously led Little Rock Baptist Church in Brooklyn for 11 years, said Second Baptist’s centennial celebration represented both reflection and renewal.
“It’s a great milestone because it speaks to the great legacy of the church and the longevity of the church — how we’ve been able to overcome some really great obstacles and are still striving and thriving in this day and time,” McRae said. “God has really been gracious to the Second Baptist Church.”
Over the past century, Second Baptist has endured fires, relocation, and even a 1950 train collision that claimed 32 lives near its former building. Immediately following that tragedy, the church served as a makeshift “saving station” for first responders and medical personnel — a moment that solidified its reputation as a place of service and compassion.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Howell Blacknall Perry, who served from 1947 to 1962, the church joined the Eastern Baptist Association, the New York State Empire Baptist Convention, and the National Baptist Convention.
Another major milestone came in 1995, when the Rev. Preston Harrington Drinks became pastor and moved the congregation to Baldwin, making it the first African American church in the hamlet.
That same spirit of perseverance continued in 2015, when a car crashed into the church building just hours before Sunday service. No one was injured, and worship continued later that morning.
Since taking over the pulpit, McRae has focused on revitalizing the congregation — spiritually, financially and generationally.
“We’ve grown in more sophisticated ways,” he said. “What’s been most exciting is seeing the excitement of the church revived — people growing spiritually and enjoying worship again. The whole vibe has really changed.”
Sheila Wilson-Wells, the executive administrator who has been part of the church for 27 years, said she has witnessed that transformation firsthand.
“My pastor is so humble, but since he’s come, we’ve been able to revitalize the church across generations,” she said. “We have a lot more youth and young adults attending — which is phenomenal at a time when many churches are diminishing in number.”
For Wilson-Wells, the centennial is deeply personal.
“I’m just amazed that I can be part of a church celebrating 100 years,” she said. “To have seen the church through the pandemic and now see where we are on the other side — it’s a testament that God is truly faithful and that we’re still a beacon of light in Baldwin.”
Elected officials, including Debra Mulé, alternate deputy minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, joined parishioners for the milestone celebration.
“Through many trials over the years, the Second Baptist Church of Baldwin and its congregation has persevered and thrived with guidance from their unwavering faith,” Mulé said. “Congratulations to Rev. Maurice McRae Jr. and the entire Second Baptist family for achieving this milestone — may you have another 100 years of uplifting your congregation and your community.”
As the church looks toward its next century, McRae said he’s intent on strengthening community partnerships and expanding outreach through a new nonprofit initiative.
“We’ve adopted the tag ‘the church without walls,’” McRae said. “We want to be a community of faith that’s far more than just meeting in a building — to really expand our reach so it’s undeniable that Second Baptist is relevant and vibrant in the community.”
Looking ahead, Wilson-Wells added that a nonprofit, now in development, would focus on mentoring, youth empowerment and community service.
“Our goal is to transform some of the work we already do through this nonprofit,” she said. “We want to continue serving the community in new and lasting ways.”
For McRae, that vision is rooted in hope and inclusion.
“I’ve been very intentional about positioning younger generations in leadership,” he said. “We want their voices heard — to attack systemic issues with fresh minds. We have a great future in leadership and where we’re going as a church.”
