The Beginning

The congregation of Second Baptist Church began on February 22, 1942, when nine followers of Christ met in the home of Brother and Sister H.R. Robinson on 635 Jackson Street for the purpose of organizing a church. This group of dedicated souls were: Brothers Verinette Anderson, Willie Harris, F.W. Wilson; Reverend and Sister B.T. Mayfield; Sisters Lola Hayes, Helen Polk 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 and someone suggested that since the White Baptist church was named the First Baptist Church, this newly organized church should be called the Second Baptist Church.  And that is how Second Baptist got its name.

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 membership with a parcel of land where the old sanctuary presently stands and the members contributed money and bought a 20’ x 40’ tent for $35. Rev. Mayfield was called as the first pastor of Second Baptist, and the members worshipped and praised the Lord in the tent for approximately nine months.

The Leadership

Over the past 65 years, six pastors have served Second Baptist Church. Rev. Mayfield was called as the first pastor.  When the Holy Spirit led Rev. Mayfield to Reno, Nevada, Rev. C.H. Haden became the second pastor, serving for approximately two years.  Rev. 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, Rev. V.C.L. Coleman accepted the call as Pastor, becoming the fourth pastor of Second Baptist Church. Rev. Coleman served faithfully for over 25 years until failing health caused him to retire. He is fondly remembered for his service and dedication. The late Rev. Joseph Jefferson, who had served as Assistant Pastor under Rev. Coleman’s leadership, became the fifth pastor serving for approximately two years.  In June 1978, Rev. Willie Davis accepted the call to pastor what is now called the “Miracle on Madison Avenue”. He was the sixth pastor and served longstandingly for 29 years. Through his vision and leadership the Second Baptist Church membership, ministry, and outreach grew tremendously.

Currently the church has 19 associate ministers, 37 ordained deacons, 16 deaconesses, and 10 trustees serving, including 1 trustee-at-large.

Building and Expanding

Under the pastorate of Rev. Mayfield the membership grew and prospered to more than 300 and the membership decided to build a church edifice. The building was completed at a cost of $4,500 and more than 26 departments were added to the church.

Under Rev. Coleman’s leadership, the members decided to build an even larger edifice to accommodate the ever-increasing membership, which resulted in the completion of the old sanctuary.  In 1966 construction of an educational building began. This effort blessed Second Baptist with a pastor’s study (which is now the Evangelism Office), seven Sunday school rooms, a Sunday school superintendent’s office, finance room, choir room, ladies lounge, food storehouse for the poor and needy, and a kitchen and dining area.

Under the leadership of Rev. Willie Davis, the membership increased even more and in January 1985 architectural designs were drawn and in July 1987 ground breaking began on the present sanctuary that is the place of today’s worship. On March 17, 1991, the Second Baptist Church family and Las Vegas community celebrated the completion of Phase I with a grand opening and dedicatory service. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson was the 3pm guest speaker.  It was at this service that he honored Second Baptist and gave it the name of “Miracle on Madison Avenue.” Phase I included a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of 1600, a small chapel that was dedicated in the memory of former First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Davis, and 13 additional classrooms. 

Phase II included eight additional classrooms, a pastor’s study, administrative offices, finance office, commercial kitchen, custodian room, and deacons’ boardroom. Sister Lillie Scott donated all the furnishings for the deacons’ boardroom and it was dedicated in loving memory of her husband Deacon Jewel Scott. A state-of-the art sound system and radio broadcast studio were also installed and a marquee placed in front of the church, which displays the church name and upcoming events.

The old sanctuary was converted to a fellowship hall that is used for banquets and special events. It was named the V.C.L. Coleman Fellowship Hall and dedicated in his honor in May 1995.

In March 1996, the cornerstone was placed dedicating the “Miracle on Madison Avenue”.  In 1997 additional land was purchased to accommodate additional parking.

In March 2004, Second Baptist celebrated its 62nd church anniversary and mortgage burning ceremony.  Today the church is debt-free and to God be the glory!

Boldly Building Up the Body of Christ

Second Baptist Church has continued to reach for higher ground in its ministry and service to others. So seeing the lack of worship times to better accommodate the various schedules of many people in Las Vegas, Second Baptist became the first African-American congregation to begin an early morning worship service. To build upon the evangelistic charge of “meeting the people where they are”, the worship service began a live broadcast dedicated to those individuals who were sick, shut-in or unable to attend a church for regular fellowship. Even today, listeners can tune in on Sunday mornings at 8:15am to KCEP FM 88 for a spiritual uplifting.

Second Baptist Church is organized into several auxiliary ministries. There are more than 16 primary ministries providing many spiritual and educational purposes according to our God-given spiritual gifts.

Rededicating Ourselves for the Future

We praise God with love and thanksgiving for the privilege of reaching another anniversary 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 an agape love. We will remain diligent in our prayer life, continually seeking our Heavenly Father’s guidance in all endeavors.