Youngstown church celebrates 150 years

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A Youngstown church that’s been around for 150 years celebrated that impressive milestone Friday night.

For 64 years — since 1960, Third Baptist Church has been located on Park Hill Avenue off of Glenwood on Youngstown’s south side.

At 93, Genny Mason is one of the oldest members of Third Baptist Church, which she’s been attending since age 5.

“I’ve been at Third Baptist ever since and I haven’t missed. I go every Sunday,” she said.

Mason was one of 200 people at Stambaugh Auditorium, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the church.

“One hundred fifty years for anything and especially for a church. I think that’s a great tribute to what God can do for the church community,” said deacon Larry Johnson.

Among the photos on display were the first church on Mill Street, the second on Mahoning Avenue and the third on Oak Hill.

At the current church on Park Hill, there’s a cornerstone dated 1912 — also showing that Third Baptist was organized in 1874 — and another cornerstone dated 1890.

Also remembered on this night was the Reverend Morris Lee — pastor from 1960 to 2019 and a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

“He really was a contributor to the community, to the growth of our church and to the growth of individuals like me. He was a very, very involved pastor,” Johnson said.

Jesse Carter, 94, is also a member of the congregation. He was Youngstown’s first Black firefighter, for which he feels like a trailblazer.

“Some things happened that would not have happened by now that did happen during the time I came through,” he said.

“I don’t think we’re going to let it die. I don’t think so and I have children behind me so I know they’re not going to let it die,” Mason said.

The featured speaker was the Reverend Marvin McMinkle, longtime pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland.

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