History of 6th B.C.

The roots of The Sixth Baptist Church, founded in 1858, trace back to Coliseum Square Baptist Church. In 1858, African-Americans attended Coliseum Square, but were not treated as other members. For example, African-Americans at Coliseum, as at many other churches, had to sit separate from White members.  Not wishing to endure such indignity, a group of enslaved African-Americans and Free Africans (Negroes) left Coliseum Square. And in 1858, three years prior to the start of the Civil War, when millions of African-Americans were still forced to be slaves, the Sixth Baptist Church was founded. Since 1858, the church has had two locations.

Its first location, established by the founders, was on Rousseau street. Sixth Baptist remained on Rousseau street for 16 years, until 1874, at which time the church reorganized and relocated to its current address, 928 Felicity street. In 1874, the church was able to move by purchasing a horse stable and a house at 928-30 Felicity street. The stable at 928 was demolished and the church was erected at that site. The house at 930 Felicity street was used as a parsonage for several pastors. In 1959, the wood frame church building, having suffered much decay, was demolished. During the next two years, the congregation worshipped in the home of the Dugas family at 237 Lowerline street and in the parsonage at 930 Felicity street. In 1961, the present edifice was completed at a cost of $27,500. This monumental task was taken on by 40 members, who stepped out on faith without a pastor. The final note was paid in September of 1983. Sixth Baptist has had eight God-inspired pastors.

The first pastor, Rev. John Marks, served for 46 years. The second pastor was Rev. Lott Johnson, who served 17 years. The third pastor was Rev. Matthew Rivers, who served 29 years. The fourth pastor was Rev. Joseph Henry, who served 6 years. The fifth pastor was Rev. George Simeon, who served 15 years. The sixth pastor was Rev. Murphy McCaleb, who served 5 years. The seventh pastor was Rev. Tyrone G. Francis, who served 14 years. The eighth and current pastor is Rev. Torin T. Sanders, Ph.D., who has served 29 years. The history of Sixth Baptist is, in itself, a record of the move of God and the presence of His spirit in His people. The history of Sixth Baptist is also part of the story of the struggle of Africans in America, overcoming indignity and adversity, and walking by faith.