That very same year, Dr. Andrew Broaddus of Calvary--now Salem Baptist Church in Sparta, Virginia gave his black members two options. They could either remain as members of Salem, provided they continued to sit in the balcony, pay whatever dues assessed them and take no part in the business of the church; or they could withdraw and organize a church of their own.

 

On the fourth Sunday in May 1866, a meeting was held under a tree in the yard of Mr. Garland Samuel's home near Lauraville to decide upon which course the black Christians would take. Among to express their desire to accept the second option and withdraw were brothers Spence Todd and Wilson L. Young--both who would later pastor Jerusalem Baptist Church. 

 

When Dr. Andrew Broaddus realized that the black members had decided to withdraw, he was on the verge of thrusting them out when his son intervened. The Rev. Luther Broaddus advised him to assist the blacks in the establishment of their own church. There upon, his father accepted the suggestion and set a meeting for June 6, 1866 to organize his black flock into a Missionary Baptist Church. 

 

When the time came, Dr. Broaddus and his son, Luther organized the Jerusalem Baptist Church with the Rev. Gabriel Winston as pastor, and the Rev. Henry Young as his assistant. For about two years, Jerusalem had no regular place for meeting. At one time, services were held in the home of Brother Minor Young. Later, the members worshipped at Old Antioch Church, within three miles of Bowling Green. 

 

In 1868, the church purchased one acre of land for $15.00 on the present site and built an arbor under which they worshipped God. The next year, a log house was erected out of some of the timber that grew on the lot. In 1869, the congregation had greatly increased because of the converts from the grand revival; it was necessary to remodel the first church in 1871. In 1904 the church edifice was remodeled under the leadership of Dr. Randolph W. Young.  During his 26 year tenure, education and community improvement were top priorities and many ministries were added to meet the needs of the people.  Following his death, Rev. A.P. Young became pastor in 1930.  Dr. A.P. Young served the people of Jerusalem through WWII, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as the fight for Civil Rights. In addition a new church was erected in 1966 and dedicated in 1967. 

 

In 1992 and again in 1997 under the pastoral leadership of Dr. William House the faithful members of Jerusalem completed additions to the church which included classrooms, a new kitchen, library, and a study. Currently, we are looking forward to further developments which we believe will come to pass according to the will of God.  

 

The building and physical advancement of Jerusalem Baptist Church is secondary to the many lives that have been transformed after coming into relationship with God through Christ Jesus. Jerusalem has stood and continues to stand as a beacon of hope for so many persons seeking a Word from God. By the grace of God many men and women have labored over the years to make Jerusalem what it is today and with each challenge we have encountered, we became stronger in our faith.

The story however does not end here. We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow. Add your brick to the kingdom building process.

 

Pastors of JBC  

 

Rev. Gabriel Winston                1869-1870

Rev. Herod Johnson                  1870-1872

Rev. Henry L. Young                 1872-1881

Rev. W.L. Young                      1903-1904

Rev. Spencer Todd                   1881-1903

Rev. R.W. Young                     1903-1930

Rev. Dr. A.P. Young                 1930-1975

Rev. Henry Blunt                      1975-1979

Rev. Reginald Stevens              1980-1984

Rev. Willie L. Banks                 1985-1990

Rev. William D. House              1991-1996

Rev. Dr. Willie L. Banks            1998-2001

Rev. Gregory M. Howard           2002-2007

Rev. Jared Beasley                  2008-Present