Our History
Second Baptist Church of Miami, Florida (Richmond Heights) was founded in 1964. Thirteen men of God gathered together to organize an additional place to worship in the Richmond Heights area. Under the leadership of Reverend John A. Ferguson, these men met initially in homes to make plans for this new church. Deacon Israel Benbow, oldest deacon, offered the name SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
Locating a place to worship became a priority. The first place for general worship was 11101 Pinkston Drive; the Richmond Heights water pump and storage building. The building was renovated by the water company for church utilization.
The men and their families embraced other believers and church membership grew. Four deacons and four trustees were selected. The deacons were Sherman Clark, Israel Benbow, Alphonso Thomas and Amos Larkins Sr. The four trustees were Andrew Green, Donald Hollis, Burk Jones, Sr. and James Marshall. The two groups worked together in a collaborative effort to provide structure and establish guidelines for the church. Andrew Green served as chairman, William Sullivan as secretary, and James Marshall as treasurer. The deaconesses, organized by Reverend Ferguson in May 1964, were Myrtle Benbow, Dinah Larkins, Adeline Sanders and Drucilla Thomas.
Fifty three members, which included the original thirteen men applied for and received the Charter from the State of Florida. The official organization and charter was adopted on May 17, 1964.
A growth in church membership dictated a move to a larger facility. The church was moved to the Richmond Heights Community Building at 11111 Pinkston Drive. This building previously housed the community post office, store, hair salon, and was used for community activities. The building was renovated by members of the church for worship. A separate building was also rented temporarily to the Dade County Public School Board for its kindergarten program. Hurricane Andrew severely damaged the church building and the daycare facility in 1992. However, church members repaired the building and continued to use it as the place of worship.
Due to the enormous growth in church membership, a new sanctuary was built adjacent to the previous facility. Members joyfully marched from the renovated facility to the new edifice at 11111 Pinkston Drive on April 16, 1995, Easter Sunday.
Continuing the mission of the church to impact the community, the church completed plans for a new day care facility, named the “Children's Learning Center”. Reverend John A. Ferguson, a God - fearing, loving, caring, outstanding pastor, and servant to the church members and the community, (local, state and national) served untiringly for thirty - six years. He retired as pastor on September 30, 2000, and was designated Pastor Emeritus.
Reverend Alphonso Jackson, Sr., pastor for fifteen years at St. James Baptist Church in Coconut Grove, Florida, succeeded Reverend Ferguson to become the second pastor of Second Baptist Church on October 1, 2000.
