For 104 years, we've been helping to spread God's good news here in Oxnard, California and throughout the world. We pray that God will continue to use our congregation for his glory.
SAINT PAUL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Saint Paul Baptist Church, organized in 1919, was the first African American Church in Ventura County. The first edifice was at 318 West Seventh Street under the leadership of Pastor J.D. Pettigrew.
- From 1942 to 1944, Rev. G.G. Bailey served as pastor, and the first Board of Deacons was formed.
- From 1944 to 1972, Rev. Jesse Walker pastored the Saint Paul Baptist Church. The Board of Trustees was formed, and Saint Paul Baptist Church was incorporated during this time. Evening church services were broadcast live from the sanctuary. In January of 1960, the edifice at 1354 South "C" Street was completed, and the first service was held on April 23, 1960. Church auxiliaries and ministries, a Young People's Department, a Foreign Mission Program, a Young People's Sunday Service and choir were organized, as well as Second Sunday Musicals.
- From 1972 to 1989, Rev. H.N. Edwards accepted a call to the ministry. In February 1973, he was installed as pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church. The teaching ministry flourished, a fellowship hall and classrooms were erected, and the church cornerstone was installed. Under the pastorship of Rev. Edwards, Saint Paul became affiliated with the Progressive National Baptist Convention. The church became involved and supported home and foreign mission programs.
- From 1990 to 2018, Dr. Broderick A. Huggins served as the pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church. The church eventually relocated to its current location at 1777 Statham Boulevard. The building campaign included: a Family Life Center, a child daycare center, and a community gym. Under Dr. Huggins' leadership, several ministries were initiated with a focus on spiritual growth for our larger community. During his tenure, Dr. Huggins reorganized church ministries and implemented an annual Family & Friends Weekend, a Wednesday Night Live program, Family Conference Seminars, Annual First Fruits Services, a Children's Church ministry, and Evangelism and Community Outreach programs.
- From 2018 to 2021 Saint Paul Baptist Church community of believers prayed, fasted, and waited on God's direction to seek a Senior Pastor with a heart for God and unconditional love for His people. In early March 2019, a "Pastor's Search Committee" was formulated under the direction of Deacon Joe C. Brown and Minister Charles Simpson. Over 140 candidates were contacted, interviewed, and selected. Many were eliminated during the final nomination, which took place via teleconferencing due to COVID-19. Along with the search committee, Deacon Board Chairman Dan Thrower, Sr. and the Church Body joyfully introduced the new under-shepherd of Saint Paul Baptist Church: Rev. Edward L. Cryer.
- On Sunday, October 7, 2021, Rev. Edward L. Cryer, a native of Mississippi and the former pastor of The Unity Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH, was installed as the Sr. Pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church located at 1777 Statham Boulevard. His spirit-led and highly motivated energy, along with First Lady Shirley Cryer, is a wonderful addition to the church and community.
