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  • Item 1.3

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St. Paul Baptist Church
Historical Highlights

In 1919, the Saint Paul Baptist Church was organized as the first African American church in Ventura County.  Services were held in a temporary place until the edifice located at 318 West Seventh Street was donated.  The first pastor of Saint Paul was the late Rev. J. D. Pettigrew.  After the death of Rev. Pettigrew, the late Rev. J. M. Brooks served as the interim minister and later as pastor.

1942 – 1944, G. G. Bailey was called as the Pastor.  The first Board of Deacons was formed under Rev. Bailey’s leadership.  The following brothers were chosen as Deacons:  Isaiah Matthews, Henry Pierce and Andrew Lee.  Sister Daisy Taylor was the church clerk.  Edith Johnson served as the church pianist and later Carrie Pinkard was pianist.

1944 – 1972, Rev. Jesse Walker accepted the pastorship after being recommended to the Saint Paul Family by Rev. W. P. Carter and Rev. Frank James.  A Trustee Board was formed, composed of the following:  James Montgomery, L. H. Patterson, Dee Pinkard, Henry Rhodes and Ethel Willis.  The Saint Paul Baptist Church received its papers of incorporation during this time.  During the early 1950’s, the evening church services were broadcast live from the sanctuary.  By this time, the church had outgrown the small building and plans were underway to secure a larger church.  Pastor Walker and the board members sought and purchased a new edifice location.  January 1960, the new edifice at 1354 South C Street was completed.  The first service was held April 23, 1960.

November 20, 1972, the Rev. H. N. Edwards, a minister with a vision, a mission and a strong faith in God was called to carry on the divine works of Jesus Christ.  Rev. Edwards accepted his calling to pastor the Saint Paul Baptist Church in February 1973.

On November 11, 1990, Dr. Broderick A. Huggins was installed as the pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church, Oxnard, California.  Since his arrival, Saint Paul has grown on all levels and is now known throughout Ventura County for its efforts in ministry and community involvement.  Dr. Huggins has also implemented many church programs allowing Saint to develop a comprehensive ministry for people of all ages.  Not only has the ministry of Saint Paul impacted the lives of the members but has also contributed to the betterment of the community.

2001 – 2005, God continued to reveal the vision of Saint Paul to Pastor Huggins and action was needed in order for the vision to be manifested.  To that end land was purchased that would house a family life center, gymnasium and 1500-seat sanctuary.  The Birch Street and El Cajon properties were sold.  The edifice at 1354 South C Street was sold and service was held at the Elks Lodge.  Although displaced, the ministry continued to grow.  During the interim at the Elks Lodge 5 deacons were ordained, 56 new members were added with 20 of them graduating from new members training.

November 2005, the Saint Paul Baptist Church moved from promise to possession as the vision became a reality with the grand opening of phase one of the vision – the gymnasium, family life center and pre-school.

2008, Saint Paul is beginning phase two – a 1,500 seat sanctuary.  Upon completion of the sanctuary, the gymnasium which currently serves as the worship center will be open to the community and will be an asset not only to the members of Saint Paul but to the City of Oxnard and surrounding areas.

After years of trials and victories the family of Saint Paul is committed to following their pastor as he follows God’s vision for the Saint Paul Baptist Church and will continue to “Build God’s People while Building God’s Property.”