Second Baptist Church is one of Paterson’s most influential African-American Baptist congregations, with a long history of worship, community service, education, and neighborhood development.

Overview

  • Founded: 1940 as the Second Baptist Chapel
  • Incorporated: January 27, 1941
  • Current location: 72 Carroll Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501
  • Phone: (973) 345-0808
  • Current Pastor: Rev. Dr. Sean C. Evans Sr., who became the church’s third pastor in 2020.

Early History

The congregation held its first worship service on May 5, 1940, at 27 Carroll Street under the leadership of its founder, Rev. Robert Boston Dokes. The founding trustees included:

  • Rev. Robert B. Dokes
  • William C. Jackson
  • Abner W. Nash
  • John L. Best
  • Henry Hinton
  • Clifford L. Jackson
  • John P. Wright
  • Carolyn Middleton (church clerk)

In 1941, the church purchased its first permanent home at 182 Graham Avenue, where it worshiped for approximately 22 years. In May 1963, the congregation purchased its present church building at 72 Carroll Street.

Pastors

Rev. Robert Boston Dokes (1940–1984)

  • Founder of the church.
  • Served for 44 years.
  • Expanded the congregation and established many ministries, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, choirs, missionary societies, usher boards, and youth organizations.
  • Served briefly in World War II, during which Rev. William J. Bobbitt acted as interim pastor.

Rev. Dr. Alexander McDonald III (1985–2020)

  • Called as pastor on November 1, 1985.
  • Oversaw major renovation and expansion of the church in 1990.
  • Led significant growth in membership.
  • Founded the Second Baptist Community Development Corporation (SBCDC) in 1996, expanding the church’s outreach into housing, education, and community services.

Rev. Dr. Sean C. Evans Sr. (2020–Present)

  • Elected by the congregation in September 2020.
  • Officially commissioned as pastor on November 15, 2020.
  • Continues to lead the congregation in worship, discipleship, and community ministry.

Community Impact

Second Baptist has long been recognized as more than a church. Through the SBCDC and other ministries it has developed:

  • Senior citizen housing
  • Community library
  • Rising Dove Learning Center
  • Computer education programs
  • After-school tutoring
  • Summer day camp
  • Food and clothing outreach
  • Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
  • Prison and nursing home ministries
  • Youth mentoring programs

In 2005, the church completed a five-story senior housing development that transformed part of the Carroll Street neighborhood.

Significance

Second Baptist Church has played an important role in the religious and civic life of Paterson’s African-American community since 1940. Along with churches such as St. Luke Baptist, Canaan Baptist, and Calvary Baptist, it has helped shape the city’s spiritual, educational, and social development through worship, leadership training, housing initiatives, and neighborhood service.