Paradise Baptist Church marked a centennial anniversary over the weekend.
The church, which is located at 507 E. King Street, Celebrated one hundred years on Sunday, September 16th.Reverend of the church, Sam Holmes, Jr. said you can get a feeling of what the Paradise Baptist Congregation is all about from inside the sanctuary, to the pictures in the hallways.
“There is a celebratory spirit around this place,” said Reverend Holmes.
September 16th holds a special significance for the congregation. “It’s still standing here one hundred years later,” said Reverend Holmes.
The pictures and the time lines displayed in the church to commemorate the anniversary don’t do justice to the history of the church said Holmes.
The church was organized back in 1912. The first church building was built in 1917. However, the church was destroyed in fire during the 1921 race riots.
“Sure the winds of change and a storm have against the doors of the church, but it stands,” said Reverend Holmes.
The church was rebuilt in the same location five years later. Over the years the church has undergone various renovations but Reverend Holmes said the building itself is the not the important aspect of the anniversary.
“Any time there is an anniversary we look back in appreciation and then we look forward in anticipation and expectation,” Holmes added a focal point of the church is teaching and giving.
“The church continues to be a lighthouse for the community and a help for those in need,” said Reverend Holmes.
The Paradise Baptist Congregation makes monthly meals for the homeless in Tulsa, raises scholarships for college bound students and helps parishioners in times of need.
“Paradise has such a rich history it has such a solid foundation,” said Revered Holmes.
