THE BEGINNING AND THE FIRST PASTOR
Israel Baptist Church was established in 1891 by Reverend James H. Reid along with his family members, William, Mary, Bertha and Josephine Reid. Reverend Jones Watkins was selected by the family to be the pastor of the church. He was married to Reverend Reid's, sister, Eliza. The church was located at 1746-48 Mullikin St. He pastored Israel Baptist Church for two years 1891-1893 at which time, Reverend Watkins accepted a position to become the first pastor of Enon Baptist Church.

SECOND PASTOR
In 1893 Pastor James Reid became the second pastor of Israel when Reverend Watkins left. The church prospered and grew in membership under Reverend Reid's leadership, so much so that on July 9, 1897 the German Factory located on Bethel and Orleans Streets became the new home of Israel Baptist Church. It was purchased from the German American Insurance Company for $3,500.00. Remember these men and women were just several years out of slavery and now were property owners. Family members who marched from Mullikin Street to Orleans Street were Moses Morris, Cora Hawkins, Cornelia Cunningham, , Eliza Reid, George Dickerson, Lula Tyler, Sarah Mills, Nancy Scott and Mary F. Matthews and Lizzie Kess, carried her baby Viola Lee in her arms as they marched to the new location.

The following year August 16, 1898 the church becomes incorporated appearing before the Justice of the Peace were Reverend James H. Reid, Elijah B. Reid, John H. Taylor, Nathaniel Parker and William D. Booker.

In 1907 as we entered a new century a significant portion of Israel's history was taking place. It is significant because it set the tone for the "passing of the baton" for our church pastors and it is hoped this tradition will be honored and carried forth by future pastors. Firstly, Reverend James H. Reid passed away. Secondly, there was a rift among the members as to who should pastor the church and this resulted in a split in the church. In 1908 the disgruntled members of the church left and followed Deacon and Mrs. Robert Thrower, who would hold prayer service in their home at 1829 Orleans Street. Subsequently they formed Wayland Baptist Church in 1909 located at 304 N. Ann St.

During the years of 1907 -1910 was a time of hard work and readjustment for the remaining 25 members of Israel Baptist Church. A few had to carry the monetary burden where before there were many. However they preserved and continued kingdom building.

On March 3, 1909 the church officials met because they saw a need to amend the Articles of Incorporation to guide the church until a new pastor could be found.

On March 15, 1909 the Articles of Incorporation were officially recorded and witnessed by the Trustee and Chairman William G. Reid, Trustees Hezekiah Brown and Elijah Smith, Alvo F. Diggs Trustee and Curtis Howard Secretary.

THIRD PASTOR
Reverend James H. Williams (Jim) as he was affectionately called became the third pastor of Israel Baptist Church in 1910. Under his tutelage the membership increased from 25 to over 400, he instituted many new auxiliaries and the members appeared to have a more congenial spirit. With failing health and after 27 years of service Reverend William called to his sickbed Reverend Edmond D. Meade and passed the "baton" to him. On March 1937 Reverend Williams went to a better place. Reverend Meade became our fourth pastor in 1938.

FOURTH PASTOR
Reverend Meade's legacy is one of respect and prosperity. The church grew, several groups were initiated, and the female and male ushers were organized. The Moore's system of fund raising was adopted and the church was twice renovated. In 1951 the church purchased a larger edifice due to growth in membership. On December 14, 1952 the congregation marched from Bethel and Orleans Streets to our historic sanctuary at Preston and Chester Streets. The march leader and flag bearer were, Brothers Lawrence McNair and John Wood. The church was paid off and mortgage burned two years and eight months on August 2, 1955. On December 18, 1955 the cornerstone was laid.

Reverend Meade Doctor of Divinity retired on the fourth Sunday in December 1976 becoming Pastor Emeritus of Israel Baptist Church but before doing so he also passed the "baton" to our fifth pastor the Reverend H. Walden Wilson II. On December 29, 1984 Reverend Edmond D. Meade Doctor of Divinity passed away.

FIFTH PASTOR
April 16, 1977 Pastor H. Walden Wilson II became Pastor- Elect of Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City. On April 16, 1978 Pastor- Elect H. Walden Wilson II was installed as the fifth pastor of Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City. Under his capable hands our membership roll has swelled to over 2000 members. Reverend Wilson's evangelizing has bought over 5,000 members to Christ since becoming pastor of Israel Baptist Church. Under the administration of Pastor Wilson many accomplishments were originated. Some of these consist of:

In 1991 all auxiliaries were disbanded and the beginning of 1992 Pastor Wilson established ministries in place of auxiliaries.

• Due to overcrowding in the sanctuary two additional services were implemented into the early morning service (with the building of the new sanctuary in 2004 we returned to two Sunday worship services).
• In April 1983 the church was renovated at a cost of $100,000.00.
• On August 24, 1986 we marched into our newly renovated church led by our pastor.
• After seventy- eight years of division Wayland Baptist church and Israel Baptist church were united in service and Holy Communion on May 5, 1986 through the intervention of Pastor Wilson.
• The Mattie B. Uzzle Outreach Center was opened 1994.
• Israel held its first Sanctuary Without Walls Ministry service on August 2, 1990, taking the word of God to the street
• On April 21, 2001 we broke ground for our new sanctuary. The mortgage was signed for the new sanctuary July 21, 2003 with a cost of $6 million dollars. The actual cost of the new sanctuary is over 6.5 million dollars.
• Collington Square Community Association with assistance from Pastor Wilson developed Erica's Garden.
• February 1, 2006 the historian position became an official staff position of the church it is now officially known as the CHURCH HISTORIAN position of Israel Baptist Church. In the past this was an unofficial position.
• We have over 30 ministries.
• We have two bible study classes Tuesdays at 7:00 pm led by Pastor Wilson and on Saturday at 12 noon led by Minster Earl Green.
• We also have two Prayer services Wednesday at 6am and Thursday at 12 noon.
• Praise and worship service is held on Friday at 7pm

On August 22, 2004 with much excitement, after many prayers, worry, and pledges we marched proudly into our new beautiful edifice.

A propane gas explosion took place September 2004 in the new sanctuary. Thankfully, the sanctuary was closed and unoccupied at the time with minimal damage to the building. The affected areas were confined to the ladies restroom and adjoining rooms.

On August 28, 2005 the cornerstone laying service began on the corner of Washington and E. Preston Street.

"The purpose of the cornerstone is to represent the strength of the church".

Order of Cornerstone Laying Service:

• Prayer by Deacon Thomas Richburg.
• Statement by Sister Joyce McNair- Gilbert chairperson of laying of the cornerstone committee and the person who collected and stored the items.
• Cornerstone laying processional.
• Christian flag Pastor H.Walden Wilson II.
• Associate Ministers, Guest Ministers, Deacons, Trustees, Building Team.
• Building contractors, Ministry Leaders, Congregation and Guest.
• Cornerstone laying at the corner of Washington and E. Preston Sts.
• The ceremony was conducted by The Most Worshipful MD Grand Lodge F & A.A. Y.R. Masons the Honorable John D. Jordan Grand Master 33 degreee.
• The presentation of the Most Worshipful MD Grand Lodge. Worship service by Rev. Lewis N. Watson, Pastor First Baptist Church of Salisbury MD.
• There were about a 1,000 people in attendance including the choir. Some of the items inside the cornerstone are a bible, current Sunday Sun newspaper and a church bulletin dated 8/22/05 through 8/28/05.

It is interesting to note there have been five pastors at Israel Baptist Church, our goal is to become a five star church, many churches were created by God and pastored by ministers who were sons of Israel Baptist Church some of the churches are: (1) Enon Baptist Church, (2) Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, (3) Wayland Baptist Church, (4) Triumph Baptist Church, (5) 1St Cherry Hill Baptist Church, (6) Household of Faith Missionary Baptist Church.

We are blessed to be led by an aspiring leader whose visions God has blessed to become a reality. His enthusiasm overwhelms and motivates the congregation to capture his vision.