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.