What a Mighty God we Serve.

April 1987, Rev. L.E. Campbell accepted the call to come to Park Avenue Baptist Church with his wife Ollie and daughter Andrina.

May 31, 1987, Pastor L.E. Campbell was officially installed “Charge To The Pastor” by his brother, Rev. Fred Campbell, Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Redwood City, California. Presiding, Dr. C. Albert Henson, Zion Temple Baptist Church, Compton, California. The installation message was delivered by Dr. J. P. Strong, Moderator, Providence Baptist Association and Pastor of the New Providence Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California.

These critical times of change and transition, brought numerous challenges to the Pastor and to the church membership. Some said that the completion of the church could not be done. But through faith in Christ and by obeying leadership, we proved this fact to be untrue. “We can do all things through Christ.”

September 1987, after surveying the needs and status of the on-going projects, Pastor Campbell called for the second note drive campaign with the capital gain of $250,000, in an effort to complete the building projects. As a result of the project’s successfulness and through negotiations by church leaders with the City of Riverside and the Planning Commission, the church can now praise God about the following significant accomplishments:

• 1988 - Completed on-site improvements (paving, parking lots, lights and striping). Completed kitchen and dining hall.
• 1990 - Completed landscaping. Negotiated joint agreement with the City of Riverside for installation of perimeter wall.

Church Manual of the Park Avenue Baptist Church was developed and established by Pastor L.E. Campbell and adopted by the Park Avenue membership. Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church is a Christian Church of the Baptist persuasion that has stood for 75 years as a strong oak in the forest of Christian Ministry. So, in order that we (PABC) may continue to function in highest spiritual intelligent manner that this manual is written. The manual is a compilation of the procedures and practices of long standing and those introduced under the present pastoral administration. Baptist Church politics and practices, although similar in many ways, each Church is autonomous having the freedom to rule and govern their own affairs hopefully always under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So, in order that all members, even unborn generations, may understand the procedures of Park Avenue Baptist Church, Riverside, California, this manual is written.

Special Thanks goes to the following:

• Deacon David Ross for his leadership role in both the on-site and off-site projects.
• Bro. Jesse L. Collins, Sr. for his work with landscaping projects.
• Bro. Miles Thompkins and John C. Barona for their work with concrete projects.
• Bro. Alvin Davis for his generous donation.
• Sis. Margaret Lipscomb for her generous donation of the Church parsonage.
• Jack B. Clarke, Sr. Councilman of the Second Ward, using his political influence, helped facilitate completion of the on-site and off-site projects.

1991 – Completed driveway entrance, sidewalks and widening of Pennsylvania Avenue. Paid off the balance of the off-site improvements and second mortgage on church parsonage paid off. Paid off eleven-year bond with the City of Riverside.

1992 – Construction of the church marquee, reinforced roofing and termite fumigation, purchased new copier, installed canopy over South entrance, installed new water meter and office computer.

1995 – Upgraded all outside doors, purchased a fax machine, room dividers and a computer. Purchased “Baby Grand Piano” for sanctuary, purchased riding lawnmower, installed additional incoming phone lines to accommodate future technology.

1996 – Education Wing divided into six classrooms, includes a toddler room. Purchased 100 folding chairs, computer and printer. Library opening and dedication. Started replacement of exterior doors, purchased three room dividers. Bro. John Nichols and Bro. Willie Wilson instrumental in erecting and installing three permanent walls in classrooms. Church Manual Revised September 12, 1996.

1997 – Installed church cornerstone which was laid by M.W.P.H. Grand Lodge F & A.M. State of California and Hawaii and jurisdiction, M.W.G.M. Joseph V. Nicholas. Purchased new office computer.

1998 – Appointed one trustee and paid off Church parsonage. Organization of the Park Avenue Church Mass Choir. April 25, 1998, the Jr. Usher Board was renamed the David Smith, Jr. Ushers, in honor of David Smith, Jr.

1999 – Completed renovation of two front bathrooms, developed plans for Phase II renovations of bathrooms in Educational Wing. Started work on new Church Office.

2000 – Finished work on Church Office, resurfaced and striped parking lot.

2001 – Started and completed renovations of Phase II bathrooms in the Education Wing, purchased new color copier and two computers, joined Valley District Association, tiled front porch, foyer and front hallway, carpeted two classrooms.

2002 – Installed sound system, purchased 40 ft. storage container.

2003 – Sanctuary lights installed; Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) donated a Mini-bus.

On January 1, 2003, the PAMBC membership established the Personnel Committee. The authority for the establishment of Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, (hereinafter referred to as PAMBC) Personnel Policies and Procedures shall rest with the Trustee Board and the Personnel Committee.

2004 – Installed six new heating and air condition units for the church.

2005 – In addition to his leadership in the above-mentioned projects, Pastor Campbell established several new ministries and programs. They include Wednesday night Bible Class, the Board of Christian Education; Children, Youth, Young Adult and Senior’s Ministries. He also established the Children’s Choir which was renamed the A.M. Simpson Choir in honor of Mrs. Artealure M. Simpson.

Moreover, the church continues to remain active and viable in the California State Convention, where the church hosted the Congress of Christian Education (July 11-15, 1988) and where Pastor L.E. Campbell served as President of the Congress from 1991 to 1995. On October 16, 1995, the church hosted the California State Convention Pre-Musical, we were honored to have some participation from our sister churches and our mother church, Second Baptist Church of Riverside, CA.

2006 – Installed new security system, rails for the handicapped, re-roofing of the church was done.

2009 – Installed and dedicated stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, foyer, front hallway and Usher Room. The project was spearheaded by Deacon Elijah Williams, members participated by donating towards the cost to install a window.

2015 – On November 15, 2015, Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, celebrates her Centennial. God has allowed PAMBC to serve the community of Riverside and the region for 100 years. Many souls have been led to Christ, nourished and developed in the Christian Faith. To God Be The Glory.

November 8, 2016 - Parsonage sold.

November 9, 2016 – Park Avenue pays off the church mortgage.

December 18, 2016 – Pastor Campbell and the Park Avenue congregation held a ceremonial burning of mortgage (aka promissory note).

June 2017 – PAMBC Holyoke Cell Tower Project – construction began and was completed October 2017.

March 13, 2020 – President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. California State Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide Stay-at-Home order, which included Churches not to publicly assemble. On March 15, 2020, Pastor Campbell established the Live Stream Ministry, which provides members the ability to view church services online through the internet. Pastor established the Health Protocol Committee, appointing Sis. Mildred Mason as Chairperson. The Health Protocol Committee was responsible for putting health procedures together for when the church returns to public worship. On September 28, 2020, the Health Protocol Guideline Booklet was drafted and made available to the church membership.

February 26, 2021 – Installed wrought iron security gates at front portico and front outer windows.

April 24, 2021 – Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, Infrastructure Enhancement Pledge Campaign Project established. Thirty-five years ago, PAMBC was a state-of-the-art edifice. We did not for see how Wi-Fi and online broadcasting would figure so prominently in our worship experience. We did not anticipate the need for an electrical system to support stage lighting, projectors, monitors and cameras. The COVID pandemic forced Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church to change our worship paradigm to an in-person and an online broadcasting format. Upgrades are required of the electrical system, sound system and the internet connection. Some of the members, pledged to financially contribute to the completion of this project. Installation and upgrades: cameras, computers and devices, sanctuary screens, Chancel Video Lighting, acoustic treatment, hardwire internet connection and electrical supplies and materials. The decisions we make today will impact worship at Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church for years to come.

January 2022 – The Infrastructure Project was completed.

January 30, 2022 – After being closed for 1 year and 10 months due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church opened its doors to in-person worship once again.

October 1, 1929, the Rev. Leander Bonaparte Moss of Greenville, Texas, accepted the pastorate of the Park Avenue Baptist Church. Rev. Moss’ tenure covered a span of fifty-seven years. During his tenure he was noted for numerous contributions and a wide range of accomplishments.

Dr. Moss organized First Baptist Church in Glen Valley, New Hope Baptist Church in Glen Valley, First Baptist Church in Palm Springs, Second Baptist Church in Indio, Friendship Baptist Church in Riverside and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rubidoux. He also organized the Valley District Association.

Dr. Moss served seven years as President of the local N.A.A.C.P., and sixteen years as a member of the Riverside Public Library Board. He was a charter member and instructor of the Providence Baptist Theological Seminary of Los Angeles, California. Organized and taught in the Riverside Seminary at (Park Avenue Baptist Church) an extension of the American Baptist Theological Seminary of Nashville, Tennessee. Rev. Moss wrote and published a book entitled “Romance of the California State Baptist Convention, Inc.”

In the early years Rev. Moss was faced with the challenge of directing and guiding the church to spiritual and financial stability.

January 28, 1945, the church celebrated the mortgage burning of its Twelfth and Park Avenue edifice.

1958, the Education wing was constructed. In addition, the corner lot at Eleventh and Park Avenue was acquired.

The late 1970’s, the church purchased 4 ¾ acres of property at Ottawa and Pennsylvania Avenue. Pennsylvania Avenue was later renamed Martin Luther King Blvd.

April 20, 1980, the official groundbreaking for the present edifice was held. The Rev. E.V. Hill of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California and President of the California State Baptist Convention presided over the ceremony.

During this time the church began securing a building permit and other contractual agreements with the City of Riverside. Tavaglione Construction was contracted to do the initial framework of the building. Bro. Odell Young was later appointed as Interior Contractor and Superintendent of the work project.

1982, Due to lack of financial resources, we experienced a “no work” period. Even though in this “no work” period, it did not hamper the “spirits” of Pastor Moss and the faithful praying members of the church. Pastor Moss set out to explore other avenues to acquire money. As a result of these efforts, Mr. C. Dean of Fresno, California was introduced to the church Financial Plan Committee. The idea of a Bond Drive Campaign was thoroughly discussed, and the church gave its approval.

January 1984, Rev. Moss appointed Deacon Paul Blalock as chairman of this project, and Sis. Clarice Collins as secretary. The Capital Bond Financial Campaign generated a cash flow of $160,000.

July 8, 1984, as a result of the Capital Bond Financial Campaign’s success, and the hard work of the entire membership, the church was able to victoriously celebrate its move from the Twelfth and Park Avenue location to its new edifice, located at 1910 Pennsylvania Avenue (now known as Martin Luther King Blvd.) God had truly smiled on us.

The Church Memberships dream was to see Pastor Moss enter the pulpit before being called home to Glory, was now a reality.

May 6, 1986, Pastor Moss was called home to meet his Lord and Savior, and to hear those words of welcome: “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant.”

We would be remiss if we failed to mention Rev. Moss’ significant contributions to the California State Baptist Convention, Inc., first as founding father, and second the historical importance of him serving two terms as President. Author of “Romance of the California State Baptist Convention, Inc.” We also cannot forget his role as organizer of several Baptist Churches in Riverside County and undaunted involvement in the Riverside community.

May 1986 until April 1987, the Deacons under the chairmanship of S.V. Nichols provided excellent leadership for the church after the passing of Pastor Moss.

In March of 1851, twenty-six Negro Slaves arrived in the San Bernardino-Riverside Valley with a Mormon caravan. Upon their arrival to California, they legally ceased to be slaves since California had been admitted into the Union in 1850, as a Non-Slave State. Little is known in the years that followed as to their activities in Riverside Valley until 1870 and 1880. Riverside Valley was a part of San Bernardino County until May 9, 1893.

Prior to 1890 no Negro Baptist Church had been established in Riverside Valley. Early Negro settlers became members of the First Baptist Church (white) which was organized February 7, 1874. The church building on the corner of Eighth and Lemon, was built in 1881 and dedicated June 11, 1882.

April 12, 1885, Amanda Stokes was baptized by Reverend Charles Button, who was the Pastor from October 7, 1880, to December 30, 1888.

On June 7, 1889, Rev. Charles Winbigler became Pastor of the First Baptist Church. After several months, Rev. Winbigler sent letters to the Negro members stating that he wanted them to organize their own church. It is not certain why the move was made, but the Negro members accepted the challenge.

Thursday, November 26, 1889, Riverside Daily Press informed its readers that the Colored Members of the First Baptist Church were going to hold a fundraiser. Mrs. Nellie Fleming was placed in charge of preparing a program. The concert was held Friday evening December 6, 1889. The following day the Riverside Daily Press reported the affair:

“Our Colored Friends were greeted with quite a good house last night, in spite of the unsettled weather. The program was faithfully carried out, except the Mrs. Fleming and Mrs. Edwards changed parts once or twice.” “Let’s Go Down In Jordan” was beautifully illustrated by a tableau. Miss Edith Elliot and Miss Flora Hesser dressed in flowing robes of pure white, appeared as Angles behind the singers, two hand clasped and two raised as though blessing the toiling singers below.

The music showed skill and faithful work on the part of the people, most of who had never before appeared in public. The peculiar intonation and melody was very prominent, and the audience was very good natured and ready to be pleased with even the trifling mistakes that were made. We hope the troupe, so to call them will give us another taste of their music sometime.”

Records show a Colored Baptist Church was organized Sunday, May 11, 1890, and several Colored members of the First Baptist Church became Charter Members.

A meeting was held with devotion led by the Negro brethren. The Rev. J.L. Allen presided as moderator and Mr. J.H. Roe was Church Clerk (both white). After a few statements from Rev. Berdell, a Negro Missionary and sixteen other people expressed their desire to have a Negro Church.

May 18, 1890, they gave letters of dismissal to the following Negro members of the First Baptist Church, Joseph Henderson, William M. King, Robert Stokes, Mary Stokes and Prince Edwards.

August 28, 1890, they also gave letters of dismissal to Warren P. Carter, Lucinda Carter, Jennie Edwards, Robert Cook, Parphenia Cook and S.S. Hopkins

Thursday, September 18, 1890, Pastor Charles Winbigler, Rev. C. Winglor, C. Butler, Deacon Tinker, Deacon Tiglor, J.H. Roe, Church Clerk and the County Baptist Ministerial Association (all white) agreed to hold council to reorganize the Colored Baptist Church.

Sunday, September 21, 1890, at 3:00 pm, Rev. Charles Winbigler organized the Second Missionary Baptist Church.

Monday, September 22, 1890, the Riverside Daily Press informed its readers:

“The reorganization of the Colored Baptist Church in this city will take place at 3:00 pm tomorrow in the First Baptist Church. The members of this Church are considering the purchase of the old T.J. Wood property on the corner of Seventh and Vine streets. The residence to be used temporarily as a meeting place.”

The recognition service took place Tuesday, September 23, 1890. That historical day, these Charter Members began a journey in faith, trusting God. All of the Charter Members have been called home to rest from their labor, but we are still working to carry on the task and to accomplish the original goal of the church, evangelizing the world with the Gospel.

Sunday June 13, 1915, eighteen members of Second Baptist Church of Riverside, California, asked the Rev. Frank R. White, Pastor, for letters of dismissal. This small band of God fearing, God-loving Christians formed the church so widely known as the Park Avenue Baptist Church of Riverside. These men and women were the founders of the church:

Rev. William G. Goodwin, Rev. W.G. Decatur, Rev. G.P. Little, Bro. William King, Bro. William Decatur, Bro. and Sis. S.S. Hopkins, Sis. Eva Allen, Sis. Josephine Gordon, Sis. Emma Jordan, Sis. La Gulia G. Shaw, Sis. Alice Toppin, Sis. Louise B. Key, Sis. Mylie Taylor, Sis. Mary Boswell, Sis. Mary B. Alves, Sis. Anna E. Beverley and Sis. Candace Louie.

The organizational meeting of Park Avenue Baptist Church was held in the 11^th Street home of Sis. Eva Allen. A fundraising drive was immediately initiated in order to purchase a church home. The members raised money through countless dinners; at the same time making liberal contributions of their own. Sis. Eva Allen, a very fine vocalist, was presented in concert throughout the Inland Empire area, in Pomona, Ontario, San Bernardino and Redlands, as well as Riverside, generating much revenue in the drive.

On August 1, 1915, the congregation moved into its new place of worship on Park Avenue. It was duly recognized and consecrated for the service of God, December 9, 1915, by council from the Western Baptist Association with assistance from Dr. J.W. Gordon of Los Angeles, Rev. F.W. Cooper of Riverside, Rev. W.H. Rozier and Rev. Charles Wade, also members from the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Los Angeles.

Rev. G.P. Little was the first Pastor, followed by Rev. Evans, Rev. W.H. Rozier, Rev. Arthur F. Seaton, Rev. William Goodwin and Rev. A.T. Hines.

November 30, 1925, the groundbreaking took place. The approximate cost was $32,000. It was during Rev. Goodwin’s pastorate that the church building at Twelfth and Park Avenue was erected.

The building was furnished and occupied on May 9, 1926.