history of second baptist church
Founded in 1958 in response to the rapid growth of southwest Lubbock, Second Baptist Church began as a mission of First Baptist Church of Lubbock, with Reverend Bob Hearn as its first pastor. The new neighborhoods surrounding the church fueled its early growth, and within four years, the church had doubled the size of its facilities to support its flourishing congregation.
From the beginning, Second Baptist embraced a strong tradition of community outreach under Reverend Hearn’s leadership. The church established the Second Baptist Child Development Center, offering high-quality childcare and preschool education to working parents. The Sick Children’s Clinic provided free healthcare and medications to underserved children. During the civil rights era, Reverend Hearn partnered with Reverend A.L. Dunn of New Hope Baptist Church to lead observances such as Race Relations Sunday, reflecting a commitment to justice and reconciliation. Additionally, a meaningful relationship with Lubbock’s Congregation Shaareth Israel was built through shared fellowship and worship.
In 1967, Dr. Hardy Clemons was called as Senior Pastor, ushering in a period of innovation and inclusivity. Under his leadership, Second Baptist implemented “team ministry,” which included women, and emphasized the concept of “Every Member a Minister.” In the 1970s, Second Baptist became the first Southern Baptist Church in West Texas to ordain women as deacons, and in 1982, it ordained Reverend Dot Thompson into pastoral ministry. These bold decisions ultimately led the church to withdraw from the Southern Baptist Convention and align with the newly formed Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Alliance of Baptists.
During Dr. Clemons' tenure, Second Baptist expanded its ministries in the community. Church members helped found the South Plains Food Bank and supported the creation of Lubbock Habitat for Humanity. The church also partnered with the South Plains AIDS Resource Center to minister to marginalized individuals and joined programs like the Interfaith Hospitality Network to provide emergency housing for homeless families.
In 1989, Charlie Johnson became Senior Pastor, bringing a vision of hospitality and ecumenical leadership. Under his leadership, the church deepened its civic relationships and expanded its outreach. In 1995, the congregation voted to relocate to southwest Lubbock to better serve the growing population, and by 2001, the church moved into its new facility on Chicago Avenue. During this time, Second Baptist also adopted the Stephen Ministry, equipping lay leaders to provide Christ-centered care to those in need.
Phillip Wise became pastor in 2003, leading Second Baptist into greater engagement with the Baptist World Alliance. During this time, the church launched Kids Hope, a mentoring program for at-risk students, further expanding its mission-focused initiatives.
In 2010, the church called its fifth senior pastor, Ryon Price. This era brought a renewed focus on interracial and interfaith fellowship, including dialogues, shared worship, and community meals with other faith communities. The music ministry grew to include a worship orchestra and bell choir. In 2013, the church completed its columbarium, providing a sacred space for remembrance and reflection. The 2B Leaders Camp, established in 2014, offered children a unique faith-based program combining service, leadership, and recreation.
In 2015, Second Baptist restructured its lay leadership, reaffirmed its mission, and upheld its tradition of inclusion. Following a period of discernment, the church entrusted its pastoral team with the authority to officiate weddings for all, reflecting its commitment to inclusion. After Pastor Price’s tenure, the church appointed its first female senior pastor, Stephanie Nash.
In 2018, Jake Maxwell became Senior Pastor, guiding the church through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second Baptist adapted with live-streamed and socially distanced services, upgraded technology for virtual participation, and expanded its online presence. In 2021, the church adopted the motto “Love.All.Now.”, symbolizing its commitment to love and service.
Today, Second Baptist continues its decades-long tradition of vibrant worship, bold discipleship, and compassionate outreach. Its ministries include youth camps, Bible studies, senior programming, and mission partnerships with organizations such as St. Benedict’s Chapel, Family Promise, and Primero Bautista in Piedras Negras, Mexico.
For over sixty years, Second Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith, inclusion, and service in the Lubbock community. In a complex world, Second Baptist remains a welcoming and spiritually enriching home for all.