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This is only a brief history of a church that continues to move onward and upward to the light of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory for the things He has done, and is doing and will do in the life of The Sharon Baptist Church
Sharon Baptist Church, situated at the northwest corner of First and Leigh Streets, easily ranks high among the churches of Richmond’s more than half-hundred churches.
It was under the spiritual influence and guidance of Rev. Williams H. Troy that Sharon had its inception in 1887. Sharon is the daughter of Second Baptist Church of Richmond. Sharon had its early beginnings in the old Harris Hall that was located on the west side of Third Street between Clay and Marshall Streets. The congregation moved to its present location in the year 1890. Rev. Troy’s pastorate terminated in 1894.
Rev. Willis Robinson, at the termination of Rev. Troy’s pastorate, served the congregation for a short period of time. Under his administration, he conducted an unusually successful revival and many souls were added to the church.
The Rev. A. S. Thomas served the Sharon Baptist Church for 27 years. He was called to the church from the Calvary Baptist Church of Danville, Virginia in 1895. The present building was erected under Dr. Thomas in 1904 at a cost of $14,000.00. Dr. Thomas retired in 1922 because of his health. He however, remained a contributory influence in the church until his death in September 1933.
The Rev. Roger H. Johnson was called to the pastorate on January 8, 1923. He assumed charge of the congregation on Sunday, February 11, 1923. During Rev. Johnson’s administration, the edifice was remodeled and numerous improvements were made. These improvements included:
a. The installation of a pipe organ
b. Electric lights in the lecture room
c. Steam radiation heat
d. Modern electric fans
e. Ladies and men’s rest rooms
Rev. Johnson’s pastorate terminated in 1947 and the Pulpit Committee supplied ministers.
The Rev. Herman William Washington, the fourth pastor of the Sharon Baptist Church was called to the church on July 20, 1948. He assumed the pastorate on November 7, 1948. Under Dr. Washington’s spiritual guidance and leadership, the church grew spiritually and financially. The membership increased tremendously. Under his pastorate the church moved forward in various ways.
a. Brass railings in the sanctuary
b. Kitchen equipment was installed
c. Drinking fountains installed
d. New Organ and Piano
e. Microphone System installed
f. Pews; pulpit set was installed
g. Bus and Van for transportation was purchased, to name a few.
Several Organizations were formed
a. The Church Interest Group
b. H.W. Washington Choir
c. Willing Workers
d. C.B. Belcher Usher Board
e. Erection of the Education Building
f. Boys and Girl Scouts
g. Shining Star Gospel Chorus and many others.
Pastor Washington’s greatest pride was the erection of the Education Building in 1973. The mortgage for the building was burned on September 9, 1981. Pastor Washington’s pastorate terminated with his retirement because of his health in November 1995. He served with great distinction for 47 years. God called him home on June 2, 1996.
In one of the most unusual moves in the Baptist tradition, the Sharon Baptist Church suspended the rules and elected the fifth pastor of the church. Rev. Dr. Paul Allen Coles was elected in November, 1995 and assumed the pastorate on March 30, 1996. Sharon’s current pastor has brought many positive changes to the church.
a. Two Worship Services on Sunday
b. Acquired three sets of property around the church
c. An elevator system has been installed
d. Organization of Men and Women’s Ministry
e. Boys and girls clubs were reactivated
f. Licensed ___7___ ministers, 4 males and 3 females
g. Ordained ___4___ ministers, 3 males and 1 female
h. Installed ___1____ minister, 1male
Pastor Coles has not only ministered in this country, but also aboard in places such as Jamaica, South America, Africa and Korea.
Years of joys and sorrows have been interwoven into Sharon’s life history. The spiritual comfort the church enjoys today is part of the heritages of the congregations of the past. Years of service to the Richmond Community are a priceless possession of the Sharon membership. In the years that lie before, may Sharon’s congregation of the coming years continue to dedicate their lives to the perpetuation of a work so nobly begun and faithfully executed to its members and community.
Many Thanks for contributions to the gathering of this information to:
Mary C. Walker
Ronald A. Shelton
Eugertha Minnicks
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