Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

The genesis of our great church began at the First Baptist Church at 12th and Broad Streets under the pastoral care of Rev. Jeremiah. B. Jeter where slaves attended services with their slave masters. A number of free born blacks were also part of this congregation. In October of 1841, the white congregation of First Baptist Church moved to a new location and the original church site at 12th and Broad Streets, was renamed the African Baptist Church.

In 1880 thirty members withdrew their membership from the African Baptist Church to establish a new Jackson Ward church, which was called the Fifth Street Baptist Church at Fifth and Jackson Streets.

In August of 1907 two hundred and fifty-two members withdrew their membership from the Fifth Street Baptist Church marching from the Odd Fellows Hall at 1417 East Franklin Street to the Samaritan Hall at Sixth and Duval Streets, as one body in Christ.

There, on August 19, 1907, with Rev. J. R. Griffin officiating, they formed  a church named the New Baptist Church. Thomas L. Beverly served as moderator  and J. Henry Crutchfield as clerk. 

On August 21, 1907, the first deacon board and trustees board were formed. Spencer Henry served as  chair of deacons and Daniel Henderson as chair of Trustees. That same year the usher board was organized. The first service of the New Baptist Church was held at the St. Luke Hall on Sunday, August  25, 1907, with Rev. Alexander E. Edwards officiating. 

On September 8, 1907, the Sunday School was organized, and Mr. Richard Beverly was elected  Superintendent. On September 11, 1907, Rev. Alexander E. Edwards was called to the pastorate of the  church and a choir was organized, with W. H. Coy as leader and Mrs. Sophia Lemus, organist. Rev.  Edwards served the church for two years. 

The New Baptist Church was set aside as a recognized New Testament (regular) Baptist Church on  November 18, 1907, by the Baptist Council of Churches of Richmond and vicinity. On December 29,  1907, Sully Watson, W. E. Randolph, William Woodson, Spencer Henry, J. H. Moore, Thomas Trent, J.  A. Brown, John P. Graham, James H. Morgan, T. L. Beverly, W. E. Wilson, and S. M. Wilson were  ordained as deacons.

The Church held all its services at St. Luke Hall at James and Baker Streets from August 1907 until  December 1909, at which time opposition arose because of residential restrictions. On April 11, 1908, the church purchased its first property at Fourth and Duval Streets. It was a parcel of land and a four room house. In May of 1908, Rev. W. H. Watkins conducted the first revival service. Sixteen members  were added to the church roll. The congregation was successful in purchasing the historic site at 9 East  Clay Street which was formerly being used by the Quakers (Society of Friends built in 1860). Because  of this purchase, Clay Street, the hub of professional activity in Richmond at that time, was opened to  colored people. Even so, worshippers had to enter the church from the side door. For people of color,  the presence of the New Baptist Church represented progress. Rev. Alexander Edwards resigned on  August 14, 1909, a few months after the 9 East Clay Street location was purchased. The church  continued to flourish, and the men’s usher board was organized in 1909.

August 29, 1910, on the recommendation from the board of deacons, a Baptist Young People's Union (B.Y.P.U.) was organized with A.W. Dandridge as president and Leroy Ragland as Secretary.

Rev. Thomas Jesse Joseph Mosby, known as Rev. T.J.J.  Mosby, assumed pastoral duties in the Fall of 1910. During Rev. Mosby’s pastorate the  Ladies Auxiliary Board was organized in 1911; the Woman’s Missionary and Education  Circle was organized in 1912; between 1912 and 1923 the Junior Choir was organized 

and Junior Missionary Circle were organized. Rev. T.J.J. Mosby’s last sermon, on the day of his death  was “Go Up and Take the City, For You are Able!” He died on the afternoon of November 25, 1923. The fruit of Rev. Mosby’s Leadership left the church debt free, the possessor and owner of real estate and a  bank account of five thousand dollars. 

Rev. James Arthur Brinkley A.B., B.D., D.D. was called as pastor on April 12, 1925. The name of the  church was changed to Clay Street Baptist Church. In 1927 through his untiring efforts, we were able  to purchase the Randolph Street Baptist Church for $70,000.00 from a white congregation. In 1927 the  church moved to Randolph and Idlewood Avenues. The first worship service in this location was held  on October 2, 1927.  

On Sunday October 16, 1927, at the Twentieth Anniversary of the Clay Street Baptist Church (formerly  New Baptist Church) the church was dedicated, and the name of the church was changed to the Mosby  Memorial Baptist Church in memory of the late Rev. Dr. T.J.J. Mosby. The theme of that service was “In  Union there is Strength”. The second Sunday in October was set aside as the annual church  anniversary. Rev. Brinkley continued to serve until the summer of 1928. Rev. C.H. Pearson served as  supply minister from 1928-1930.