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.
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.
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.