Revered J.H Jones
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In March 1942, Revered J.H Jones gave a vision to organize a church. The original location of the church was located on 16th Street North in the Acipco Community of Birmingham, Alabama. Starting with only three members: Bro. Mark Freeman, Sis. Alice Freeman and their daughter Elizabeth Ware. He struggled to lead but he knew God with him they would prevail. These are the pioneers of New Antioch Baptist Church. They blazed the way for those of us who are members today and for those who are yet to come. Moving from a store front basement building, it was the Freemans house that service was held, by invitation from the Freemans after being put out of the basement of a building owned by Mr. Henry Parchman. The lord began to increase membership between the years of 1947-1951. Logs have the following names: Sis. Ethel Nichols Walker joined in 1947. She is the oldest member. Bro. George Nichols, Sis. Lillie M. Williams Walker who is the present mother of the church, and her mother Sis. Mattie Cox is the 1st mother of the church. Sis. Walkers children Paulette Williams and her niece Sis Nellie Robinson Tynch, Sis. Lizzie Lindsey. Many names were not recorded during this time. During the lean years when financial support was poor. Revered Jones along with Sis. Verla Jackson (youth director) and several teenagers would sell food to people attending conventions at the city auditorium in order to supplement the churchs finances. Through the church membership was small in number it did not prevent the spirit filled enthusiasm exhibited by its members. There may have been many factors that prevented the growth of the church, but the most outstanding factors were: the size of the congregation and the location of its services. Most people felt that the church was too small, in an unconventional place (the basement of a building with dirt floors and old theater seats with no way to bolt them to the floor), struggling financially, and all the while trying to secure a location to build another church. There in these humble surroundings existed an atmosphere of love, respect, and harmony among the membership for the most part. Rarely was there a disagreement. If something happened or if there was disagreement it was usually extinguished with love and kindness.
While worshiping in the Freemans home Revered Jones along with some of the deacons purchased property located across Finley Avenue at 316-22nd Ave West. Revered Jones and the deacons purchased old houses that were being torn down brought the lumber to the site to erect the church. Old bricks and mortar was purchased and the framework begun. Members, neighbors, women and children, pulled nails from old boards and brought food and water to assist the men as they erected a house of worship. Included in this group of men was Revered Jones, Bro. Mark Freeman, Robert Simpson, Cam Cameron, Robert Mullen, John Williams, BJ Wilson and others. Everything was a group effort,