Eastside Missionary Baptist Church
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Our History

Here we will tell the story of the beginnings of our church and how we became what we are today.

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Eastside Missionary Baptist Church History

Eastside Baptist Church, Charleston, South Carolina was first organized as a mission on the Cooper Street October 1, 1939 by Rev. James Pickney, who was a local Minister at St. Matthew Baptist Church 268 Huger Street, Charleston, S.C.

The Mission was called Eastside Mission. In one month the mission grew to twelve members, these twelve like minded Christians willing started this church November 5, 1939. Rev Parker and his members purchased property and move its location to 53 N. Nassau Street and chose the name Eastside Baptist Church.

Eastside becames a part of the Copper River Association. Under Reverend Parker's leadership to the church flourished until his passing in 1942.

Rev. Oliver Smalls, who was a Moderator of Cooper River Association and Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, 5 miles-Accabee was chosen acting pastor for one year.

The second pastor of Eastsisde Baptist Church was Rev. James Pinckney. Under his pastorate the church continued to grow. A strong Usher Board and Missionary Board was established. Rev. Pinckney served as Pastor from 1943 to 1945. He moved on to another calling. Rev. Pinckney came to us from New Hope Baptist Church.

Eastside being left with a pastor for one year. The church was effectively guided by the official board and its Chairman, Deacon Nathaniel Levi Bowles. On October 7, 1946, one fo the most illustrious Minister, Rev. Eddie Brown became our third Pastor. Rev. Brown came to Eastside from Jerusalem Baptist Church.

During Rev. Brown Pastorate Eastside Baptist Church joined New Ashley Baptist Association in 1946. Later Rev. Brown became Vice Moderator of New Ashley Baptist Association and until his death October 2, 1966.

In 1958 Hurricane Gracie collapsed a portion of the old church at 53 N. Nassau Street. The old structure had to be rebulit. For three months Eastside and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church combined worship service.

Rev. Brown organized a building fund therefore in a very short time the church was rebuilt by the God fearing men of the church.

Under this administration the building fund and mebership continued to increase. Our first bus service was started. In 1996 the pastor and his congregation purchased two parcels of the land adjoining 53 North Nassau Street house of worship. After 20 years of energetic and inspiring leadership Rev. Brown passed on October 2, 1966.

The passing of Rev. Brown left us without a pastor, at this time the church was effectively guided by the offcial Board and its Chairman, Deacon Eddie Gibson. Rev. Brown was succeeded by the Rev. Clarence Trescott who served from October 1967 to November 1968. Rev. Trescott came to Eastside as a minister from St. Matthew Baptist Church.

Rev. Mannie C. Chisholm was elected Pastor. He served from 1969 to November of 1972. Rev. Chisholm came to us form Canaan Baptist Church.

Rev. Alex Capers was elected pastor February 4, 1973, to May 27, 1984. During this administration an outreach ministry was added and a tape ministry. Reverend Capers came to Eastside as a minister from Lovely Mountain Church.

Faced with the task of finding a pastor, the church was again guied by the Offivial Board and its Chairman, Deacon William L. Ferguson. A search committee was formed, chaired by Deacon Charles L. McDonald to review candidates. During this time, we were privileged to hear many outstanding ministers who had expressed a willingness and desire to become the new pastor. At the end of the search, Rev. N. Robinson Sr, one of our very own member and minister was officially elected and declare the sixth Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, February 1, 1989. Rev. Robinson served as Pastor from then to this present time.

Eastside Baptist church congregation was located at 53 N. Nassau St. from 1939 to 1980. In 1980 the chruch moved to its present location, 584 Meeting St. A miracle was wrought in obtaining this spot. The hand of God is still guiding and directing this congergtion in all of its endeavors.

Rev. Robinson has served Eastside faithfully for over eighteen yeard. He is dedicated, committed and determined to do God's will. He preach and teach and has won many, many, souls to God. The church membership has grown by leaps and bounds. Many, many members have been baptized. Rev. Robinson, the officers, the ministers, the members, and warriors of years gone by vision of a new church have become a reality. Our new sanctuary include seating form approximately 450 people, a choir loft that will hold 30 members of the choir, office spaces, classrooms, conference room, choir rooms, and a baptism pool and other conveniences. The old church at 53 N. Nassau Street was purchased by the South Carolina Highway Department to make room for thr new Copper River Bridge.

During Rev. Robinson's tenure a Sunday Morning Pep Talk Show on the radio station WZJY was aired from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. every sunday morning. The church has grown both spiritually and physically. Five minister have been licensed to preach the gospel, three ministers were ordained. Four Deacons were chosen and ordained. God is working mightily wirh Rev. Robinson and the Eastside Baptist Church Family. The Church is moving on in Jesus name.

We have 17 working ministries, the people of God is encourage to study the word, and many leadership classes are held for the education of its members. We have many assoicate ministers and some are Pastor of Churches, Rev. Miriam Frances, Pastor of Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Rev. Edward Lee Gibson, Pastor of St. Daniels Baptist Church. Also, Rev. Earthalee Smalls, Minister Miles Hamilton, Rev. Maurice Bryant, Minister Floretta Jones, Minister Sont Buncum and others that have accepted the call to minister to others. We have seven Deccons. Deacon Joseph Wright is the Chairman of the Deacon's Ministry, the late Deacon Williams Ferguson is Charirmain Emeritus, Deacon John Mack, Deacon Anthony Mitchell, Deacon Marshall McFadden, Deacon James Farmer and Deacon Nathaniel Robinson, Jr. We Have a Church Secretary, Financial Secretary, Finance Committee and Various other officers.

Our old Church Buliding was remodeled and is now out Fellowship Hall. With the spiritual inspiration and the vision of our Pastor, hard working officials, and member of Eastside we have achieved our goal/ To God be the Glory! We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His Holy Word, he's never failed us yet. We can't turn around, because we've come this far by FAITH.