Second Baptist Church grows in size and spirit

Second Baptist Church grows in size and spirit

New addition and expanded community outreach as church marks 125th anniversary

BY KENNYWALTER

Staff Writer

Founded 125 years ago, the Second Baptist Church in Long Branch continues to expand both the church facility and its community outreach programs. PHOTO BY NICOLE ANTONUCCI Rooted in humble beginnings 125 years ago, the Second Baptist Church will dedicate a multimillion-dollar expansion on April 14 that includes an expanded sanctuary and community outreach.

The 15,000-square-foot addition to the church houses a 700-seat sanctuary, 12 classrooms, a 300- seat banquet hall and extra office space.

According to Chanta Jackson, who serves as church treasurer and project manager for the expansion, there will be a ceremony on April 14 to officially open the expanded facility.

Jackson, who has been affiliated with the church since 1968, described how the church has grown over the past 125 years.

The physical structure has expanded greatly during that period, she said. The addition alone is an additional 10,000 square feet since 1968.

Some of the Second Baptist Church members honored for more than 35 years of continuous service to the church. The awards were presented by the Rev. Aaron N. Gibson Sr., pastor, and Deacon Rodney Morris on March 10. PHOTO BY CHANTA L. JACKSON We also put on the educational wing in the 1970s and we expanded the sanctuary, she added. This is the fourth expansion that I have seen.

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Second Baptist Church grows in size and spirit