The first pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church was Dr. Joshua Henry Green. The “Old Ship of Zion,” presently known as The New Metropolitan Baptist Church, was launched on August 10, 1922, after withdrawing from The Enon Baptist Church. The beginning was filled with many hardships. Because there was no permanent location, this dedicated membership met in the homes of its members.
Dr. Green, a man of great vision and indomitable faith, soon found a meeting place, the basement of The Trinity Baptist Church. Later a more permanent location for worship was obtained at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Preston Street. In May, 1924, following many difficulties, Metropolitan mortgaged The Chizuk Amuna Synagogue, located at McCulloh and Mosher Streets. The Church progressed wonderfully. Consequently, the church was blessed to host the Women’s Auxiliary of The National Baptist Convention in September, 1925. During this Convention the Young People’s Department of the Convention was organized. Also prevailing the development of the Church were the charm and musical talent of Mrs. Goldie Green, wife of Dr. Green.
Suddenly, following a brief illness, Dr. Green transitioned from labor to reward on June 17, 1930. The Church was stunned over the passing of its founder and leader. For a very short time, the Church was served by the late Reverend C.A. Cobbs, the late Reverend J.W. Luck, and the late Reverend Oliver Paige, Sr.
The depression years hovered over the Church. In November, 1939, Reverend Paige and a majority of the members withdrew from the Church and organized what is now The Gethsemane Baptist Church. Only a few loyal members remained to face the bleakness of a foreclosure of the mortgage and a possible loss of the building. However, this faithful crew rededicated themselves to God and continued their pursuit of kingdom growth / building by re-purchasing the building for $22,000. This made it necessary for the Church to be reorganized and renamed. Because of the love for the name, “Metropolitan,” and the spiritual prowess of the original remaining members, Reverend Robert Butler suggested that the neworganization be named The New Metropolitan Baptist Church. This became a reality on March 4, 1940.
In June, 1940, the late Dr. W.J. Winston, former pastor of The Wayland Baptist Church and the President of Northern University of New Jersey, became the first pastor of The New Metropolitan Baptist Church. Dr. Winston, and his loyal wife, Mrs. Bertha C. Winston, brought about a spiritual newness to the Church. Many souls were added and a sound financial system was adopted. Moreover, the mortgage was burned in 1946. In November, 1949, Dr. Winston transitioned from labor to reward. Though in sorrow, the Church was most thankful to God for permitting Dr. Winston to lead it from a valley of despair to a mountaintop of victory.
In December, 1950, Dr. John L. Tilley became our second pastor and piloted us for the next nine and a half years. Dr. Tilley was most active in civic and political affairs, serving with Dr. Lillie Jackson and the N.A.A.C. P. He was an eloquent, distinguished and effectual spiritual leader. His wife, Mrs. Phyllis Tilley, was an asset to his ministry. Dr. Tilley resigned from the church in 1960.
On February 15, 1962, Dr. Lawyer L. Swinsonwas elected pastor. On the fourth Sunday in April, 1962, he began to pilot this old ship. Under his leadership, the church soared to higher heights of spirituality and the membership increased tremendously. The old structure was renovated inside and out. In June, 1986, Dr. Swinson was called home to be with the Lord.
By divine providence, Dr. Richard D. Dickens became the fourth pastor of The New Metropolitan Baptist Church on April 8, 1987. Under his leadership, many new ministries have been implemented and many improvements have been made. Our membership has increased and continues to grow. We are experiencing the favor of God as we look forward to the challenges of the future.
