Our History
Second Baptist Church of Monrovia was founded in1902 by 13 men and women whose vision and prayers live on today, 122 years later! In 1904, the original church was built on Royal Oaks Ave with a $500 donation for lumber from Monrovia's First Baptist Church which was an all-white congregation. The church was eventually relocated to 925 S. Shamrock by 1925.
Original SBC Bldg and Congregation 1904-1924
Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth - SBC's 1st Pastor
SBC's first Pastor was Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth who was born into slavery, became a Union soldier in 1862 during the American Civil War and later enlisted in the United States Navy in 1863. Allen Allensworth became the first African American to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1871 Lt. Colonel Allensworth was ordained a Baptist Minister and in 1877 he married Josephine Leavell. Through their union they had two daughters. In the absence of records of when Lt. Colonel Allensworth actually started Pastoring at SBC, we do know in1906 he became the first Pastor of Second Baptist Church Monrovia. SBC's 1st Lady was Josephine Allensworth who was an accomplished pianist and organist who played for her husband's services. She was also an activist, founded the Women's Improvement League.
Second Baptist Church of Monrovia 13 Founders
1. Deacon William H. Watkins
2. Deaconess Pinky Watkins
3. Brother Wm. M. Burleson
4. Sister Betty or Bettie Burleson
5. Brother Robert Gordon
6. Sister Gordon
7. Brother Eli Charles Lyle
8. Sister Loretta Lyle
9. Brother William Monroe
10. Rev. William Robinson
11. Sister Amelia Richardson
12. Brother E. D. Stogland
13. Sister A.C. Terrill
Founders Home location: 423 E. Maple Ave
Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth Installation- as the 1st
Neigborhood Tresure of Monrovia, 3/10/2018
Reverend George & First Lady Eva Bailey
Second Baptist Church Monrovia
Reverend George Godfrey Bailey - SBC's 12th Pastor
Reverend George Godrey Bailey became SBC's 12th Pastor in 1943. It was said during his tenure SBC became "The place to worship." Some congregants who grew up under his pastoring, said he had a heart for children, as he considered them his number one priority. He was also said to "have the patience of Job." Under Reverend Bailey along with 1st Lady Eva Bailey the main sanctuary and fellowship hall (G.G Bailey Fellowship Hall) were constructed. Together they positioned SBC to be a leader among Baptist churches in the Tri-County District and the Western Baptist State Convention. Pastor Bailey dedicated 30 years of service to SBC and the surrounding community.
Bishop William LaRue Dillard - SBC's 14th Pastor
Bishop Dillard, SBC's Under-shepherd for 45 years, became the 14th Pastor in 1974 where he preached the gospel of God until his retirement in 2019. Bishop Dillard said he had "a serious crush on the Christ and that he would rather wear out for Christ, than rust out for the devil." During the latter years of his Bishopric, he became our "Miracle on Shamrock" by becoming the oldest recipient of a heart transplant at the age of 78. Some of his favorite sayings were: "when you read the Bible, you are Coram Deo, face-to-face with God" for which he would urge the congregation to spend at least ten uninterrupted minutes reading your Bible every day; and as for talents, Bishop very wisely said "don't let your talents take you where your character can't sustain you." SBC's First Lady, Lady Betty Dillard, affectionately known as "Lady Apple Blossom" to Pastor Dillard, served faithfully in many ministries but will always be remembered as an anointed singer, bringing many to tears with her powerful yet sweet voice.
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Pastor Christopher A. Bourne Sr. - SBC's 15th Pastor
Pastor Bourne officially became SBC's 15th Pastor in May of 2019. Pastor Chris is known to "put a tag on the text" and to "Chris-erize" his Sunday sermons to your understanding, as he says "I used to be slow." Pastor Chris is said to have a "I am saved smile" and approaches his pastoring with the purpose of John 9:4a which states "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day." Pastor Chris is active within the community, evangelizing near and far, sharing God's word with everyone. Pastor Bourne "loves you with the love of the Lord and there's not a thing you can do about it!"
SBC's First Lady, Lady Heather Bourne, Pastor Chris's "better-half" is an inspirational speaker and author who has committed her life to Jesus and proudly serves with a smile and open-heart allowing God's light to shine bright.
Pastors of SBC Monrovia
Reverend George Godfrey Bailey and Bishop Wm LaRue Dillard were the longest serving Pastors at Seccond Baptist Church of Monrovia but there were 12 other Pastors who served for a limited time.
2. Gremble 3. Lambert 4. Howard 5. Wilson
6. Davis 7. McCall 8. Wade 9. Reed
10. Davis 11. Watkins 12. Bailey 13. Moore