CELEBRATING 134 YEARS — The Rev. Jeffrey Stanford serves as the pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Steubenville. Stanford will be helping the church to celebrate 134 years in the community with a special service planned for 10:45 a.m. Nov. 23. The church is located at 717 Adams St. The community and all denominations is invited to attend the celebration of its anniversary. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — For 134 years, the Second Baptist Church of Steubenville has been spreading God’s word.

Its congregation has been singing God’s praises and thanking him for all he has done and all he continues to do.

Its membership has spent more than a century praying for guidance and strength as it strives to do his will and spread his word his way.

The Second Baptist is a church for all people.

It is a place for anyone who wants to know the living God and to be taught his way to everlasting life, officials said.

The Second Baptist Church began its journey in 1891.

“What a great year 1891 must have been,” church officials commented, noting the Rev. Haywood Burton led the church through its beginning.

The church became a central gathering place for African American residents during the early 1900s, offering worship and community support.

During the mid-20th century, leadership transitions brought new pastors and deacons, strengthening outreach and youth programs.

Throughout the 1940s through the 1960s, the church was active in the Civil Rights era, connecting with broader African American religious networks.

Second Baptist began hosting the annual Juneteenth festival in 2016. The event offers food, games and activities for people of all ages.

Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a community festivity honoring Black African American heritage.

It is a day in which to celebrate self-development and respect of all cultures as well.

The festival expanded into a multi-day event in 2024, including parades and downtown celebrations.

The Rev. Jeffrey Stanford serves as its pastor, today, continuing the legacy of leadership and community engagement.

According to officials with the church, there have been many people who have entered the doors of the church throughout the years.

The building itself has undergone several remodels and upgrades that has changed the building.

And yet, the one thing that has never changed during the last 134 years is God.

God has not changed. The word of God has not changed.

God remains the same today as he was 134 years ago. And the members of the Second Baptist Church say they are proud to have people of all denominations join in helping to celebrate this special occasion.

“We are not celebrating ourselves,” a church official commented. “We are celebrating God’s grace, mercy and goodness.”

The community is invited to unite with the Second Baptist congregation to help celebrate, worship and praise God at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 23 at the church, located at 717 Adams St.

The guest undershepherd who will deliver the word of God during the anniversary celebration will be the Rev. James Bowie of Greater Friendship Baptist Church.

Celebrating 134 years reminds church officials of the 133rd Psalm which reads: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”

The church has a rich history of service and community engagement.

During its 134 years, it has offered various ministries and outreach programs.

The church has been instrumental in the development and growth of its community, supporting its members and providing spiritual guidance to those who wish to receive it.

In addition to its weekly Sunday morning worship service, Second Baptist Church provides a Sunday School for adults and children, has a WOW Women’s Ministry, a women’s Bible study and missionary.

For information, contact the church at (740) 282-4949 or visit its Facebook page for announcements and updates on upcoming events and activities.