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A Glimpse of High Street Baptist Church

                     

1884	High Street Baptist Church was organized. The first house of worship was a building on Salem Avenue.
1887	A new church was erected during the pastorate of Rev. W.W. Brown a native of Franklin County, Virginia.
1902	The Rev. J.H. Burks succeeded Rev. Brown as pastor of High Street.  He was a preacher and builder.
1907	A new church was erected at 21 Center Ave. N.W.  This church was destroyed by fire and another erected one year later.  Rev. Burks resigned on December 31, 1916 and for almost a year, the church was without a pastor.
1917	Effective November 23, Rev. W.E. Lee served as pastor.  He inherited a church with an approximate debt of $27,000.  Under his leadership, the debt was eliminated in seven years.  Major improvements were made during the service of Rev. Lee.  The pipe organ, ceiling fans, and additional land were purchased.
1935	The church voted to change its name from High Street Baptist Church to Second Baptist Church.  Rev. Lee served for 27 years.  His pastorate ended in December 1945.
1947	The Rev. Robert Johnson Smith was chosen as pastor in April.  In the first year of his leadership, a five point program eradicated $3,000 of debt.  The parsonage was used as a parish house with a small chapel and other renovations were made.  On September 21, the church was officially rededicated as High Street Baptist Church and the following organizations were formed: Vocational Church School, Junior Usher Board, Women's Guild, Junior League, Young Men's Club, The Worker's Council, Radio Choir, Sunday School Choir, Board of Education. After five years as pastor, Rev. Smith resigned in 1952.
1952	The Rev. Frederick G. Sampson was chosen as pastor in October.  He was an educator and organizer who initiated a teaching and preaching ministry.  In addition to Sunday School classes, he organized a Lenten season observance which concluded on Good Friday with a joint communion worship service with First Baptist Church (Gainsboro). Rev. Sampson organized: 6 a.m. Sunrise and Baptism Services, 11 a.m. Easter Message, Youth Council's Candlelight Service, Divided the General Missionary into 8 missionary bands with 2 deacon advisors, High Street Federal Credit Union, Reorganized the Girl Scout Troop, Departmentalized Sunday School. Rev. Sampson resigned after having served eight years.
1961	The Rev. Noel C. Taylor was chosen as pastor in May.  He was a young, vibrant, religious leader, preacher, teacher, administrator, and organizer.
1972	The church moved to its new location on Cove Road and Florida Ave. N.W.  Anxious to serve the community, Rev. Taylor organized the building of the Anchor of Hope.  This addition was dedicated on November 1985 and included the following: Gymnasium, Additional Classrooms, Office Space, Library, Cafeteria Style Kitchen, An apartment for visiting preachers, Basketball Teams, Fitness Program.
1987	An endowment fund was created in February for the future growth and development of the church.  It continues to prosper. High Street Baptist Church is proud that Rev. Taylor served the city of Roanoke as its first African American city council member (1970-1975).  He served as mayor of Roanoke (1975-1992) longer than any other and only declined to seek re-election due to health reasons. Rev. Taylor has the distinction of having served High Street Baptist Church longer than any other pastor.
1998	After thirty-seven and a half years of continuous service, Rev. Taylor retired on December 31, 1998.  He was elected Pastor Emeritus in 1999.  He died on October 29, 1999.
2000	Rev. Floyd W. Davis is chosen as pastor in May.  He was installed in September of that same year as the church's seventh pastor.  He is a native of Richmond, Virginia and was married to the former Mary A. Scott.  He served as pastor for four years.
2006	In March Rev. David L. Chapman was chosen as pastor of High Street Baptist Church.  He was officially installed in June.  He is a champion of unity, youth programs, missions, education, and community service.  He teaches two well-attended bible study sessions and has a weekly intercessory prayer meeting on Saturday morning in the chapel.
2008	Historic ordination service held on October 5, for the first time, four women of our Church attained position of Deacon: Melva Belcher, Gracie Board, Orlanda Brandon, and Teresa Dickerson. John Allen was also ordained as Deacon.