1974
OUR CHURCH HISTORY
Progressive Baptist Church was organized in May of 1974, and established in a “shotgun” house owned by Mr. Doyle. The two-bedroom house was later converted into one large room, a bathroom and a small finance room. The original members consisted of five families’ 8-10 adults and their children. The group called Reverend Vester Cooper to be the pastor. And Reverend Joseph Davis became the assistant pastor.
1976
Progressive Baptist Church was organized in May of 1974, and established in a “shotgun” house owned by Mr. Doyle. The two-bedroom house was later converted into one large room, a bathroom and a small finance room. The original members consisted of five families’ 8-10 adults and their children. The group called Reverend Vester Cooper to be the pastor. And Reverend Joseph Davis became the assistant pastor.
1976
Progressive Baptist Church was organized in May of 1974, and established in a “shotgun” house owned by Mr. Doyle. The two-bedroom house was later converted into one large room, a bathroom and a small finance room. The original members consisted of five families’ 8-10 adults and their children. The group called Reverend Vester Cooper to be the pastor. And Reverend Joseph Davis became the assistant pastor.
1984
In 1984, by faith, they borrowed $100,000 from Citizens Bank to finance the completion of the building, which was ready for worship in May 1987. The interim pastor was Rev. Eugene Dew.
1987
In November of 1987, Pastor Cooper went home with God. At the time of his death, membership had grown to 60 faithful members.
1989
In 1989 the church then called Reverend Simeon T. Weatherby from Columbus, MS. Under his leadership:
- he church and land was paid in full by the grace of God.
- Many were souls were added to the church, PBC went to two services.
- Preaching ministry of S.T. Weatherby brought the church to higher heights.
- Several sons received their calling to preach the gospel.
- PBC Choir received numerous awards and honors for excellence in music ministry, service in the community and performance.
- Missions ministry soared in home and foreign missions.
- The community was made better because of Pastor Weatherby and his love for God, church, family and community.
1992
Pastor Weatherby was given another assignment to pastor elsewhere in 1992. April 12, 2006 God called The Reverend Simeon T. Weatherby home to be with him in heaven. Pastor Weatherby will be forever missed by the Progressive BC family and his name will always be honored in the hallways of the ministry.
1993
One season ends, and a new season begins
In May of 1993 to present, the Lord assigned and appointed Pastor Juan M. Brown, Sr., from Los Angeles, California, as the new shepherd of the Progressive Baptist Church, and he was officially installed on July 18, 1993. Under his leadership the church continued to prosper and grow. Pastor Brown is a pastor with a vision and a purpose:
- Many have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
- Many have been restored, and baptized in the ministry
Sons and daughters born in the ministry is as follows:
- Wayne Davis
- Edmond Leon Brown III
- Anthony Baptiste
- Bobby Thompson
- Chauncey Davis
- Chris Shelton
- Gary Warner
- Harumbe Purnell
- Larry Gooden
- Lionel Brown (In Heaven)
- Will Gant
- William Robinson
- Shermaine Fort
- LaDonna Cox
- Gary Warner
- Alton White
- Charl McRae III
- Brenda Thompson
- Treva-Free
- Charl McRae
- Elliot Utley
- Hedda Smith
- Tammy James
Current Ministerial Team:
- EL Brown III
- Elliot Utley Sr.
- Alandres Thompson
- Daryl Ferrell
- Vanessa Ferrell
- Hedda Smith
- Tammy James
- LeAnna Lucky
2001
In 2001 fulfilled visions were the Mother Board, Junior Deacons and Junior Deaconess and B-Sort (Bible Study Outreach Team). Many men and women were called in the ministry under Pastor Brown.
2002
In 2002, the fulfillment of Pastor’s vision continued with the establishment of a church prayer plan, which included: family prayer, end of month prayer, pre-ministry and leadership prayer and a class “Prayer as a Lifestyle”. The 1st phase of restructuring was completed with the completion of the Pastor’s Management team. Track soloist, home bible study, lay-mobility and manpower training taught by pastor, gospel explosions and relationships with sister churches along with many other things were accomplished.
2003
In September of 2003 with much prayer and after 9 years of seeking the Lord’s face, Pastor Brown led the church to unite with the “National Baptist Convention of America” on a national level, Dr. Steven J. Thurston, President at large.
2004
In 2004, Progressive Baptist Church, after 10 years united with the “Salt River Valley District Association” on a local level, Dr. Othell Newbill, President at large.
Other Affiliations include:
- WHW Expository Preaching Conference (R.A. Williams)
- E.K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference
- Faith Theological Seminary
- Southwest School of Theology
- Golden Gate Theological Seminary
- Church Leadership Development Conferences
- Arizona Bible Conferences
Ministries birthed 1993-2000 under Pastor Brown Leadership:
- Victory Today Telecast Genesis House
- Madison Street Outreach Ministers Training
- Kids Club Ministry
- Super Church
- Fifth Sunday Children
- Boy Scout Troop 596
- Youth Services
- Teachers Training
- New Beginnings
- Camp Miracle
- Deacons Training school
- Wednesday Night Live
- Women’s Ministry
- Men’s Ministry
- Computer Training
- Hospital Visitation
- Pastoral Visitation
- Power Point Teaching
Building Renovation from 1998 to Present
- Kitchen renovated
- Nursery built
- South hall renovated
- Audio sound room built
- Graphic design office built (audio room)
- Basement & youth office renovated
- All restrooms renovated
- New roof over the entire facility
- Entire church painted (exterior)
- Siding on the entire church (exterior)
- Break room built
- New carpet in the sanctuary & lobby area
- Pulpit redesigned
- Fans in the sanctuary
- Stage lights in the sanctuary
- State of the art sound systems
- Desert landscaping (exterior)
- All offices computerized
- Over flow built in sanctuary
- Pastoral restroom & shower renovated
- Church Clerk office built
- Memorial garden (exterior)
- Trees planted around the church building (exterior)
- New Air conditioner (house area)
- Tool room (outside, backyard)
- All executive offices painted and carpeted
- Vestibule area new floor
- Reception area built (lobby area)
- Music & Speakers installed in lobby area
- Music & speakers installed in south hall
- Cable in the classroom installed
- Pastors office & Baptismal rooms renovated, carpeted, and painted
- Fire extinguishers installed throughout the church
- First aid cabinets installed throughout the church
- Church alarm installed
- 5013C status
- New doors on all executive offices
- New doors on baptismal changing rooms
- Parking stalls painted
- Parking lot repairs
- Pastor’s parking lot installed
- Parking lot stalls for executive staff
- New lights around the facility & nursery installed
- New lights on church marquee installed
- New lights in the backyard installed
- Lights repaired on the cross (exterior)
- State of the art phone system installed
- House area renovated for more classroom space
- Landscaping beautiful rocks and plants and Memory Garden
- New chairs and seating for sanctuary
2012
In 2012 our Pastor received his doctorate degree in Expository Communication, and he continues to promote the importance of education. Many of the members of PBC have decided to go back to school and finish their education, as our pastor has set the bar.
2014
In 2014 Progressive continues to seek to win the lost, and make disciples. We are a small church doing big things because we serve a big God.
