On May 30, 1987, thirteen individuals met with Rev Charles Leak in his home to organize a church. The church that he had in mind was not just an ordinary one, but a church that would be built on a strong foundation.
A "Solid Rock", a church of love, caring and serving the community and those in the surrounding areas, winning souls for Christ. Those present at the meeting were: Vera Leak, Thelma Turner, Valeria Cruise, Josephine Lindsay, Laura Adams, Gloria Crawford, Dorothy Irby, Ken Eury, Larry Smith, Bobby France, Robert Adams, W.M. Valentine and Luther Leak.
The church was officially named Solid Rock Baptist Church. Several officers were designated: Luther Leak (Chairman of the Deacon board), Brother Bobby France (Financial Secretary), Sister Valeria Cruise (Church clerk), Brother Larry Smith (Superintendent of Sunday school). We began seeking a place to worship. The members of the Mt. Moriah Lodge opened their hearts and doors to us for worship services.
On June 7, 1987 our first church service was held in the Mt. Moriah Lodge, 1411 N Patterson Avenue. After the Word had been preached by Reverend Leak, the invitation was given, 35 members were added to the church roll. By the 2nd Sunday, the gospel choir was organized by Valeria Cruise, rendering music for worship for worship service (the name later changed to the Spiritual Choir).
On the 3rd Sunday in June, the Lord blessed the church with a musician, Brother Chris Leak. We sang with much enthusiasm, "See What the Lord Has Done". The membership continued to grow weekly. We were soon able to renovate the building to incorporate a choir stand. The Lord blessed the church with an air conditioner system, organ, sound system; padded folding chairs, drum set and a 15 passenger van.
During our first year, Reverend Leak continued to preach the gospel and souls were added to the Church. As we grew, choirs and auxiliaries were organized. The church family soon outgrew our facilities. The Lord saw our needs and our greatest blessings were realized on December 4, 1988 and we marched to our new church home located at 3010 Carver School Road. Our hearts rejoiced as we entered the building seeing where the Lord had brought us from. A beautiful sanctuary, class rooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, pastor's study and much more.
Looking to the future, we continue to lean on the Lord for guidance. Much has been done to the church for improvement. Building of the choir stand, interior and exterior doors; heat and air conditioning units; new sound system; fire and burglar alarm system, new kitchen appliances; drum set; copying machine; purchasing of two adjacent lots; stain glass windows; new carpet for the sanctuary; new sanctuary furniture; paving and striping of parking lot; new 15 passenger van; purchase of a bus; redecorating of our pastor's study, and purchase of another lot to enhance parking.
We have confidence that God didn't bring us this far to leave us. It is our hope that Solid Rock can be a beacon, a light sitting on a hill to proclaim to the world that all things are possible if you believe. We thank God for the many blessing that he has bestowed upon us, and for sending our pastor and organizer, the Reverend Charles W. Leak.
And if that was not enough Jeremiah 3:15, And I will give you pastors according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. On December 24, 2006 the Lord saw favor and blessed us again. Our beloved pastor and founder Charles W. Leak passed the mantle and handed the torch to our newly elect pastor, Reverend Waymon Leonard Monroe, Jr.
Pastor Monroe vision is uncompromisingly clear, with one central principle; to build and develop a kingdom of empowered people for God. Holding firmly to the commissioned mandate in Matthew 28:18-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations”,
Under the pastoral ship of Pastor Monroe and the guidance of the Holy Spirit the Solid Rock family has experienced new growth and dedication to the cause of Christ. Ministries that have been birth under the guidance of Pastor Monroe are a Christian Growth Class, Prison & Evangelism Ministry, New Members Fellowship, Advisory Team, Solid Rock Steppers, and Genesis Dance Troupe. We have purchased a new Key board, Audio equipment, Air Condition unit, a new roof installed, and remodeled our Baptismal pool.
One of Pastor Monroe's visions was for us to be a tithing church and believe that God would do just what He said. He continues to instill in us that it is not about him, but all about Christ. And June 1, 2010 the church mortgage was paid in full. To God be all the glory.
As we move into the future, our strong and continued presence will only increase our opportunities for sharing God's love and the gospel of Jesus Christ. This congregation of Christians will continue to "Lift Up The Name Of Jesus Christ" in our neighborhood, our community, our nation and our world.....
....And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it..Matthew 16:18
