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Second Baptist Church of Rahway

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The history of Second Baptist Church begins in the early 1890s, when a small group of faithful families gathered for worship in private homes. From those humble beginnings, they constructed their first building on Haydock Street using salvaged lumber from the old Washington School. By 1904, the congregation had grown enough to be formally incorporated, and its witness within the Rahway community began to expand.

 

The church’s early spiritual leadership included several pastors whose names are less known, but whose faithfulness laid a foundation for future growth. Among them was Rev. Lemuel Croom, whose tenure marked the beginning of formal pastoral leadership. As the church continued to evolve, it merged with a local mission group, and through these efforts, became a central spiritual home for Rahway’s Baptist community.

 

In the 1920s, under the leadership of Rev. Wright, the church began to organize more formally, establishing trustees and deacons and relocating to a new site on Milton Avenue. Support from neighboring congregations and the Northern Baptist Convention helped this new season take root.

 

In 1925, Rev. C.H.S. Watkins was called to serve. During his tenure, the church purchased new property with plans to construct a more suitable building, though those plans were delayed by the economic hardship of the Great Depression.

 

Rev. Norman Olphin succeeded him in 1939 and led the church into its current location on East Milton Avenue. The cornerstone was transferred, stained-glass windows were installed, and a new era of growth began. This set the stage for further expansion under Rev. W.C. Moss, who served from 1951 to 1956. During his pastorate, the church constructed its parsonage and acquired additional land for future ministry.

 

In 1956, Rev. Paul A. McDaniels became pastor. Under his leadership, the church underwent a significant renovation, adding a balcony, updated lighting, restrooms, a downstairs auditorium, and a pastor’s study. The sanctuary was modernized inside and out, physically reflecting the vitality of the congregation within.

 

Then in 1967, Rev. Dr. James W. Ealey began what would become a defining tenure. During his leadership, the church constructed its current edifice—completed in 1983—a major milestone in its history. Under Dr. Ealey, the mortgage was paid in full, the sanctuary was outfitted with air conditioning, new pews, instruments, and audio equipment, and the church expanded its mission and outreach. Second Baptist committed itself to giving, service, and community involvement—including youth programming, scholarships, and support for various ministries and civic activities. Dr. Ealey’s leadership extended over five decades and left a lasting legacy on both the building and the body of the church.

 

In September 2024, Rev. Anthony M. Miller was called as the next pastor of Second Baptist Church. A native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Morehouse College, Pastor Miller brings to this role a prophetic preaching voice, a heart for community empowerment, and a commitment to nurturing spiritual growth. He preached his first sermon as Pastor-Elect on the first Sunday of November 2024 and was officially installed on Sunday June 29, 2025.

 

Today, the church continues to build upon the strong foundation of those who came before, marching onward with the firm belief that the best has yet to come. With faith as our anchor and hope as our compass, Second Baptist Church moves forward—living, loving, and laboring for the glory of God.