About The BBC...Where it began

The Bible Baptist Church was organized February 16, 1985, with 54 persons in the home of Deacon Roger and Mrs. Blodean Smith, at 506 W. Lincoln Avenue, Magnolia, New Jersey. Upon declaring themselves a Baptist Church, the church then called the Reverend Benny Smith to serve as pastor for life. After calling its pastor, the church then adopted the name : The Bible Baptist Church of Christ.

Deacon Marvell Whitley, one of the organizing members of Bible Baptist Church, arranged for Pastor Smith to meet with Elder Elvin Ezekiel, pastor of the Tabernacle at 5th & Coopers St., in Camden, New Jersey. During the meeting the Lord laid it upon the heart of Pastor Ezekiel to provide a place for us to worship. The newly formed church held its first worship service as an organized ecclesiastical body at the Tabernacle of Faith (COGIC), pastored by the Reverend

Elvin Ezekiel. The one offering received was $1,528.26.

During the first few months after its organizing meeting, the members met weekly in various homes for prayer, Bible study, planning and encouragement.  Again the Lord touched the heart of Pastor Ezekiel who perceived our need for a fixed location and made additional space available for us at the Tabernacle of Faith. On Friday, Sep 20th, the church successfully bid on and acquired the right to purchase the property located at 1000 Laurel Road. The church purchased the property for $55,000.00 with $30,000.00 as a down payment and paid off the balance within 3 years. This was made possible by more than one $10,000.00 dollar gift. The bank that agreed to finance the mortgage withdrew its commitment upon receiving an appraiser’s report. After hearing about our plight, the late Pat Charles, attorney for 1st Peoples Bank who owned the property, used his influence with the President of the bank to secure the financing which the bank loan officer had previously denied.

The church clearly saw the Hand of God in this and became all the more determined to proceed. The congregation came together on one accord and began to rehabilitate its future worship site. On New Year’s Eve, Tuesday Dec 31, 1985, the church held its 1st service in its almost completely renovated facility. The Reverend Joseph Lewis, associate minister and effective leader, preached the 1st message in the new church. The Church was filled to capacity and no one complained about the makeshift pulpit and the folding chairs and tables that were temporarily used for seating. On Sunday, March 16, 1986, the congregation celebrated the dedication of the building to the glory of God. The Reverend Clarence Dunlap, pastor of the St. Paul Baptist, in Camden, NJ, preached the morning message and Elder Ezekiel of Faith Tabernacle, brought the evening message.