“Changing the Atmosphere for a Mighty Move of God“
‘Watch Your Step’
On June 16, 1932, Reverend Ernest Crawford
Brown founded the former Watch Your Step Baptist Tabernacle. The name came from God as he stepped on to the trolley and saw the words ‘Watch Your Step’, eleven years earlier wrote and along with seven from his home church and others believers from around the city put on a Christian
play. The church was located at 506 North Gilmore Street and later moved to Gilmore and Franklin Street. Pastor Brown initiated Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 4 a.m. The church would march through the streets singing and praising God concerning the Resurrection. On November 11, 1937, the Lord called Rev. Brown from labor to reward.
‘Life’s Railway to heaven’
In 1939, Dr. George E. Vanderford became the second pastor. Under his leadership, the name was changed to The Trustees of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church and later renamed to the Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church. As the church grew to over 125 members, the Lord led them to 2000 N. Fulton Avenue. Rev. Vanderford served as pastor until 1951.
Reverends N. R. Lewis and J.R. Gayle succeeded Pastor Brown after his death in November 1937. They served the church as interim pastors until 1939, when the church called Reverend George Vanderford as its pastor.
‘Fire and Brimstone’
In 1951, Reverend Paul J. Harris ‘The Fire and Brimstone Preacher’, became the third Pastor. He held high the standards of the church and God’s ministry. He retired on October 1, 1972.
In 1972, Reverend Douglas I. Miles was called as the fourth pastor at Brown’s. For fifteen years, Rev. Miles, a progressive pastor, led Brown’s to a level in ministry never reached before. As the church grew, the Lord led them to its present location on West Belvedere Avenue.
‘Fulfill the vision of God’
On November 1, 1989, Reverend R. Lee Johnson was called to be the fifth pastor of Brown’s Memorial. Our ministry focus is on the relevance and free-reign of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders following. The authoritative office of God’s Word orders our steps and spiritual character. Many strength building ministries and improvements have been added to the church under Dr. Johnson’s leadership. For thirty-six years our shepherd has lifted the Word and the best is yet to come. He continues the standards of the church in ministry through preaching, teaching, and disciplining for edification of the house of God. Rev. Johnson constantly strives to fulfill the vision of God as the atmosphere of our church changes to fit the purpose he has for us a church in Christ Jesus.