Community Baptist Church History

The Community Baptist Church was established in February 1945 under the spiritual leadership of the late Lawrence W. Kay. The Pilgrim Progress Club, along with the late Mr. & Mrs. Z. Strickland, decided to end their fellowship with the parent church, Messiah Baptist Church. Mrs. Cassie Strickland proposed the name Community Baptist Church and was recognized for her contribution by being named the “Mother of the Church.”

The official services of the Church were initially held in the library of the Women’s Institute on Palisade Avenue, and later in the homes of some of its 35 founding members. In April 1945, the expanding congregation was offered the use of the Riverdale Chapel, owned by the New York City Mission Society, located at Riverdale & Highland Avenues. After sharing this building with other organizations for two years, they were informed that the building was for sale. The enthusiastic congregation not only voted to buy the property but also succeeded in doing so. Through faith, hard work, sacrifice, and an abundance of love, this small congregation paid off the mortgage in one year. Amid much celebration, the congregation held its first mortgage burning service in late 1948. The attendance was so large that the entire ceremony had to be moved to the outside front lawn to accommodate everyone.

The newly acquired building on Riverdale & Highland Avenue could only accommodate approximately 150 people. The office and kitchen were not spacious enough for members to work in. The basement was too dark and damp to be put to any use. Despite the furnishings and meager possessions, the congregation was not deterred. They immediately began renovations on the property. They swept, mopped, dismantled, hammered, painted, and labored tirelessly with an abundance of love and faith in God. In a few weeks, they possessed a magnificent temple, comparable to Solomon’s that reflected their love and devotion to God.

Reverend Kay, who had been elected pastor of the church, was widely known. He was deeply loved and greatly respected for his devotion, steadfastness, unbiased love, leadership, charisma, and immaculate appearance. He was heralded among the Outstanding Clergy of Westchester, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts. He was passionate about the well-being of the congregation and community. He adamantly pursued equal and fair housing, and employment for all. It was his leadership that inspired and caused the restaurants in Yonkers to become integrated. 78 years ago, he laid the foundation for Community Baptist Church to be of service for the community.

Just as the church was about to venture out into new fields, tragedy struck. Reverend Kay became gravely ill in 1951, leading to his retirement from the pulpit. He was later called home to glory in 1953. During these trying times, Deacon James Jenkins assumed leadership.

Under Deacon Jenkins, the church remained steadfast in its search for a new pastor. Many men of God articulated the Word from the pulpit of Community Baptist Church in the Riverdale Chapel. Many Sundays, plain old-fashioned revivals were held because speakers were unavailable. During this time, the members kept the faith, their vision never faltered and because of their patience, endurance, and togetherness, they would eventually find a new leader. For his role and leadership, “The Deacon Jenkins Room” was dedicated in his memory because of his loyalty, love, and devotion to God’s people. Deacon Jenkins was called from labor to reward on March 19, 1972.

The answer to our prayers for a new pastor came in September 1951. Reverend David J. Edwards, an Associate Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY, was unanimously elected Pastor of this church. Under his direction and spiritual guidance, many new facets were added. Reverend Edwards was also greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. He was kind, considerate, compassionate, and fair in all of his dealings. His assets, in addition to his spiritual and ministerial talents, included interior decorating and cooking. People came from all over town to taste “Ed’s fried chicken.” Everything around him had to be extremely clean, from his office to his home and the church.

The Riverdale property was old and in need of repairs, so under Reverend Edwards’ guidance, plans were made to build a new church. However, these plans never came to fruition. Instead, it was learned that the First Methodist Church (this building) was for sale. Reverend Edwards, the trustees, and members seized the opportunity to purchase the property and after some negotiations, they acquired this property. The congregation moved into this building, its new church home, in September of 1966. Once again, the mops and brooms were put to work and the church was made ready for service. This building was dedicated in November of 1966. It is a majestic structure that towers over the corners of Ashburton Avenue and North Broadway. It possesses all of the markings of a Historical Landmark. With its red stone masonry, its bell tower, gables, and many windows, it appears to be a medieval structure. Its authentic pipe organ and beamed cathedral ceilings truly give it a Renaissance appearance.

After 27½ years of devoted service, amid tears and pain, Reverend Edwards resigned his pastoral leadership here at Community Baptist Church. He was called home to glory on October 27, 1984.

In the spring of 1979, Reverend Clarence E. Bolling, who grew up in this church, was elected pastor. Under his leadership, the church has seen exceptional growth. Thousands of people have entered this church’s portals, from Riverdale to here. Year after year, hundreds of new believers have come forward giving their hands to the preacher and their hearts to God. What began with a membership of 35 has grown to thousands over the years, and this church has become an integral part of the Yonkers Community.

Under Reverend Bolling’s guidance, several new clubs and organizations have been formed. These include the Rev. Lawrence W. Kay Memorial Choir, the CBC Angels, and the Scholarship Fund Committee to name a few. New deacons have been ordained and several deaconesses consecrated for service. Under his guidance, several ministers emerged from this congregation. Many renovations have been made on the property and the mortgage for this property was burned in 1982.

Reverend Bolling was a man of unparalleled faith. A hallmark of his leadership was his humility. He did not have an easy job, having to accommodate his own personality to the personalities of the hundreds of worshippers from all walks of life. He, however, had to continue to sit on a neutral fence, calming the raging waters through his prudent leadership and unadulterated preaching of the gospel. When he sang, his well-trained tenor voice soothed one’s pains and imbued ease, compassion, and hope among us all. On November 7, 2022, our beloved Reverend Clarence E. Bolling, after 43 years of faithful service, went home to be with the Lord. He will forever be greatly loved and respected.

On September 10, 2023, we installed our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Nigel O. Cole. He is an anointed preacher and teacher who continues to inspire the congregation to give their all to God. He brings the signature quality of “CBC excellence” to leading our congregation. Reverend Cole believes that it is not the extraordinary gift, but the extraordinary dedication that provides the highest distinction in service to God.