Baber A.M.E. Church, Rochester

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For more than a year, a small group of A.M.E. Christians living in Rochester, New York traveled to Buffalo, New York to attend church services. In 1956, the group organized and began holding church meetings in Rochester. They rotated meeting places between the homes of Mr. Murry Allen, Ms. Pauline Mack, and Rev. Georgia Hughes. Even as they worshiped locally, they maintained close ties with the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church family in Buffalo. 

As the congregation grew spiritually and numerically, the need for a larger worship space emerged. The group began renting a community hall on Kelly Street. Bishop John D. Bright sent an assistant pastor, Rev. John W. Beach of Buffalo, to serve the congregation. Under his guidance, the members adopted the name “True Christian African Methodist Episcopal Church.”

At the 1957 Conference, True Christian A.M.E. was officially affiliated with the First Episcopal District, and a new A.M.E. church family was formally established. Rev. Beach’s tenure was brief, and Rev. Albert White was subsequently appointed to lead the mission, serving until 1959.

In 1959, the congregation moved to Herman Street, where they shared a building with St. Luke Baptist Church. The two congregations held joint Sunday services, with pastors alternating in preaching responsibilities.

Rev. Pershing J. Cole was sent to Rochester that same year. Bishop George W. Baber and Rev. Harry White Sr. met with the congregation at 6 Vose Street to discuss its future. At that meeting, the members voted to rename the mission “Baber Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church,” in honor of Presiding Prelate Bishop George W. Baber. Rev. Cole served as pastor until 1963.

During the 1963 Conference, Rev. Harry White Jr. was appointed pastor. That same year, the congregation purchased a new church home at 62 North Union Street. The chapel seated 250, with an additional 50 seats in the rear. A cornerstone was laid in 1963, bearing the names of Bishop George W. Baber, Rev. Harry White Sr., Trustee Mr. Murry Allen, and Rev. Harry White Jr. Rev. White served until 1964. 

In 1964, Rev. Ernest Doster was appointed pastor but served only a few months. Bishop Baber soon sent Rev. Vance Bethea to the Rochester mission in an unofficial capacity. Rev. Bethea was formally appointed at the 1965 Annual Conference and served until 1968. 

 At the 1971 Annual Conference, Rev. John D. Jones was appointed pastor and led the congregation to renewed spiritual vitality. He served until 1976.

In 1976, a second fire severely damaged the Baber Chapel edifice, rendering it unusable for several weeks. Though no injuries occurred, the congregation diminished in number, and only a faithful few remained to sustain the church. Mr. Benjamin McBride, a member of Baber Chapel and head of security for the Educational Opportunity Center, arranged for the congregation to hold services in that facility until repairs were completed.

Rev. Rayman Pennerman was appointed pastor in 1976 and guided the congregation back into their restored church home at 62 North Union Street. He served until 1978.

In 1978, Rev. Bealie Stancil was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, church board meetings were organized and refined, and the church’s financial condition improved significantly. Rev. Stancil served until 1981.

 In 1981, the New York Annual Conference appointed Rev. John Dixon as pastor. Rev. Dixon brought a clear vision for growth, recognizing that the congregation would soon outgrow its North Union Street location. He envisioned expanded facilities that would support broader ministry throughout the Rochester community.

Pastor Dixon set his sights on the edifice located at 550 Meigs Street. With the support of Presiding Prelate Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand and Presiding Elder Vernon Lowe, financial arrangements were secured. On May 26, 1982, the congregation   purchased the property.

In a historic march, Rev. Dixon led the congregation to their new home. Baber Chapel entered what was described as “A New Beginning.” The main sanctuary seated approximately 700, with a balcony accommodating an additional 300.

The dedication service was held on Sunday, September 18, 1982, with Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand officiating. Rev. Harry White Sr. of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Buffalo was also present, continuing his longstanding relationship as a trusted advisor to the congregation. During this service, the church was officially renamed Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Dixon served as pastor until 1990. Though he has since passed, his legacy remains deeply rooted in the life of the congregation. 

In 1991, Bishop Frank C. Cummings appointed Rev. Norvel Goff Sr. as pastor. That same year marked the burning of the mortgage on the Meigs Street property, a significant milestone in the church’s history. With its debt retired, Baber A.M.E. Church hosted the 171st Session of the New York Annual Conference.

In 1996, the church expanded its ministry by acquiring the Christian Life Center, which provided space for Church School, a Homework Academy, a computer lab, and other programs. In 1997, the Western New York Conference was established as a separate conference, and Baber hosted its second Annual Conference, contributing to the formation and growth of the new conference body.

During Rev. Goff’s tenure, new ministries were established, and the sanctuary was renovated, including the installation of an elevator to better serve elderly and disabled members. Rev. Goff served until 2004.

Following his unexpected departure, Presiding Elder Rev. James E. F. Lawrence provided interim leadership until Bishop Richard Norris appointed Rev. Marlowe V. N. Washington as pastor in 2005. Rev. Washington continues to serve as the current pastor of Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church.