SIXTH BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST PASTOR: REV. E. D. CAFFEE
In 1923, twenty-five members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, led by Rev. E.D. Caffee, left the
church to form St. Luke’s Mission. On December 12, 1923, St. Luke’s Mission was officially
recognized as the St. Luke Baptist Church. Ultimately, the St. Luke Baptist Church moved to 502
North 6th Street, and held its first church service in the new location on December 28 1924, with
Rev. E.D. Caffee, preaching the first sermon. Reverend Caffee remained pastor until 1927.
SECOND PASTOR: REV. JOSEPH ARRINGTON
In November of 1927, the Reverend Joseph Arrington was called as minister, preaching his first
sermon on Christmas Day. In January 1928, the church name was officially changed to Sixth
Street Baptist Church. Under Rev. Arrington’s leadership, church membership grew to 350
members and the mortgage was completely liquidated.
In 1953 the church moved to its current location at Addison and Idlewood. The first sermon in
the new church home was on the fourth Sunday in January, 1953. Upon moving to the West
End, the name of the church was officially changed to Sixth Baptist Church. Rev. Arrington remained pastor until 1960.
THIRD PASTOR: REV. HAYWOOD G. KNIGHT
On December 24, 1960, the Christmas Day celebration, Reverend Arrington preached his last
sermon, having given 33 years of faithful service. At that time he was unanimously voted to
become the Pastor-Emeritus of Sixth Baptist Church. On January 1, 1961, Reverend Haywood
G. Knight, who had served as Associate Minister since 1956, became the third pastor of the
Sixth Baptist Church.
Under Rev. Knight’s leadership, a new organ was purchased, the interior of the church was
painted, and the Fellowship Club and Youth Church were organized. Rev. Knight continued as
pastor until September of 1968, when he presented his resignation to the church.
FOURTH PASTOR: REV. DR. EMMETT L. FLEMING, SR.
In March 1969, Reverend E.L. Fleming was called as pastor. He was installed as pastor on the
fourth Sunday in May 1969.
For 40 years, Pastor Fleming was a beacon light, not only in his church, but the community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as many other states. He became a Senior Statesman who recognized the need for his preachers and officers to be securely trained in the word of God.
During Rev. Fleming’s tenure, the church was blessed with many new members and
restorations and ever increasing financial intake. A parking lot was constructed and the church
sanctuary was completely renovated with new windows, pulpit furniture, pews, a communion
table, and offering tables. Blessed with great vision, Rev. Fleming also led the church in
purchasing vacant properties around the church for future expansions, and organizing many
programs for seniors, youth and young adults. $450,000 plus dollars were raised by Rev. Fleming for
construction of a new church edifice. The project was not completed under his administration
due to his declining health and subsequent demise, Rev. Fleming received his wings and went to heaven on Sunday, September 17, 2000. A Home-going celebration was held on Thursday, September 21, 2000. Rev. Fleming was married to the late Mrs. Marie B. Fleming, who served graciously as a first lady and in many capacities of the church. They were the parents of four children; one girl, Winona; and three boys, Emmett, Jr., Major and Gerald. Servants of God, WELL DONE! To God Be The Glory!
FIFTH PASTOR: REV. DR. YVONNE JONES BIBBS
On June 3, 2001, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs was officially installed as the fifth pastor of Sixth
Baptist Church.
The year 2017 began with the Pastor preaching on the 5 years theme (2016-2020), “Mobilizing
for Ministry: Refreshing the Old and Emerging the New”. The church was also reminded
through the campaign “I FOUND IT: SALVATION”, to share the good news of God’s salvation.
Sadly on January 3, 2017, the Pastor and church suffered a great loss when her husband (the
first MAN OF THE CHURCH), died suddenly. Brother Henry Clay Bibbs, II was a great warrior for
the Lord. He was a great supporter of his wife, and was extremely active in evangelism and
outreach, having faithfully worked in this field for over 35 years. He was a great missionary
worker and teacher of the Bible, always thinking of ways to GROW GOD’S KINGDOM IN AND
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH. “Clay” was a mentor to many students and for years taught African and
African-American Studies to children at church and in school. Two years before he passed
“Clay” organized the “Men of God” ministry incorporating men from various denominations to
come together broadening the growth of sharing God’s word to all. “Clay” was well loved and
has been greatly missed by the Sixth Baptist Church Family.
In 2017 church worship services began at 10:45 am with a meditation message followed by
quiet meditation and prayer by members. In addition, “A Health Moment” was instituted
during worship with our nurses and other health professionals sharing timely information for
the members’ health and well-being. See 2018 yearbook for the many other accomplishments
SBC has been blessed to achieve by the GRACE OF GOD IN 2017. Also, a property was sold to
assist the church in preparation for renovations and building in 2018.
During our 94th Anniversary, we had a church-wide prayer service on Sunday, December 17th
,
2017 to give thanks to God for taking our Pastor and church through a very challenging but
spirit filled year. Dr. Robert G. Murray, the pastor of THE HISTORIC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ,
Norfolk, Virginia was the speaker. Great music and ministry by others groups in celebration of
94 YEARS/. Thanks to leadership, workers and all others for YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE TOGETHER WE RISE, TOGETHER WE MOBILIZE.
The year 2018 began with a retreat emphasizing our Five Year Theme: 2016- 2020. Dr.
Blackwell, Pastor Little Zion Baptist Church, Smithfield, Virginia was our facilitator. Many
leaders and members were challenged in many way and his teaching is still ringing in our ears
as we show accountability to God.
We also added to our staff in 2018, Erin Caraway as our new Children and Youth Director.
She is doing a wonderful work with the children and youth steering committee.
Pastor Bibbs was asked by the Deacons to do the combined anniversary of Deacons, Trustees
and Deaconesses. She said she was honored to be asked. Thanks to all OFFICERS WITH LOVE!
The trustees were successful in leading the congregation to sell 2311 Idlewood to add to funds
for purchase of another piece of property as we move forward with prayer for our next area of
building and ministry. Much maintenance and repairs occurred in 2018 to most of our
properties.
Our United Sisterhood, team one sponsored an intergenerational panel on Colorism. This was
the first of others to follow. Thanks to all the women and men for your support. Special thanks
also to the men who sponsored two breakfasts/bible studies and the beginning of our Prime
Time Bible Study on Thursdays at 1 as well as various WOW (worship on Wednesdays) with
preaching and bible studies and our music ministry support. Marvelous Mondays Connect
began with Pastor Bibbs teaching every Monday from 6:30 to 6:50 (take twenty, a connect free
conference phone call bible study for all). Thanks to God for our new Congregational and
Spiritual Care Ministry leading an END OF LIFE biblical presentation as well as other counseling
services throughout the year and seminars. We were blessed to host the Healthy Churches
Good Health and Brain Seminar sponsored by the Balm in Gilead.
The church ordained Rev. Rachel Satterfield as the MINISTER OF MISSIONS AND MINISTRY on
Sunday September 30th. Rev. Stephen Hewlett was her catechist and preached the ordination
sermon. Her ordination council was held on Saturday, September 29th at the church.
We started “Live Streaming” in October and now working on making it better before placing it
on our website. Praise the Lord! Recently, we also added another way to give your stewardship
giving as we celebrate the MINISTRY OF GIVING TO THE GLORY OF GOD. In addition to our
weekly Sunday envelope giving and e-giving we call it on our website that many use, we also
have TEXT TO GIVE. The phone number is 1-804-375-5599. Call it anytime, anyplace you go.
Praise the Lord! WE CAN STILL SHARE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS AND KEEP GOD FIRST WITH
OUR GIVING!
As we began 2018, we had six remaining members who united with Sixth Baptist when the
church was located on Sixth Street. Mrs. Corrine Bennett, Mrs. Mildred Jones, Mrs. Gertrude
Johnson, Mrs. Shirley Higgs, Brother Wille Jones and Brother James Turner. Mrs. Bennett and
Mrs. Johnson went home to heaven this year! We thank God for them and all others who met
Jesus. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR EACH MEMBER THAT WAS CALLED FOR LABOR TO REWARD!
SBC IS THE PLACE TO BE! LOOKING FORWARD TO 2019 WITH GOD’S BLESSINGS!
For preaching engagements or to reach Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs,
Please call (804) 359-1691 or info@sixthbaptistchurch.org.