ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

Rev. and Mrs. Waylon Waldon along with ten other Christian soldiers, including Deacon Odie, Sis. Julia Dodd, Pearlene Reed. Sis. Roberta Grant, Sis. Nesbil Lawson, Sis. Nettie Arterberry, Sis. Althea Prentice-White, Bro. David White, Sis. Bessie Carter, and Sis. Etta Harris organized the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, California on December 12, 1971. Those dedicated and faithful Christian soldiers worshipped at the home of Sis Reed and Sis Grant for two and one-half years.

The founding members stepped out on faith to build a Black Baptist Church in North Pomona.

Rev and Mrs. Waldon relocated to another state in 1975. Rev. David D. Hurst and Mrs. Gloria Hurst were called to lead the flock. Under the leadership of Rev. Hurst, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2343 N. San Antonio Avenue, in Pomona, CA., opened its doors on the last Sunday in July 1979.

After Pastor Hurst’s departure in 1991, Rev. Robert Flagg and Rev. David Moore lead the church for an interim period.  Then Rev. Xavier Joshua and Mrs. Zina Joshua were called to lead God’s people

 After Rev. Joshua’s departure, In June 1994 Rev. Darryl Handy and Mrs. Sandra Handy were called to be Pastor and First Lady.

Rev. Handy resigned in 1995.

In March 1996, Rev. William E. Tyler & Mrs. Monee Tyler was called to be Pastor and First Lady. Pastor Tyler came with a vision and the church grew rapidly leading to two (2) worship services, office staff was increased, leadership positions were formalized and many Deacons were ordained.

In 2004, The CUSH (Committed to Unite and Strengthen Humanity) foundation was established as a 501 C 3 Corporation.

 Antioch grew spiritually, physically and financially. All leadership roles and all ministries were well established and uplifting the Kingdom of God.

Under Pastor Tyler’s leadership, our current sanctuary was built. Pastor Tyler served Antioch for 20 years retiring in 2016.

After Pastor Tyler retired, Assistant Pastor Sam Alexander led the flock. Pastor Alexander established a “Pastoral Search Committee” and led Antioch for 16 months.

On, July 2, 2017, Pastor Steve Lowry and Lady Cissie took their place as Pastor and First Lady of Antioch. Under Pastor Lowry, the Christian Education Ministry adopted a new curriculum for Sunday school and Bible Study classes. In September 2020, Pastor Lowry departed Antioch.

In October 2020, Rev. Edward Taylor was voted in to be Interim Pastor, while we organized a Pastoral Search Committee. Pastor Taylor’s motto was “Antioch Moving Forward.” Pastor Taylor led Antioch through the COVID pandemic. Under Pastor Taylor’s leadership, Sermonette Sunday’s were started, the Antioch Newsletter was revived, and the church Mortgage was paid off.

Pastor Taylor stepped down due to health reasons in March 2023.

 Pastor Larry Martin (Director of Christian Education) moved into the Interim Pastor role while The Pastoral Search Committee continued its work. Under Pastor Larry Martin, the Music Ministry was revamped and he used his “Gift of Preaching and Teaching” to lea us deeper in reading and studying the Word.

Through much prayer, fasting and standing on Faith, On September 1, 2023, the Lord brought us Dr. Frank C. Oliver to be Senior Pastor at Antioch.

Pastor Oliver brings a sense of hope, direction, and new vision to Antioch. Pastor Oliver’s motto is, “We Are Unapologetically Christian and Unashamedly Worshippers”

All of the past under Sheppard’s and now present under Sheppard have left their handprints on Antioch.

God continues on, with, and through Antioch!!!

“WE ARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY CHRISTIAN AND UNASHAMEDLY WORSHIPPERS”