YOUNGSTOWN — Third Baptist Church on Park Hill Avenue has marked 150 years of being the oldest running African American church in the city.

The church celebrated the anniversary milestone with a special service, luncheon and banquet.

Gwen Montgomery, event chairperson, said the church has lasted 150 years because of the good foundation that the church members and God allowed the congregation to have.

She said the Rev. Morris Lee Sr. served for 59 years as the church pastor before his death in July 2019.

Miriam Lee Kennedy, daughter of Lee, said the church is more like a family to her since she and her family grew up there while her father was the pastor.

“I was raised here so to me it is more than just a church. We are the longest running black church in the city,” Kennedy said.

Jolisa Collier Lee, granddaughter of Lee, said she also grew up in the church.

“It has been a blessing to be here and see all the changes that have taken place over the years. To me it is family and home. There is so much to be proud of,” Lee said.

Kennedy said her father and the church were well known in the community. Montgomery said in addition to a special Sunday worship service, there was a banquet at Stambaugh Auditorium. Since 1960, Third Baptist Church has been located on Park Hill Avenue on Youngstown’s South Side.

The church itself was organized in 1874 and now has 200 members.

The Rev. Pleasant Tucker decided to establish a church for the black community on Oct. 12, 1874, which was named Third Baptist Church. The first church was located on Mill Street, the second on Mahoning Avenue and the third on Oak Hill.

In the 1880s, a lot was purchased on Hill Street, now known as Oak Hill Avenue, and a small church was built. Because of membership growth, another lot was located on Mahoning Avenue and service began there in 1893. Another lot was purchased 19 years later at the corner of Oak Hill Avenue and Water Street and a new church was built there.

Over the years, the membership grew from 350 to 900 with church improvements made, and community relationships developed,

A new church site was purchased on Park Hill Drive.

In 1960, the Rev. Morris Lee was called to be pastor of the church. Kennedy said Lee was pastor from 1960 to 2019 and was an active leader of the Civil Rights Movement. She said he contributed to the growth of the church

During Lee’s leadership, the church facility was completed at its current location with 12 acres of land and $4 million in property acquired. The expansion included the Mill Creek Center, Willie Womack Center, an addition with the installation of an elevator, added classrooms and restrooms.