East End Baptist ChurchOn July 21, 1888, a group of 26 people withdrew their membership from the First Colored Baptist Church (First Baptist Church, Mahan) located on Mahan Street, Suffolk, Virginia. Out of this historic group on October 17, 1888, the Fourth Colored Baptist Church was established. The officially organized church’s name was soon changed to the Pine Street Baptist Church and later to the East End Baptist Church of Suffolk, Virginia.The following pastors served respectively: Rev. L.W. Melton, Rev. Milton Brown, Rev. Green Newsome, Rev. M.B. Hucles, Rev. J.T. Wilson, Rev. Phillip L. Boone, Rev. S.W. Timms, Rev. Theodore J. Johnson, Dr. Clarence J. Word, Dr. Victor L. Davis, Sr., and Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr., our present pastor who came to us October 18, 1987In November 2008, the church held its 35th Annual Stewardship Banquet at The Shrine Club. Highlights of the celebration were the presentation of numerous Service Awards to various church ministries, the 2008 Quality Leader Awards being bestowed upon twenty-three leaders of various ministries and the most prestigious award the Umoja Award being presented to Sandra Scott Knight.November was also noted as being Investment Club Membership Drive Month with members being encouraged to join and learn how to invest wisely, learn about Common and Preferred Stocks, Mutual Funds, IRAs and Annuities. Our church also celebrated the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the first African American to serve as President of the United States of America. The Political Awareness Ministry worked extremely hard to ensure the members as well as the community were informed and encouraged to exercise their right to vote. in the election for all political positions locally and nationally. Sisters Who Care women of the church ages 18 – 39 held its first retreat entitled “When Zion Travails, She Shall Bring Forth.”The most memorable event for 2008, however, will be a very sad event in the history of East End Baptist Church. For it was in this month that our First Lady, Karen Denise Croston, wife of Dr. Mark A. Croston, mother of Candace and Andrew Croston and Minister of Music of the Church for nineteen years, lost a courageous battle with breast cancer. She left her earthly home moving to her heavenly home to spread her musical talent and share her beautiful smile with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Karen Denise Croston’s Tenure as Minister of Music of East End Baptist Church Karen D. Croston was called to the position of Minister of Music at East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia in September of 1989. She followed Lenora W. Jones’ retirement after serving 38 years. Karen Croston was the eleventh lead Musician to serve this church in its 120 years. Many things were accomplished during her tenure• The Church purchased a new Allen Organ. The senior choir, named Inspirational Praise, was started.Organized a Music Council of choir leaders. Appointed Sectional Leaders for choirs.The choirs were reorganized and renamed for their inspirational ministry purpose. Computerized music ministry records.Appointed Music Associates to help supply music and training for East End musicians.Added Drums, Bass Guitar, Horns and other instrumentation to the worship experience. Updated the Praise Choruses used in the worship.Started our Praise Teams·Added liturgical dance to the worship experience. Purchased new hymnals for the Worship. Began Choir Tours for the teenagers. Created musical dramas for special celebrations. Created the Kuumba Festival to display the gifts of young artists. Started and directed the Jubal Arts Center which has been a model for several other music schools throughout Virginia Invited University Choirs to share their music gifts with our congregation. Started music retreats for Adults. Led music and worship conferences. Initiated Music Missions and, for the first experience, led team to Italy. Added an electronic keyboard to the worship experience. Updated the robes and uniforms of the choirs. Encouraged choir fellowships. Recorded a CD of her favorite worship music on keyboard. Initiated community and church choir exchange events.In December, Mission Emphasis Sunday was also held with Rev. Credo Manguii of Deeds of Love Ministries, Johannesburg, South Africa serving as speaker for 8 A.M. and 11 A.M. worship services. As usual, spirit filled Christmas Day, College Day and Watch Night services were held. In January, we began the year 2009, with the Annual Leadership Breakfast with the year’s theme being “Whatever It Takes to….Grow!!! Darryll Lewis received the 2009 Leader of Leaders Award. The Future Leader of Leaders Award was presented to Janelle Jones with the Team Spirit Award being presented to the Political Awareness Ministry. January Bible Study allowed members a chance to discuss and learn about “Living in Awe of God (study in Exodus). Throughout the year our hearts were enlightened with several spiritual messages on special celebrations. The Men’s Conference messages were delivered by Rev Jarvis Bailey of Fredericksburg, VA and our very own Col. Herman (Tracy) Williams, III, Provost Marshal, Joint Forces Headquarters, Washington, DC. Inspirational words were presented to us on Youth Day by Rev. Shaun Jones, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Baptist General Convention of Virginia. The Women’s Conference keynote speaker was presented by Elizabeth Luter a pastor’s wife and retired pharmacist from New Orleans, LA.In March our Pastor, Dr. Croston reached a milestone in his life turning a half century old with a celebration concert provided by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gospel Choir. In May the Annual Block Party along with Family and Friends Day were held with both being a success under the leadership of Deacon Elliott C. Jones. May also highlighted the 10thanniversary of the Jubal Arts Center “Showcase of the Arts” held at the Suffolk Arts Center with Rev. Daniel Tucker, Jr. returning to serve as Master of Ceremonies with a special Memorial Tribute to founder Karen D. Croston. Janelle Jones, Honors Member of Ballet Virginia International, Governor’s School for the Arts and Alvin Ailey Dance Program student served as guest performer. The Annual Summer Revival renewed our spirits with words of encouragement from Rev. Herman Washington, Sr. Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church, Rockville Center, NY. The summer provided several opportunities for fun, fellowship and a chance to spread God’s work with such activities at the Marriage and Family Conference presented by Dr. Phyllis Sharpe, Dr. Milton and Rev. Shirley Liverman and Keynote Presenter Rev. Herb Brisbane, Director of Congregational Care Antioch Baptist Church, Fairfax, VA. Vacation Bible School directed by Arlethia Watson and Michelle Couser. Summer Enrichment Day Camp directed by Kaye Jefferson. There were also Mission Trips to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Impact Virginia in Wise, VA, St. Maarten, Kenya and South Africa. Black Church Leadership Conference and Baptist Sunday School and BTU Congress of Virginia were also attended.In August a Youth Conference entitled “Youth Explosion Conference" was held with over 75 youth in attendance. The annual Come As You Are Sunday, held in September, brought us spiritual food as well as food for our bodies with early morning, mid-day services and the annual church picnic.In September, we also celebrated “Back To School Youth Day and Usher’s Emphasis Weekend with Mrs. Ann Sharpe being honored for her dedicated service as an Usher and Director of Ushers.In the month of October senior adults and church staff were honored. Gladys Harris was awarded Senior of the Year. Deborrah Edwards, Jacqueline Edwards, William Freeman, Yvonne B. Green, Vesta Griffin, Wilford, Griffin, Gloria Mizelle, John Monroe, and Orlando Turntine were recognized as retirees for the year. Staff appreciation Sunday honored all who faithfully labor in our -- noted for special anniversary years: Andrew Croston and Felita Green five years, Robert Gray ten years, Pamela Joyner twenty-five years. Dr. Croston was honored for serving as Pastor for twenty-two years. Rev. Leon Johnson, Pastor Emeritus of Bread of Life Baptist Church, Chicago, IL and now a resident of Clermont, FL, served as guest minister for both morning services.On October 11, 2009 a most momentous occasion occurred, Mrs. Addie Naomi Moore Word, wife of the late Pastor Emeritus Dr. Clarence J. Word, turned 100 years old. A tribute was made to Mrs. Word during the eleven o’clock worship with Mrs. Word receiving flowers, expressions and words of love and being made “Queen for A Day.” She was applauded for establishing Senior Women’s Sharing Group and Suffolk Chapter of the International Minister’s Wives and Widows. It was noted, Mrs. Word stills loves to sing hymns and recite portions of Scripture.Today the church is celebrating 121 years. Dr. L.D. Britt, Denvip Davis, Helen Davis, Obelia Harris, Sandra Holland, E. Christian Jones, Violene O. Sharp, Olivia Shields and Curtis Williams are being honored as new 50 year members of the church. Pastor Croston preached the Anniversary message and a new rendering of East End’ Future Ministry campus was released.Respectfully submitted by The Church History MinistryOrganized 1888-addendum for the Year 2010copyright (c) 2011 East End Baptist Church all rights reservedbcjb@aol.com
East End Baptist Church
On July 21, 1888, a group of 26 people withdrew their membership from the First Colored
Baptist Church (First Baptist Church, Mahan) located on Mahan Street, Suffolk, Virginia.
Out of this historic group on October 17, 1888, the Fourth Colored Baptist Church was
established. The officially organized church’s name was soon changed to the Pine Street
Baptist Church and later to the East End Baptist Church of Suffolk, Virginia.The following
pastors served respectively: Rev. L.W. Melton, Rev. Milton Brown, Rev. Green Newsome,
Rev. M.B. Hucles, Rev. J.T. Wilson, Rev. Phillip L. Boone, Rev. S.W. Timms, Rev.
Theodore J. Johnson, Dr. Clarence J. Word, Dr. Victor L. Davis, Sr., and Dr. Mark A.
Croston, Sr., our present pastor who came to us October 18, 1987In November 2008, the
church held its 35th Annual Stewardship Banquet at The Shrine Club. Highlights of the
celebration were the presentation of numerous Service Awards to various church ministries,
the 2008 Quality Leader Awards being bestowed upon twenty-three leaders of various
ministries and the most prestigious award the Umoja Award being presented to Sandra Scott
Knight.November was also noted as being Investment Club Membership Drive Month with
members being encouraged to join and learn how to invest wisely, learn about Common and
Preferred Stocks, Mutual Funds, IRAs and Annuities. Our church also celebrated the
election of Barack Hussein Obama as the first African American to serve as President of the
United States of America. The Political Awareness Ministry worked extremely hard to
ensure the members as well as the community were informed and encouraged to exercise
their right to vote. in the election for all political positions locally and nationally. Sisters
Who Care women of the church ages 18 – 39 held its first retreat entitled “When Zion
Travails, She Shall Bring Forth.”The most memorable event for 2008, however, will be a
very sad event in the history of East End Baptist Church. For it was in this month that our
First Lady, Karen Denise Croston, wife of Dr. Mark A. Croston, mother of Candace and
Andrew Croston and Minister of Music of the Church for nineteen years, lost a courageous
battle with breast cancer. She left her earthly home moving to her heavenly home to spread
her musical talent and share her beautiful smile with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Karen Denise Croston’s Tenure as Minister of Music of East End Baptist Church Karen D.
Croston was called to the position of Minister of Music at East End Baptist Church, Suffolk,
Virginia in September of 1989. She followed Lenora W. Jones’ retirement after serving 38
years. Karen Croston was the eleventh lead Musician to serve this church in its 120 years.
Many things were accomplished during her tenure
• The Church purchased a new Allen Organ.
The senior choir, named Inspirational Praise, was started.Organized a Music Council of
choir leaders.
Appointed Sectional Leaders for choirs.The choirs were reorganized and renamed for
their inspirational ministry purpose.
Computerized music ministry records.Appointed Music Associates to help supply music
and training for East End musicians.Added Drums, Bass Guitar, Horns and other
instrumentation to the worship experience.
Updated the Praise Choruses used in the worship.Started our Praise Teams·Added
liturgical dance to the worship experience.
Purchased new hymnals for the Worship.
Began Choir Tours for the teenagers.
Created musical dramas for special celebrations.
Created the Kuumba Festival to display the gifts of young artists.
Started and directed the Jubal Arts Center which has been a model for several other music
schools throughout Virginia
Invited University Choirs to share their music gifts with our congregation.
Started music retreats for Adults.
Led music and worship conferences.
Initiated Music Missions and, for the first experience, led team to Italy.
Added an electronic keyboard to the worship experience.
Updated the robes and uniforms of the choirs.
Encouraged choir fellowships.
Recorded a CD of her favorite worship music on keyboard.
Initiated community and church choir exchange events.
In December, Mission Emphasis Sunday was also held with Rev. Credo Manguii of Deeds
of Love Ministries, Johannesburg, South Africa serving as speaker for 8 A.M. and 11 A.M.
worship services. As usual, spirit filled Christmas Day, College Day and Watch Night
services were held. In January, we began the year 2009, with the Annual Leadership
Breakfast with the year’s theme being “Whatever It Takes to….Grow!!! Darryll Lewis
received the 2009 Leader of Leaders Award. The Future Leader of Leaders Award was
presented to Janelle Jones with the Team Spirit Award being presented to the Political
Awareness Ministry. January Bible Study allowed members a chance to discuss and learn
about “Living in Awe of God (study in Exodus). Throughout the year our hearts were
enlightened with several spiritual messages on special celebrations. The Men’s Conference
messages were delivered by Rev Jarvis Bailey of Fredericksburg, VA and our very own
Col. Herman (Tracy) Williams, III, Provost Marshal, Joint Forces Headquarters,
Washington, DC. Inspirational words were presented to us on Youth Day by Rev. Shaun
Jones, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Baptist General Convention of
Virginia. The Women’s Conference keynote speaker was presented by Elizabeth Luter a
pastor’s wife and retired pharmacist from New Orleans, LA.In March our Pastor, Dr.
Croston reached a milestone in his life turning a half century old with a celebration concert
provided by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gospel Choir. In May the
Annual Block Party along with Family and Friends Day were held with both being a
success under the leadership of Deacon Elliott C. Jones. May also highlighted the 10th
anniversary of the Jubal Arts Center “Showcase of the Arts” held at the Suffolk Arts Center
with Rev. Daniel Tucker, Jr. returning to serve as Master of Ceremonies with a special
Memorial Tribute to founder Karen D. Croston. Janelle Jones, Honors Member of Ballet
Virginia International, Governor’s School for the Arts and Alvin Ailey Dance Program
student served as guest performer. The Annual Summer Revival renewed our spirits with
words of encouragement from Rev. Herman Washington, Sr. Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church,
Rockville Center, NY. The summer provided several opportunities for fun, fellowship and a
chance to spread God’s work with such activities at the Marriage and Family Conference
presented by Dr. Phyllis Sharpe, Dr. Milton and Rev. Shirley Liverman and Keynote
Presenter Rev. Herb Brisbane, Director of Congregational Care Antioch Baptist Church,
Fairfax, VA. Vacation Bible School directed by Arlethia Watson and Michelle Couser.
Summer Enrichment Day Camp directed by Kaye Jefferson. There were also Mission Trips
to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Impact Virginia in Wise, VA, St. Maarten, Kenya and South
Africa. Black Church Leadership Conference and Baptist Sunday School and BTU
Congress of Virginia were also attended.In August a Youth Conference entitled “Youth
Explosion Conference" was held with over 75 youth in attendance. The annual Come As
You Are Sunday, held in September, brought us spiritual food as well as food for our bodies
with early morning, mid-day services and the annual church picnic.In September, we also
celebrated “Back To School Youth Day and Usher’s Emphasis Weekend with Mrs. Ann
Sharpe being honored for her dedicated service as an Usher and Director of Ushers.In the
month of October senior adults and church staff were honored. Gladys Harris was awarded
Senior of the Year. Deborrah Edwards, Jacqueline Edwards, William Freeman, Yvonne B.
Green, Vesta Griffin, Wilford, Griffin, Gloria Mizelle, John Monroe, and Orlando Turntine
were recognized as retirees for the year. Staff appreciation Sunday honored all who
faithfully labor in our -- noted for special anniversary years: Andrew Croston and Felita
Green five years, Robert Gray ten years, Pamela Joyner twenty-five years. Dr. Croston was
honored for serving as Pastor for twenty-two years. Rev. Leon Johnson, Pastor Emeritus of
Bread of Life Baptist Church, Chicago, IL and now a resident of Clermont, FL, served as
guest minister for both morning services.On October 11, 2009 a most momentous occasion
occurred, Mrs. Addie Naomi Moore Word, wife of the late Pastor Emeritus Dr. Clarence J.
Word, turned 100 years old. A tribute was made to Mrs. Word during the eleven o’clock
worship with Mrs. Word receiving flowers, expressions and words of love and being made
“Queen for A Day.” She was applauded for establishing Senior Women’s Sharing Group
and Suffolk Chapter of the International Minister’s Wives and Widows. It was noted, Mrs.
Word stills loves to sing hymns and recite portions of Scripture.Today the church is
celebrating 121 years. Dr. L.D. Britt, Denvip Davis, Helen Davis, Obelia Harris, Sandra
Holland, E. Christian Jones, Violene O. Sharp, Olivia Shields and Curtis Williams are being
honored as new 50 year members of the church. Pastor Croston preached the Anniversary
message and a new rendering of East End’ Future Ministry campus was released.
Respectfully submitted by The Church History Ministry
Organized 1888-addendum for the Year 2010
copyright (c) 2011 East End Baptist Church all rights reserved
bcjb@aol.com
