About - Third Baptist Church

Our Vision

"Christ in Every Heart,
Christ in Every Home"

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:18–20

Our Mission

"Each One,
Reach One"

Pressing on toward the goal — equipping the saints for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

Philippians 3:14 · Ephesians 4:11–13

Our History

Over 155 Years of Faithful Ministry

Third Baptist Church was established in 1868 in Toledo, Ohio — one of the oldest African American congregations in the region. Born out of a deep desire for spiritual community and freedom of worship, the church has stood as a beacon of hope, faith, and service for generations of Toledo families.

Through decades of social change, community challenge, and spiritual growth, Third Baptist has remained anchored in the Word of God and committed to the people of Toledo. From its historic building at 402 Pinewood Avenue, the church continues to impact lives and uplift its community.

Today, Third Baptist enters a new season — seeking its next shepherd while remaining firmly united in worship, prayer, and the mission God has placed before this congregation.

1868

Church Founded

One of the region’s oldest African American congregations established in Toledo, Ohio

Early 1900s

Pinewood Ave Home

The congregation settles at 402 Pinewood Ave — the historic brick sanctuary still standing today

Mid-Century

Community Growth

Decades of faithful ministry, outreach, and spiritual formation across Toledo families

2025

Pastoral Transition

The congregation enters a prayerful season, seeking God’s direction for new pastoral leadership

2026

Moving Forward in Faith

United under church leadership and guest ministers, TBC continues strong at tbctoledo.org

✛

Christ

Everything we do flows from our devotion to Jesus Christ — his life, his teachings, his grace.

⛪

Church

We are one body — worshipping together, growing in the Word, bearing one another’s burdens.

🤝

Community

We serve Toledo with open hands — meeting needs, building relationships, transforming lives.

Leadership

Church Officers

Faithful servants leading Third Baptist through this season of transition

Marlow Crowley, Jr.

Chairman, Deacon Board

Ronald Rice, Sr.

Interim Chairman, Trustee Board

Deborah Rice

Treasurer

André V. Page

Financial Secretary

Felicia Gibson

Deaconess

Elbert Collier, Jr.

Church Moderator

Hazel Selvey

Church Secretary

"Serving faithfully
in the gap"

About Third Baptist