“And the Legacy continues…” at Cathedral International formally The Second Baptist Church

Press Release

PERTH AMBOY – In 1892, 35 African Americans started church services in the basement of the predominately white congregation at First Baptist Church in Perth Amboy. As history would have it, the founding group was forced to establish a separate church in a different location.  Today that church is Cathedral International, formally the Historic Second Baptist Church.

Over its 113-year journey, 13 pastors have navigated the course of this Christian house of worship. In 1901, members moved to their first mission at 315 Front Street; in 1904, they purchased a building on Gordon Street and officially dedicated it as the Second Baptist Church; in 1957, they purchased a red-brick church at 101 Broad St; in 1990, the former Majestic Theater was purchased, renovated; and in 1992, services began (277 Madison Avenue) where Cathedral International is located today.

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., became the pastor in October 1983. Under his visionary leadership, unprecedented growth occurred in this multigenerational, multicultural church which now serves the communities of Perth Amboy, Asbury Park, and Plainfield.

In April of this year, the church celebrated 25 years of worshipping in The Cathedral.

“Serving the needs of the congregation and the community was the focus of this great church in its inception,” said Bishop Hilliard. “113 years later with needs and challenges being much greater, we forge forward with the help of Almighty God, to continue that same focus of serving people.”

On Sunday, October 15, 2017, everyone is invited to the 113thAnniversary services in both Worship services at 6:30am and 9:30am located at 277 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ. 08661.

A detailed review of the church history, its mission and ministries are available at www.cathedralinternational.org.