About First Baptist Church, Berkley

• In September 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, allowing blacks to travel more freely. Many from Berkley traveled by foot ferry to Norfolk's Bank Street Baptist Church. 
• By 1865, 30 members from Bank Street Baptist began meeting for prayer on the Southside of the Elizabeth River, later using a Union tent. 
• In 1868, they formed Cedar Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Samuel Jones as pastor. The church was named after the cedar trees lining the road.
• In 1872, the Sunday School was organized. 
• By 1873, Rev. Richard Wright began fundraising for land and construction of a church. 
• In 1883, construction was completed under Rev. Madison Lewis and renamed First Baptist Montaland. 
• Several pastors followed, including Rev. H.L. Barco (1886-1889), who organized the BYPU and Missionary Circle, and Rev. Sutton E. Griggs (1900-1902), who expanded outreach to servicemen.
• Rev. J.H. Randolph (1902-1906) organized the Male Usher Board.
• Rev. Lafayette Sharpe (1907-1912) led growth and the church’s move to a new site at Berkley Ave. and Culpepper St., dedicated as First Baptist Church Berkley in 1910. 
• After Sharpe’s resignation, Rev. A.O. Bell (1914-1919) cleared the church’s debts and organized the first female ushers.
• Rev. John Carter Diamond (1920-1956) led through the Great Depression, establishing a soup kitchen and nursery school. His wife Teresa, followed by Mary B. Hill after her death, continued the church’s programs. Rev. Diamond’s tenure lasted 36 years, after which he was Pastor Emeritus until his retirement.
• Rev. Noel C. Taylor (1957-1961) led tithing initiatives and increased youth involvement. 
• Rev. William D. Tyree, Jr. (1962-1994) focused on education and started FiBaChu, a tutoring program. Under his leadership, the church began construction of a new facility, completed in 1986. 
• After his death in 1994, Rev. William D. Tyree, III became the 13th pastor in May 1996.

Pastor Tyree, III has led numerous outreach efforts, including support for disaster victims, missions to Jamaica and Kenya, and programs like Walkers for Christ. In 2010, the church underwent a major renovation. Today, First Baptist Church Berkley continues to build on its rich history and legacy.

Submitted by:

Millicent N. Clark

Blanche N. Duggins