Progressive Baptist Church

History of Progressive Baptist Church

On October 29, 1988, nine people assembled in the home of Bobby and Sheila

Felder, to form a Mission. The nine were Bobby and Sheila Felder, Shirley

and John Ware, Halton Sr. and Annie Washington, Virginia Washington

and Rev. Rolen Jr. and Betty Womack.

The meeting opened with a prayer by John Ware, Sheila Felder started the

discussion by asking the Rev. Rolen Womack to be the leader of the newly

formed Mission. The purpose of the Mission was to organize a new church

with a Christ--center premise. Rev. Womack agreed to lead this Mission.

On November 4, 1988, the Mission met in the home of Rev.Womack. Under

Rev. Womack's leadership the mission reorganized forming a church. Rev.

Womack was called to be the pastor of the newly formed church. He accepted

and Progressive Baptist Church was formed.

The congregation of Progressive Baptist Church continued to meet in the

basement of Rev. Womack's home at 3300 North 48th street, beginning with

the third Sunday, November 20th, 1988. The church purchased the building

at it's current site, 8324 West Keefe Ave. without any money down and with

the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin financing the mortgage. The first

service in the new church was held on February 12th, 1989. The first officers

of the church were, John Ware and Bobby Felder, deacons; Halton

Washington Sr. trustee - treasurer, Sheila Felder, church clerk, and Betty

Womack, director of Christian Education.

The mortgage for the new building was paid in full in August of 1999.

The Church undertook a major renovation project to expand the church

structure in July 2000. Renovations were completed in August of 2001.

We thank God for allowing us to be here in this place. We thank Him for the

journey thus far and we Pray that we remain a Christ-center church doing the

will and work of God.