The History of Progressive Baptist Church

The Progressive Baptist Church Incorporated is located at 1040 Rison Street at Highway 69 Northeast in Paris , Tennessee . The church and parking lot sits on three acres of land. Progressive was organized on October 27, 1969 when a group of very concerned and dedicated Christians decided as they were moved by the Holy Spirit to meet together for the purpose of organizing Progressive Baptist Church dedicated to God and the elevation of all people. Before the church was completed the entire congregation met at Sister Hattie Cox at 807 McCampbell Street in Paris . Soon after several meetings we outgrew Sister Cox and we made several moves throughout Paris . Then the Lord blessed us to build a building to accommodate our growth. During this time many people including some black churches turn away from Progressive. But, the God we serve did not turn us away. He blessed us then and He is blessing us now. The Reverend George R. Williams Sr. was the founding and organizing pastor. He was a native of Columbus , Ohio and he came to Paris from Toronto Canada where he served as the minister of First Baptist Church . He was an educated minister who received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Fisk University in Nashville , Tennessee . He also earned the Bachelor of Theology from American Baptist Theological Seminary also in Nashville . During his administration he provided consistent dedicated leadership for the church. The church organizational structure is a Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, and Department of Christian Education, four choirs, three ushers board and an editorial staff. The church is a member of the Obion River Baptist District Association, the Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention and the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. The entire church edifice is ultra modern in the design. The roof and arched ceiling is of three-inch tong in groove Georgia pine, the arches are laminated pine. The building is equipped with central heat and air. The sanctuary is furnished with wall to wall carpeting. The sanctuary is without windows and is illuminated by indirect lighting and chandeliers. The pews and chancel furniture are light oak, and the baptistery is as single molded fiberglass tank with electric circulating water heater. The minister office and fellowship hall are in keeping with the modern tasteful design of the sanctuary. The Progressive design is of such that there is no difficult or cumbersome steps, elevators or ramps that worshippers need to encounter. The ground level situation of the church makes it ideally acceptable to the aged and handicapped. In the event of an emergency a vehicle may drive within three feet from any entrance or exit of the church building. The vision of Pastor Williams was an Educational Wing. The much needed space for class rooms, administrative offices, and larger fellowship hall, organizational and recreational needs of Progressive. The purpose building will be 60 x 80 square foot building. The Lord called Pastor Williams home to glory on September 24, 2003 and his Home going was held here at the church on September 28, 2003. The church went into much prayer for a new leader and on January 25, 2004 the church called Pastor Lawrence A. Ragland of Jackson , Tennessee as our new pastor. Under Pastor Ragland leadership he has kept the vision of the Educational Building which was completed April 2005. The center houses 7 class rooms, office spaces, library, computer room, a large kitchen and a fellowship hall for 200 people. The membership has increased an increase in given and many new ministries have been started. So to God be the glory for great things He has done and is doing at Progressive.