Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Askins, Jr., Sr. Pastor & First Lady Elaine Askins
Church History
On January 14, 1984, a group of Christians congregated at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Rufus E. Carter intending to organize an Evangelical Baptist Church. After much prayer, the ten members agree upon the name, “Philadelphia Baptist Church”, a name that the Lord had given to Rev. Carter from Revelation 3.
In a few weeks the Lord blessed this group with more members and soon it became apparent that a larger place of worship was needed. Dr. Felton Williams, Pastor of the New Second Baptist Church, 214 E. Lanvale Street, opened his doors and offered a portion of his church building for our use. We will always be grateful to him and his congregation for the love they showed us while we were there.
On November 4, 1984, God provided the means for us to purchase our first building at 2401 E. Fayette Street. During our four years at that location, God strengthened us spiritually and increased the size of our congregation according to His will. While worshipping and serving God at this location, Pastor Carter was led by the Holy Spirit to organize a Bible Institute and College. This idea became a reality on September 7, 1985. It has become an independent Christian organization, fully accredited through the International Accrediting Commission of Missouri and chartered through the Board of Education in the State of Maryland.
As the ministries of Philadelphia Baptist Church continued to grow, it became necessary to expand the facilities to carry out God’s will. Through the direction of the Holy Spirit, the vision of Pastor Carter and the aid of our members and friends, God blessed us with the 2100 Ashland Avenue building. While there the blessings and visions continued to unfold.
Over the years God continued to give Pastor Carter visions. This time He placed it on his heart to find another location where we could continue to grow and spread God’s Word. Through much prayer and the determination of Pastor Carter, on April 7, 2002 we marched into our new and present building located at 3401 Mannasota Avenue. At this time, the name of our church was changed to Philadelphia Christian Church Ministries.
In the same year, Pastor Carter was diagnosed with cancer and after a hard fight, he went home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2003. We will always treasure his memory and all that he taught us.
In September 2002, Dr. Clarence R. Askins, Jr. and his wife Sis. Elaine W. Askins, came to us at the request of Pastor Carter to assist in pastoring the church. On February 22, 2004, we were blessed with the installation of Dr. Clarence R. Askins, Jr. as Pastor, continuing the legacy started by Dr. Carter. God has given Dr. Askins a new vision for the Philadelphia Christian Church Ministries which is shown in the new dimensions our church has developed. With his vision along with our evangelical mission, we have much hope for and faith in the blessings God has in store for us.
The members, in full agreement with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Church Covenant, and our Pastor, are determined to uphold God’s Word, to work, to witness, and to worship Him until He shall return.
In His Service
Officers and Members of the Philadelphia Christian Church Ministries
