Consolidated Baptist Church

Building God's Kingdom, Building God's People
In 1884, the Rose Street Baptist Church was founded, and Reverend Alford Britten was her first pastor. In 1891, Macedonia Baptist Church purchased property in the same vicinity as Rose Street Baptist Church, and in 1895, the congregations of Rose Street Baptist and Macedonia Baptist agreed to merge. With the merger of the two churches, the congregation decided on the name Consolidated Baptist Church to symbolize their union. Reverend Joseph Hopewell, who was then pastor of Rose Street Baptist Church, served as the first pastor of this newly formed congregation.

Following the merger of the two congregations, Consolidated held services on East Winslow Street in the building previously used by Macedonia Baptist Church. However, after renting the property for many years, in 1908, Consolidated Baptist Church purchased the building.

In 1922, the East Winslow Street property was sold to Kentucky State College (now the University of Kentucky), and property on South Upper Street was purchased. Immediately after land was purchased, Consolidated began construction of the lower level. The congregation met and held services at various locations around the city. When the basement was completed, services were held there, and in 1927, Reverend Carey Scott and the congregation were finally able to worship in the new sanctuary. Thanks to the dedication of many members, under the leadership of Reverend William Howard, the mortgage on the building was burned in 1945.

In 1987, Reverend Reginald Van Stephens established the Great Faith Fund to provide funding for a new facility for worship and study. As a testament to God's faithfulness, Pastor Stephens' dedication, and the congregation's commitment, in 1989, God blessed Consolidated with more than twelve acres of land that were purchased from the University of Kentucky.

After many years of praying and seeking God's guidance, in 2003, under the leadership of Reverend Richard Gaines, Consolidated moved into a new worship center at 1625 Russell Cave Road. In 2009, the facilities were expanded, and with these additional resources, we have more ways to reach and to transform our neighborhood, the greater Lexington community, and the world.