DOWAGIAC — Saturday evening, the pews at Second Baptist Church were full as congregants swayed and sang along to hymns, following the lead of the choir in front of them.

“We are thankful to the Lord and all of you for being here to tonight,” announced Pastor Maurice Broadway to the crowd. “Thank you for celebrating with us.”

Second Baptist Church in Dowagiac recently celebrated its 151st anniversary. Over the weekend, the church hosted festivities to commemorate the occasion, including a musical service and reception on Saturday in addition to a special Sunday service.

Second Baptist Church, located at 203 S. Paul St., was founded in 1867, after it split from the existing — and only — Baptist church in Dowagiac. The church was founded by local black Americans, as they felt a need to have a church to call their own. Church records indicate that Second Baptist Church was organized in the home of Charlie Farrow, and services were first held in a room over the fire station, which at the time was located on E. Division Street. The church has changed locations a few times over the years, including in a building on Pennsylvania Avenue that was purchased from the Salvation Army in 1897.

“There is a rich history here,” said Pastor Broadway. “This church was founded by black Americans, and they experienced and struggled through so much to get here.”

Pastor since 2016, Broadway said learning the history of the church has been a joy to him and that it is humbling to lead one of the oldest Black churches in southwest Michigan.

“Sometimes it is challenging, but the Lord always makes a way,” he said of leading the church. “Often times you don’t see many places that have such longevity. That is worth celebrating.”

Though Broadway attributed all of Second Baptist Church’s success and longevity to God, he said the community and church members have added in making Second Baptist Church a community mainstay.

“The community itself is a friendly environment, and we have met a lot of people in this diverse community,” he said. “It is welcoming to be here.”

“The people here are so dedicated,” added Broadway’s wife Cassandra. “That makes all the difference.”

Going into the future, Broadway said he wants to continue to help the church serve the community, and hopes that it will still be in Dowagiac 151 more years from now.

“We pray that God will continue to grow the church and feed the church with his gospel,” Broadway said. “We pray that he will continue to pull people toward Jesus Christ.”