In August of 1971, the congregation was confirmed by the Executive Board of the Mt. Peace Association. Soon the church recognized the need for its own facilities in order to function properly as a church. With no money, only faith in Jesus Christ, an effort was made to seek financial aid and funds in order to be able to meet the growing need of the church. Through prayers and so much faith, help was received from different donors. Also by the help of the Lord and Cam Summers, four acres of land and financial support were received through contributions from various businesses and religious organizations, there was finally hope in the possibility of starting a structure and building a church.
In December, 1973, word was receive that the application had been approved, and the committee, with so much enthusiasm, made numerous plans to· begin building a church After the loan approval, along with the support from Myers Park Baptist Church and Prichard Memorial Baptist Church, the foundation for the new structure was able to the laid on April 28, 1974. Oh the glory in knowing that the Lord is so good.
The third Sunday in June, 1974, the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. Macon. Some time later the financial aspect of Progressive was in serious jeopardy and foreclosure was inevitable. Prior to becoming Pastor of Progressive, Pastor Mack was busy ministering to the alcoholics, counseling with the poor, encouraging children that had been kicked out or quit to go back to school. He was asked one afternoon to conduct the Wednesday Night Bible class, because Progressive· did not have a full time pastor. Rev. S. D. Wells was serving as interim pastor.
In August, 1982, Pastor Charles Edward Mack, Sr., through many prayers, and the need for a pastor, was elected as Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church. Under new leadership Progressive Baptist started to go in a new direction. Pastor Mack and Progressive began to minister to the community with a more intense fashion. Bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ and to love people regardless of who they are and to look like the church that Jesus would have according to the New Testament church. There is no way we could begin to name all the accomplishments that have occurred under Pastor Mack’s leadership. Through the grace of God, the church has experienced exceptional growth. We have grown spiritually, morally, and financially.
August 20, 2017, Pastor Charles E. Mack, Sr. retired as the pastor of Progressive Baptist Church. His health would not allow him to be in place like he wanted. As stated before Progressive could not begin to name all the accomplishments that have occurred under Pastor Mack’s leadership.
On September 10, 2017, Progressive Baptist Church had a pastoral vote for a new pastor. On September 17, 2017 the new pastor was announced, on October 22, 2017 Pastor Terrance Grooms was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church.
