How it all started...
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church was founded by the Rev. Forest Adams. Rev. Adams was born in 1917 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of the late Samuel Adams. He attended the Greater Tucker Baptist Church in Chattanooga. He graduated from Howard High School, attended Morris Brown University, and studied Theology at Syracuse University. He was ordained in the Southern Baptist Association under the Rev. E. M. Crutcher, D.D. Rev. Adams relocated to Syracuse, NY in the 1940s.
While a member of Second Olivet Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. William A. Mack, Rev. Forest Adams answered God's call to become a minister of the Gospel. Rev. Adams continued to prepare himself with God's help for a
greater service and preached his trial worship sermon. Some years later, Rev. Adams changed his membership to St. Luke
Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Edward Andrews. With the help of Rev. Andrews and a few dedicated Christian supporters, Rev. Adams, with God's guidance, gained the desire and vision to begin a church, which he named Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, after the name of his childhood church.
As best as is known, the first service was held on January 9, 1954, at 829 E. Washington St. Nineteen joyous Christians joined the church at this first service. Some of the charter members were: Sis Ella Adams (Rev. Adams’ wife), Sis. Mary Cathcart, Sis. Carrie Nellons (Rev. Adams’ sisters), Sis. Willie Andrews, Sis. Johnnie Arnold, Sis. Sarah Crosby, Sis. Leola Cummings, Sis. Lula Foy, Sis. Julia Kendricks, Bro. L.C. Moore, Bro. Raymond Perry, Bro. Eddie Starling, and Bro. Willie Daniels. Bro. Robert Parker and Sis. Luvenia Jones was the first couple to be united in marriage. Brother Henry McKellar served as the first chairman of the Deacon Board. The first mother of the church was Marinda Hall, followed by Mother Duke, Mother Asbury, Mother Susie Williams, and Mother Taylor.
Soon the congregation outgrew the space on Washington Street and moved to Co-op Hall on Harrison Street in 1955. The next move was to Montgomery Street. The next and last move was to 515 Oakwood Avenue, our present location. The members met in the basement of the church until Easter Sunday 1959, when they marched out of the basement, moving upstairs for the first time into the beautiful sanctuary. Tucker was the first Black church in Syracuse to build its own house of worship, and the first Black church in Syracuse to burn its mortgage. On June 12, 1974, there was much praising and clapping of hands when the match was lit to burn the first mortgage papers! Brother Willard Waller, president of the Trustee Board performed the task.
Rev. Adams’ Ministry ... Rev. Adams, who was a firm believer in Christian Education, placed special emphasis on religious education at local, state, and national levels. The Sunday School Department was organized in 1961. In 1964, Mrs. Ruth V. Banks, then President of the Empire State Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Congress appointed Rev. Adams as the First Vice President of the Congress. Also in 1964, Tucker hosted the 8th Annual Session of the Empire State Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Congress. He believed in ministering outside the four walls of the church. Therefore many members partnered with Croton Elementary School (now Dr. King Elementary School), to teach Religious Education to students. Rev. Adams was well-respected in the community and was viewed as a leader in the Black community– fighting for civil rights and equal opportunity. As time moved forward, many souls were saved, many deacons were raised, and approximately nineteen or more preachers were called.
In 1987, Rev. Adams became ill and ultimately retired in 1990. After his retirement, Rev. Adams became Pastor Emeritus and this title was reflected on all church letterhead. During the time of Rev. Adams’ incapacitation, Bro. James A. Matthews was elected moderator to work in concert with the Deacon Board and the Trustee Board. After 33 years of faithful service, the Lord called Rev. Adams home to rest on July 24, 1991.
In January 1992, Rev. Robert E. Baines, Jr. became Tucker’s second pastor. Rev. Baines emphasized training and tithing. His gift of preaching, teaching, and singing helped to revitalize the members, and souls were saved. Rev. Baines began line-item budgeting for the church and he took the evangelism volunteers to street corners to preach the gospel. His leadership also embarked Tucker on other new adventures such as park revivals, outreach programs, marriage enrichment retreats, and the scholarship program. After three years of service, Rev. Baines moved his ministry to the state of Ohio.
On December 4, 1995, Pastor Leslie J. Johnson, II was called from Dallas, Texas to become the third pastor of Tucker. Pastor Johnson evaluated our missions and current programs and began to strengthen and improve the foundation laid by those before him. His mission was to lead the congregation to personal faith in Christ and personal growth in being Christ-like. Rev. Johnson’s leadership sparked membership growth that created a need for an expanded facility. A committee was formed and additional land was purchased.
On November 15, 1997, the ground was broken for the $1.2 million building project which would include a 650-seat sanctuary, office complex, kitchen renovation, and parking area. The first church was converted into seven classrooms, and a smaller chapel and became handicap accessible, Under the theme “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it”, the first service in the new edifice was held on Sunday, May 24, 1998, to much joyous praise.
Under Pastor Johnson’s leadership, new ministries were formed and other ministries transformed. He helped the Church to focus on what needed to occur not only within our congregation but outside of our walls as well. Due to strong Biblical preaching and teaching Tucker’s membership continued to increase. The Church continued to expand the services and supports to all of its members. A 15-passenger van and an ambulatory bus were purchased to transport members to and from service. Sunday School and church services were expanded to fit the needs of our ever-growing congregation.
During the tenure of Pastor Johnson, emphasis was placed on Christian Education. Tucker obtained and still holds State & National Accreditation. He annually hosted city-wide church growth conferences, workshops, and other services so that all can become better stewards of their talents. Pastor Johnson began the first City-wide Annual Passion Week and Good Friday services in the Syracuse Community.
Under the leadership of Pastor Johnson, many accepted their call to the ministry. Licensing thirteen ministers (Bro. Charles Bradford, Bro. Timothy Odom, Bro. Alex Petway, Sis. Wilhelmina Dey, Sis. Inez Flanagan, Sis. Deloris Collins, Bro. Chevez Johnson, Sis. Therese Howington and Bro. Jaymar Fulton-Mike and ordained four: Rev. Colette Matthews who was the first female to be ordained at Tucker and under the Northeastern District Baptist Association, Rev. Mary Gatewood, and Rev. Richard Hill and Rev. Lateef Kinsey-Johnson.
Pastor Johnson’s vision for Tucker led to the creation of Vision 5-1-5, which is a creation of a Family Life Center, which would encompass a gym, banquet space, offices, and a copy center & senior citizen housing; to benefit the congregation and community of Syracuse. On July 9th, 2014, Pastor Johnson retired as pastor of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church.
While a member of Second Olivet Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. William A. Mack, Rev. Forest Adams answered God's call to become a minister of the Gospel. Rev. Adams continued to prepare himself with God's help for a
greater service and preached his trial worship sermon. Some years later, Rev. Adams changed his membership to St. Luke
Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Edward Andrews. With the help of Rev. Andrews and a few dedicated Christian supporters, Rev. Adams, with God's guidance, gained the desire and vision to begin a church, which he named Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, after the name of his childhood church.
As best as is known, the first service was held on January 9, 1954, at 829 E. Washington St. Nineteen joyous Christians joined the church at this first service. Some of the charter members were: Sis Ella Adams (Rev. Adams’ wife), Sis. Mary Cathcart, Sis. Carrie Nellons (Rev. Adams’ sisters), Sis. Willie Andrews, Sis. Johnnie Arnold, Sis. Sarah Crosby, Sis. Leola Cummings, Sis. Lula Foy, Sis. Julia Kendricks, Bro. L.C. Moore, Bro. Raymond Perry, Bro. Eddie Starling, and Bro. Willie Daniels. Bro. Robert Parker and Sis. Luvenia Jones was the first couple to be united in marriage. Brother Henry McKellar served as the first chairman of the Deacon Board. The first mother of the church was Marinda Hall, followed by Mother Duke, Mother Asbury, Mother Susie Williams, and Mother Taylor.
Soon the congregation outgrew the space on Washington Street and moved to Co-op Hall on Harrison Street in 1955. The next move was to Montgomery Street. The next and last move was to 515 Oakwood Avenue, our present location. The members met in the basement of the church until Easter Sunday 1959, when they marched out of the basement, moving upstairs for the first time into the beautiful sanctuary. Tucker was the first Black church in Syracuse to build its own house of worship, and the first Black church in Syracuse to burn its mortgage. On June 12, 1974, there was much praising and clapping of hands when the match was lit to burn the first mortgage papers! Brother Willard Waller, president of the Trustee Board performed the task.
Rev. Adams’ Ministry ... Rev. Adams, who was a firm believer in Christian Education, placed special emphasis on religious education at local, state, and national levels. The Sunday School Department was organized in 1961. In 1964, Mrs. Ruth V. Banks, then President of the Empire State Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Congress appointed Rev. Adams as the First Vice President of the Congress. Also in 1964, Tucker hosted the 8th Annual Session of the Empire State Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Congress. He believed in ministering outside the four walls of the church. Therefore many members partnered with Croton Elementary School (now Dr. King Elementary School), to teach Religious Education to students. Rev. Adams was well-respected in the community and was viewed as a leader in the Black community– fighting for civil rights and equal opportunity. As time moved forward, many souls were saved, many deacons were raised, and approximately nineteen or more preachers were called.
In 1987, Rev. Adams became ill and ultimately retired in 1990. After his retirement, Rev. Adams became Pastor Emeritus and this title was reflected on all church letterhead. During the time of Rev. Adams’ incapacitation, Bro. James A. Matthews was elected moderator to work in concert with the Deacon Board and the Trustee Board. After 33 years of faithful service, the Lord called Rev. Adams home to rest on July 24, 1991.
In January 1992, Rev. Robert E. Baines, Jr. became Tucker’s second pastor. Rev. Baines emphasized training and tithing. His gift of preaching, teaching, and singing helped to revitalize the members, and souls were saved. Rev. Baines began line-item budgeting for the church and he took the evangelism volunteers to street corners to preach the gospel. His leadership also embarked Tucker on other new adventures such as park revivals, outreach programs, marriage enrichment retreats, and the scholarship program. After three years of service, Rev. Baines moved his ministry to the state of Ohio.
On December 4, 1995, Pastor Leslie J. Johnson, II was called from Dallas, Texas to become the third pastor of Tucker. Pastor Johnson evaluated our missions and current programs and began to strengthen and improve the foundation laid by those before him. His mission was to lead the congregation to personal faith in Christ and personal growth in being Christ-like. Rev. Johnson’s leadership sparked membership growth that created a need for an expanded facility. A committee was formed and additional land was purchased.
On November 15, 1997, the ground was broken for the $1.2 million building project which would include a 650-seat sanctuary, office complex, kitchen renovation, and parking area. The first church was converted into seven classrooms, and a smaller chapel and became handicap accessible, Under the theme “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it”, the first service in the new edifice was held on Sunday, May 24, 1998, to much joyous praise.
Under Pastor Johnson’s leadership, new ministries were formed and other ministries transformed. He helped the Church to focus on what needed to occur not only within our congregation but outside of our walls as well. Due to strong Biblical preaching and teaching Tucker’s membership continued to increase. The Church continued to expand the services and supports to all of its members. A 15-passenger van and an ambulatory bus were purchased to transport members to and from service. Sunday School and church services were expanded to fit the needs of our ever-growing congregation.
During the tenure of Pastor Johnson, emphasis was placed on Christian Education. Tucker obtained and still holds State & National Accreditation. He annually hosted city-wide church growth conferences, workshops, and other services so that all can become better stewards of their talents. Pastor Johnson began the first City-wide Annual Passion Week and Good Friday services in the Syracuse Community.
Under the leadership of Pastor Johnson, many accepted their call to the ministry. Licensing thirteen ministers (Bro. Charles Bradford, Bro. Timothy Odom, Bro. Alex Petway, Sis. Wilhelmina Dey, Sis. Inez Flanagan, Sis. Deloris Collins, Bro. Chevez Johnson, Sis. Therese Howington and Bro. Jaymar Fulton-Mike and ordained four: Rev. Colette Matthews who was the first female to be ordained at Tucker and under the Northeastern District Baptist Association, Rev. Mary Gatewood, and Rev. Richard Hill and Rev. Lateef Kinsey-Johnson.
Pastor Johnson’s vision for Tucker led to the creation of Vision 5-1-5, which is a creation of a Family Life Center, which would encompass a gym, banquet space, offices, and a copy center & senior citizen housing; to benefit the congregation and community of Syracuse. On July 9th, 2014, Pastor Johnson retired as pastor of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church.
Expanding the vision...
On September 12, 2016, Pastor DeCarto D. Draper Jr. answered the call as the fourth Pastor of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Syracuse New York.
In 2018 under Pastor Draper’s leadership Tucker Missionary Baptist church underwent extensive renovations of our current Sanctuary. The renovation included a refacing of our Sanctuary, Classrooms, Chapel, Kitchen, and Fellowship hall. During renovations, TMBC fellowshipped at Dr. King's school. Many in the community worshipped and joined the church during this period. On August 19, 2018 Renovations were completed and the Tucker Church family resumed fellowship in the newly renovated sanctuary.
In 2018 under Pastor Draper’s leadership Tucker Missionary Baptist church underwent extensive renovations of our current Sanctuary. The renovation included a refacing of our Sanctuary, Classrooms, Chapel, Kitchen, and Fellowship hall. During renovations, TMBC fellowshipped at Dr. King's school. Many in the community worshipped and joined the church during this period. On August 19, 2018 Renovations were completed and the Tucker Church family resumed fellowship in the newly renovated sanctuary.
Where we are headed...
Under Pastor Draper’s vision to “Bring In, Build Up & Branch Out”, over 500 souls joined the Tucker Church Family.
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church continues to build on the legacy and foundation of Rev. Adams by reaching beyond our walls and tackling such issues as domestic violence, donating time and money to a local women’s shelter; education by adopting a local elementary school and providing the children with school supplies and winter hats and gloves. All of this work has occurred while never losing sight of our most important mission which is saving souls
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church continues to build on the legacy and foundation of Rev. Adams by reaching beyond our walls and tackling such issues as domestic violence, donating time and money to a local women’s shelter; education by adopting a local elementary school and providing the children with school supplies and winter hats and gloves. All of this work has occurred while never losing sight of our most important mission which is saving souls
