Our Story
Rooted in the Gospel. Planted in Madison since 1953.
We exist to help every neighbor find their place in God’s family — loving God, loving each other, and loving our city with the same grace we’ve been given.
01Who We Are
A church that feels like family
We believe the church is people, not a building — a family adopted by God and sent to live differently together. That shows up in shared meals, midweek prayer, and neighbors becoming friends.
We’re historically Baptist, gladly diverse, and united by one conviction: Jesus changes everything.
02Leadership
Our First Family
Reverend Anthony Wade shepherds Second Baptist with his family at his side — a household that loves this church and this city. Meet our ministers & staff →
The First Family
Reverend Anthony Wade, First Lady Lucretia Wade, and daughter Tricia at the church anniversary celebration.
Reverend Anthony & First Lady Lucretia Wade
Married in 1988 — serving side by side in ministry and in life.
03What We Believe
The ground we build on
These aren’t opinions we hold loosely — they’re the convictions Christians have confessed for two thousand years, and the ground we build our lives on. Read our full statement of faith → Or see where God is leading us next: Our vision →
01
The Gospel
We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone — never by our own effort.
02
The Scriptures
The Bible is God’s inspired, trustworthy, and authoritative Word for all of life and faith.
03
The Church
God’s people are a family, sent together to make disciples across Madison and the world.
04
Baptism
We practice believer’s baptism — a joyful, public declaration of new life found in Christ.
04Our History
A brief history of Second Baptist
Second Baptist Church of Madison, Wisconsin, was founded in 1953 through the faith and vision of six dedicated Baptist believers who sought to establish a place of worship and Christian fellowship. Under the supervision of Reverend Theodore Lovelace, the group organized the Second Baptist Mission on January 25, 1953, at 115 South Murray Street. The founding members included Deacon John H. Davis and Sister Maggie Davis, Sister Ola Jordan, Brother Carl Satterfield, and Deacon J. E. Guy and Sister Eunice Guy. On May 9, 1953, the mission was formally organized as Second Baptist Church of Madison, Wisconsin, with Reverend E. J. Ward elected as its first pastor.
The young congregation suffered a tremendous loss when Reverend Ward was killed in an automobile accident on June 29, 1953, while returning from the National Baptist Sunday School Congress. Despite this tragedy, the church remained steadfast in its faith. Later that year, Reverend Eugen Bailey was elected pastor and began a remarkable 34-year ministry that helped shape the church’s future. Under his leadership, the congregation grew spiritually and financially, and in 1961 purchased its first church home at 610 West Olin Avenue for $14,000. Through sacrificial giving, fundraising efforts, and unwavering faith, members fulfilled the dream of owning a permanent place of worship.
Following Reverend Bailey’s retirement in 1987, the church was served by several pastors, including Reverend James Ivy and Reverend John Miller. Reverend Ivy’s vision for a larger facility ultimately led to one of the most significant milestones in church history. In 1995, the congregation sold its Olin Avenue property and purchased its current church home at 4303 Britta Parkway. Members worked together to prepare the new facility, including acquiring and installing pews from a church in Oregon, Wisconsin. The new sanctuary was dedicated on November 5, 1995, providing expanded opportunities for worship, fellowship, and ministry.
From 1996 to 2008, Reverend D. S. Moss faithfully served the congregation. His ministry emphasized spiritual growth, Christian education, community outreach, youth development, prison ministry, and health awareness. Under his leadership, the church strengthened its commitment to serving both its members and the broader Madison community.
In 2008, Minister Anthony Wade was called to serve as Interim Pastor and was elected permanent pastor in 2011. Installed as the sixth pastor of Second Baptist Church in 2012, Reverend Wade has continued the church’s legacy of faith, discipleship, and community service. His leadership has included the licensing and mentoring of ministers, strengthening the church’s relationship with the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, and fostering membership growth and spiritual development. Under his guidance, Second Baptist Church has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel, developing leaders, and serving as a beacon of hope in the Madison community.
Today, Second Baptist Church stands as a testament to the faith, perseverance, and sacrifice of its founders and generations of members who trusted God through every challenge and opportunity. For more than seven decades, the church has remained steadfast in its mission to worship God, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serve the community, and impact lives for generations to come.
05Our Journey
1953 to today
1953
Six believers organize the Second Baptist Mission at 115 South Murray Street; the church is formally organized May 9 with Reverend E. J. Ward as first pastor.
1961
Under Reverend Eugen Bailey’s 34-year ministry, the congregation purchases its first church home at 610 West Olin Avenue.
1995
The church moves to 4303 Britta Parkway; the new sanctuary is dedicated on November 5.
2012
Reverend Anthony Wade is installed as the sixth pastor, continuing a legacy of faith, discipleship, and community service.
Today
More than seven decades on — still worshiping God, sharing the Gospel, and serving the Madison community.