Our Story

On March 31, 1914, St. Paul Baptist Church was organized by a Mission Band of ladies from Mount Zion under the leadership of Rev. William H. Hayes at 113 W. Lincoln Ave. in Peoria, Illinois.  St. Paul was incorporated on October 19, 1917.

In 1956,  Rev. Amos L. Abbott was called to serve as pastor for 40 years until his death in 1996. Under the leadership of Pastor Abbott, St. Paul was able to continue transforming lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Peoria, IL.  We now are proud and blessed to have as our lead pastor since June 27, 1997, Rev. Deveraux R. Hubbard.

We pray like never before that your greatest joy and delight is to see people around you “Transformed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.  Imagine the day when everyone in your household is totally submitted to Jesus and obedient to His Word. Imagine the day when the majority of your co-workers are totally submitted to Jesus and obedient to His Word.  Imagining the day is only the beginning!

Our vision will become a reality when we commit to thinking, living, planning, and being Change Agents.  St. Paul, God has called us to serve as Change Agents in our homes, our workplace, and our community.  

Change Agents catch fish who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ by using Christ’s love as bait.  Change Agents intentionally help people cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.  Change Agents celebrate God for every life that is being transformed. Change Agents meet in small groups to commune together as they reflect upon their journey with Jesus.  Change Agents serve God by serving people with no expectation or reciprocation.  This is our DNA.

We are Change Agents committed to “Transforming People with the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.