Church History
“. . . and upon this rock I will build my church;”
Saint Matthew 16.18c
On July 24, 1972, an interested body of Christian believers held a meeting at the Union Baptist Church located in Oakland, California. Union Baptist was under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Ed Nation. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the organizing of a new church. The meeting was presided over by Pastor Nation along with the Reverend S.M. Metters. The meeting was concluded with an agreement to organize a new church; with an initial enrollment of 280 members.
On July 31, 1972, the Reverend S.M. Metters, Junior was elected as the new church first pastor. Pastor Metters, Junior indicated that there was a need for an official, legal name for the new church. Varoius names were submitted for consideration, Pastor Metters and the new church congregation chose between the names of “Mountain View” and “Saints’ Rest.” The congregation voted to name their new church, “Saints’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church.” The first worship service was held on August 6, 1972 at Thompson’s Funeral Chapel, located at: 9900 East 14th Street, Oakland, California. Worship services were later relocated to the Veterans Memorial Building, located at: 200 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California; The church was soon blessed to purchase property at: 1401 57th Avenue in the city of Oakland.
The first church anniversary was held on March 25, 1973 at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Oakland, California, where the Reverend Doctor Herbert Guice and the Bethel congregation were the special guests of Saints’ Rest.
On December 15, 1974, the Gulf Oil Corporation of California decided to deed to the Saints’ Rest church, property located across the street from the church building on 56th Avenue.
On April 2, 1975, the church purchased additional property adjacent to the church. The church also purchased a bus for transportation at the same time; In 1977 the church purchased a vacant lot located on the corner of 57th Avenue and East 14th Avenue (now known as: International Boulevard).
On October 27, 1978, Pastor S.M. Metters, Junior was called home to be with the Lord; Reverend L.L. Metters was appointed as the Pastor in Charge. Reverend L.L. Metters served in the position until February 2, 1979, at which time the Reverend Doctor James E. Lawson, Senior was elected Saints’ Rest second pastor.
Under the leadership of Reverend Lawson, the church continued to grow spiritually, numerically and financially; Various ministries and auxiliaries were also added to the church. A parsonage was later purchased in Oakland, California.
On October 30, 1983, Saints’ Rest was blessed to move into its new edifice at 1401 57th Avenue; the mortgage was burned on November 30, 1986.
Due to failing health, Pastor James E. Lawson, Senior, having been led by Holy Spirit, resigned as pastor of the Saints’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church in August 2000. Reverend Bobby Mitchell was appointed as Interim Pastor; a position he served in until November 11, 2001 at which time the Reverend Isaac Jenkins was appointed as Minister in Charge of the Pulpit.
On January 12, 2002, the Reverend James E. Anderson, Senior, was elected pastor by a majority vote of the Saints’ Rest members. Pastor Anderson, Senior was officially installed as pastor on February 24, 2002.
