Our History
Our mission throughout the years, spanning four pastors, has weathered hardships and trials, yet God continues to be faithful. Here's to many more years ahead.
Ezion Fair Baptist Church, located at 1400 B Street, is unique in that there have only been four pastors in our first 100 years. The church was organized as a mission in 1919, meeting at 313 South Heald Street (Southbridge, Wilmington DE), under the auspices of the late Reverend Jessie G. Givens, the founding pastor. The church flourished, and in 1920, the Sunday School was organized. On March 27, 1972, a council of Baptist Churches convened, and Ezion Fair Church was ordained as a Baptist Church. The church immediately encountered its first hardship: rapid growth. The saints responded to the call of worship, and the 1230 N. French Street location was purchased through the favor of God.
In 1930, Reverend Jessie G. Givens was recognized as the founder and First Pastor. Growth continued to spread, necessitating the organization of auxiliaries such as the Pastors Aid Club, Missionaries Circle, and Choirs. Reverend Givens served from 1919 to 1950.
In 1951, God sent another great leader in the name of Reverend Jimmy L. Henry. Visionary and humble are but a few words to describe this awesome man of God. It was under his leadership in 1974 when God blessed Ezion Fair to tear down and erect a completely new building. Seven years later, on August 23, 1981, the Ezion Fair Church family not only paid the full $225,000.00 mortgage but also did so five years earlier than planned.
In 1982, once again, God responded to the prayers of His people and sent the Ezion Fair Church family Reverend Rufus R. Johnson. Powerful and passionate are the adjectives that describe Reverend Johnson. The church continued to grow and move forward under his leadership. Reverend Johnson showed the Ezion Fair Church family what a miracle looked like as he continued to spread the gospel against incredible odds.
In 2005, the current Pastor, Reverend Dr. Christopher T. Curry, arrived as God’s Joshua to Ezion Fair and the community. Currently, Ezion Fair is experiencing rapid growth. Over 45 new ministries and activities are going on to support an Urban Agenda that addresses the total person. Our vision is simple: “Saving All Souls for the Savior!” In July 2009, Ezion Fair Baptist Church purchased a new campus at 1400 B Street (Southbridge, Wilmington DE) and completed the Worship Center, Classrooms, Conference Space, the Arts Center, and a 300+ multi-purpose space with a Performance Arts stage. The church operates and owns Ezion Fair Christian Community Academy, a 5-star daycare facility employing over 15 professional employees.
In June 2019, Ezion Fair Baptist Church opened its 28,000 square feet Wholeness Center. Since 2005, the congregation has grown to over 3,000 members. The success is attributed to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Total Person.
The Vision Continues with:
- Burning the Church Mortgage
- Senior Shared Living Facilities
"Touching the world with Love"
Mission and Vision
Ministries and Outreach
