Emmanuel Baptist Church
A small group of African Americans, most who were from Pontotoc, Mississippi, felt the need to minister to the African American residents of Beloit. With the assistance of the Reverend Ingram E. Bell, a white minister from the First Baptist Church in Beloit, a dedicated group proceeded to organize what was to be the first African American Baptist church in the city. Second Emmanuel Baptist Church, now known as Emmanuel Baptist Church, was founded in April 1917. Their first service was held on April 15, 1917. Up until that time the city of Beloit had only one African American church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was founded in 1882. The Reverend George J. Fox was called to be the first pastor of the newly founded Second Emmanuel Baptist Church.
On January 9, 1921, the Reverend Walter E. W. Brown was called to pastor. In June 1925, the St. Paul Avenue location where the church had worshipped for almost five years was sold for $3,500.00. The church moved forward with their plans to build on the corner lot of Athletic and East Grand Avenue. By the fall of 1925, construction progressed enough for the congregation to move into the basement. They worshipped there for two years before the entire building was completed in 1927. The congregation of Second Emmanuel Baptist Church could now worship in a beautiful brick building located in the heart of the African American community. In 1943, after twenty-two years of pastoral service, the well-loved Reverend Walter E. W. Brown resigned.
In early 1958, when Emmanuel was without a pastor, a fire destroyed the church. A very dark hour in the history of the church. Emmanuel extended a call to Reverend Cleavant Derricks, who came to serve the church on July 6, 1958. Within two years, Reverend Derricks had led the congregation to build and dedicate a magnificent church in November 1960. Reverend Derricks resigned in 1963 to become pastor of a church in Washington, D. C.
Reverend J. Van Alfred Winsett, a young and energetic pastor, came in April of 1966 and the church took on new life. The membership began to thrive with renewed vigor. He served Emmanuel with dignity and reverence. Reverend Winsett was a pastor who was not only deeply engaged in Emmanuel church, but also the city of Beloit. He served as the President of the N.A.A.C.P., was very active in the Wisconsin State Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention. Reverend Winsett was a world traveler, he made several mission trips, including travel to the Holy Lands and Rome Italy. Rev. Winsett resigned in February 1973 to pastor a church in Pittsburgh, PA.
The date was Saturday, April 21, 1973, Easter weekend. The Turtle Creek overflowed its banks, water filled the downtown streets and residential areas including Athletic Avenue. An unexpected heavy rain came, pounding an already saturated ground from melting snow. As Easter Sunday dawned, the hearts of Emmanuel members were saddened by the news that the church was damaged by water, making it impossible to conduct worship service.
It was on June 27, 1973, that Emmanuel church extended the call to Reverend Floyd Prude Jr., pastor of a church in Tennessee. Reverend Prude accepted the pastoral leadership of Emmanuel Baptist Church, beginning the longest pastorate to date, over thirty-six years. Emmanuel was able to make acquisitions and refurbishments because of Reverend Prude’s administrative leadership, encouragement to tithe and implementation of a stewardship plan.
On May 15, 1999, the Emmanuel family proudly gathered on the grounds of Beloit College as President Victor Farrell conferred upon Reverend Prude the Doctor of Divinity degree. He was presented with a crimson and gold doctoral hood, an honor reserved for national figures celebrated in their field. This was only one of many distinguished honors bestowed on the Reverend Dr. Floyd Prude, Jr.
The City of Beloit honored Emmanuel’s pastor by renaming the section of East Grand Avenue from Wisconsin Avenue to Broad Street, “Rev. Dr. Floyd Prude Jr. Avenue”. Reverend Prude offered true leadership and service to the city of Beloit. He was highly respected by Beloit city leaders, who sought his voice and presence when representation was needed from the African American community. Sadly, and unexpectedly, on November 28, 2009, the Emmanuel’s beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Floyd Prude Jr. was called from labor to reward.
Emmanuel’s historical journey over its one hundred four years has been well-served with numerous dedicated pastors and a steadfast congregation that has helped shape Emmanuel into the church it is today.
