Our History

Before Clay Street Baptist Church existed, Black and White Baptists in Shelbyville worshiped together as part of The First Baptist Church of Shelbyville, organized in January 1819. Among its 237 members were 111 African Americans who gathered faithfully despite racial barriers. That early church met on what is now Henry Clay Street, where both races worshiped together twice a year.

Amid the hardships of slavery, a group of African American believers led by Simon Grigsby stepped out in faith. Guided by God’s providence, they purchased a structure from the White Baptists at 8th and Henry Clay Street for $800. In 1860, Clay Street Baptist Church was officially organized as an independent Black congregation devoted to worship and freedom.

Only three years later, the original church building was destroyed by fire. The congregation worshiped in the Shelbyville courthouse until rebuilding in 1867. In 1869, Clay Street hosted the organizational meeting of the Central District Baptist Association, where the congregation remains an active member today.

After another fire in 1888, Rev. Moses Allen led the church in restoration and continued growth. The early 1900s brought expansion, new ministries, and deeper community outreach. In 1951, Rev. Claude Taylor became the tenth pastor and served faithfully for 26 years. Under his leadership, the church reorganized Christian education, ordained new ministers and deacons, and improved its facilities. Rev. Taylor was among the first Black students admitted to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1952, marking a milestone in religious education and progress.

In 1977, Rev. Ronald L. Holder was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation purchased five acres of land on U.S. 60, now known as 1940 Midland Trail. On June 3, 1984, members joyfully marched from 8th and Henry Clay Street to their new worship home. Because of faithful stewardship, the church retired its mortgage in record time.

In 1994, Clay Street completed the Marnel C. Moorman Sr. Family Life Center, which continues to serve the Shelbyville community through programs for children, families, and youth.

After forty years of faithful ministry under Rev. Holder, Clay Street entered a new era with Rev. Larry J. Sykes, Jr., who became the church’s twelfth pastor in 2020. Pastor Sykes has led the church through a time of renewal and innovation, expanding its reach through Clay Street Online and strengthening its commitment to evangelism, education, and community service.

Today, Clay Street Baptist Church stands as a place of worship, outreach, and transformation, continuing to be a safe place to grow in faith and serve God’s people.