The history of Burnside Community Baptist Church as told through the eyes of the late Mother Ernestine Porter, the former 1st lady of Burnside.

The vision of Burnside Community Baptist Church was conceived in the mind of Mother Cordella Wesley when God brought the message of a new church, what HE wanted it to do and who it’s leader would be. At the urging of Mother Cordella Wesley, Mother Bernice Wills and Mother Sarah Cammack, senior women of St. Stevens Baptist Church at that time, a meeting was scheduled in early June 1969 at Tuley Park Fieldhouse. Sixteen (16) people attended this meeting. After some discussion, another church was established. Those persons attending were: Rev. F.L. Porter, Jr., Ernestine Porter, Frances Porter, Freeman Pollard, Rosie Pollard, Marian Monroe, Walter Monroe, Sarah Cammack, Annie Merel Lawrence, Bernice Thomas, Eddie Mae Susberry, Mattie Blair, Cordella Wesley, Bernice Wills, Katie Johnson and Roy Johnson. The first worship service was on June 8, 1969. The following Wednesday, June 11th, the church was organized, and its name selected: The Burnside Community Baptist Church, which was suggested by Deacon Freeman Pollard. This name was selected because of our commitment to this community and because all of our previous church affiliations had been Baptist.