Corinthian Baptist Church was founded by 21 women who approached Reverend Samuel Johnson in 1898 to establish a spirited Baptist church in Des Moines, Iowa. There were several other denominations, but there were no Baptist churches in the area. On April 3, 1898, Reverend Johnson established the First Baptist Church of Des Moines. First Baptist Church was located on the east side of Des Moines in a family dwelling. However, after a short time, it was relocated to West 12th Street between Crocker and School Streets, close to the former St. Paul AME Church.

Reverend Samuel Bates became the first Pastor of First Baptist Church on May 18, 1898. The church was then renamed Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church shortly after that.

As the membership increased, the church retired the mortgage in 1901 and called a new pastor in 1902. Reverend T.L. Griffith accepted the membership call in January of 1902 and moved the congregation to a new facility located at 15th and Linden.

Enjoying continual growth over the next 15 years, the church established itself and seeded the community as several other Baptist churches were organized.

In April of 1917, Rev. George W. Robinson, Sr. became the new pastor. The congregation quickly outgrew the building and purchased a property located at 9th and School Streets. The first worship service was held on July 3, 1927, by Reverend Robinson, and he continued to lead the congregation for 31 years.

Reverend George Robinson died in September 1948, and Reverend Albert Fox was appointed as interim minister.

Reverend E. Lloyd Jemison (1949-1950) and Reverend Norman R. Olphin (1951-1967) served as Pastor of Corinthian until 1968 when Reverend F.W. Strickland was appointed pastor.

Taking control of the congregation on July 1, 1968, Reverend Strickland immediately launched a building program. After four years, on March 5, 1972, the present structure and the first new building was completed. He was instrumental in the development of many programs at the church. One of Rev. Strickland’s most significant accomplishments was establishing Corinthian Gardens Apartments, a 75 unit senior citizen and handicapped facility located on 10th and Crocker Streets.

A selected independent board made up of mostly Corinthian Members took control of the facility. Over the years, units have increased, and the facility remains a viable residency for many seniors and handicapped. After serving for many prosperous years at Corinthian, Reverend Strickland retired in 1990.

Reverend Charlie Stallworth was installed as Pastor of Corinthian on December 11, 1991, after the retirement of Reverend Strickland and the services of Reverend Terrance Shane, who served as Interim Pastor.

The church quickly expanded to capacity when the 8:00 A.M. worship service was introduced, and many new Sunday School classes. A series of mini-courses covering every phase of human development and a church health clinic was created.

The New Family Life Center, a brainchild of Reverend Stallworth, came into existence. The Corinthian Church building added a gym/stage, a fellowship hall, ten classrooms, a new baptismal pool, a renovated sanctuary, a chapel, and new administrative offices that cost more than 2.5 million dollars. The Corinthian Baptist Church quickly became a hub of citywide and statewide functions

DAWN OF A NEW MILLENIUM

In 2001, Reverend Stallworth resigned, and Reverend Lee Zachary Maxey was appointed in January 2003.

He continued the work of those who came before him. Reverend Maxey advocated that the church build through discipleship by creating, sustaining, and empowering God’s disciples. Reverend Maxey sought and developed many relationships with other congregations to strengthen religious and community ties.

He resigned in December 2008. Reverend Harold Davis was asked and accepted the position of Interim Minister.

In March of 2010, Reverend Michael C. Burton was called to pastor the Corinthian Baptist Church. Reverend Burton increased membership by more than 275 members. Pastor Burton established several new ministries such as Kara Praise Dancers, Marriage Ministry, Health and Fitness Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and many others.

Sadly, on December 24, 2012, God called our beloved Pastor Burton home to receive his crown.

In July of 2014, Corinthian Baptist Church welcomed our current pastor, Reverend Jonathan Whitfield. Reverend Whitfield was installed as the 10th pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church.