Our History

On August 16, 1978, the Reeb-Hosack Community Baptist Church, was chartered by the State of Ohio. Taking its name from the neighborhood in which it is situated, the church was briefly recognized as a mission as several members of the established Hosack Street Baptist Church decided to remain in the historic church instead of moving into a new edifice.  On Sunday, January 7, 199, Pastor E. A. Parham, Pastor Emeritus of the Trinity Baptist Church, officiated a Pastor’s Council that carried out the ecclesiastical services that gave “official” church status.

The Revered Stephen McCormick was appointed interim pastor on April 22, 1979 and guided the church through its first year. He was assisted by Reverends Otis Crowder, Samuel Jackson and Charles Smith.

On November 2, 1979, Reverend Harold Hopkins of Akron, Ohio was called to become the first pastor of the church and was installed on January 13, 1980.  He and First Lady, Audrey Hopkins faithfully served the church for sixteen years during which many changes were implemented.

On December 4, 1980, the mortgage debt of the church was “paid in full.”  The church became affiliated with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association, and the Lott Cary Convention. 

Five ministers have been licensed into the clergy from this fellowship, Pastors Shedrick Fowler and Richard Harris (now deceased) and Ministers James Herron, John Jones and Joseph Thrasher (both now deceased).

In 1996, following the retirement of Pastor Hopkins, Reverend Aaron Wheeler, Sr. was called as the second pastor of Reeb-Hosack.  Pastor Wheeler and First Lady Barbara Wheeler brought a new level of energy to the church especially in the area of community outreach.  In November of 1997, however, Pastor Wheeler announced to the membership that he had been called to establish a new church in another area of the city.

The church was fortunate to have the Revered Weymon E. Dozier, associate pastor at the Trinity Baptist Church, to serve as interim pastor.  He assisted the pastoral search committee and fulfilled all the duties of pastor for the membership.

In October of 1998, Minister Kevin S. Hairston was called as the third pastor of the church.  Pastor Hairston and First Lady Mia Hairston officially began their service to the congregation on November 8, 1998.  Pastor Hairston focused on teaching and preaching  as it related to the current experiences of the membership.  The theme in 1999 was The Word Of God Still Instructs In The New Millennium.  In February of 2000, Pastor Hairston submitted a letter of resignation to the church.

The Deacon Ministry, after prayerful consideration, made a call to Reverend John S. Little who had previously expressed interest in Pasturing the church.  Reverend Little met with the membership and later, after prayerful consideration, accepted the call to become the fourth shepherd of Reeb-Hosack on April 9, 2000.  Pastor Little, joined by his wife, First Lady LaDonna Little, and son, JeVon, united as a family with the church. 

Under the Leadership of Pastor Little many changes have occurred at Reeb-Hosack including the addition of the Luther Byrd Education Wing that includes administrative office space.  The church renewed its commitment to the community in which it is located with the development of the Koinonia Development Corporation which seeks to develop programming and partner with others who are concerned with the revitalizing of the neighborhood and the empowerment of its residents.   The church is focused on evangelism and moving outside the four walls of the church to reach out to those who do not know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 2004 we believed that “God Will Do A New Thing” 

           ... in 2010 He has led us to strive to become “An Empowered Church Impacting The Community”