Mission Statement
Evangelism: making disciples of all nations for Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)
Edification: building mature Christians for effective ministry through worship, education and fellowship (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Proclamation of Liberation: to continue the ministry of deliverance under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19)
In March 1938, the Reverend E. W. D. Morton recognized the need for a Black Baptist Church to minister to the rapidly growing Black community in Palo Alto, California. After much prayer, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Reverend Morton, organize a mission in Palo Alto. The church was organized on January 7, 1945, with Reverend W. C. Sample officiating. Reverend Withers was called as the first pastor. Under the leadership of Reverend Withers, in May 1946 the church purchased its first property, a small building at 847 Emerson Street in Palo Alto. The growth of the church continued under the leadership of Reverend C. L. Morris. The property at 398 Sheridan Avenue, was purchased in September 1947. The church was constructed and the members moved into its present location on March 16, 1950. At the time of the church’s founding, the community surrounding the church had a large population of African Americans making Jerusalem Baptist Church a center for worship and community organizing activities for many decades. In February 2025, Jerusalem Baptist Church celebrated 80 years of Christian service to Palo Alto and surrounding communities. From founding era of Rev. Withers to the current era of Rev. Dr. Butler, God has blessed the Jerusalem Baptist Church to serve as a beacon on the corner of Sheridan and Ash streets. The campus includes a sanctuary and multi-purpose building. The congregation worships with the spirit of traditional African American heritage experience in an environment welcoming for surrounding diversity of our community. We invite you to join our services on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in person or virtually on YouTube and Facebook.
Affiliations:
American Baptist Churches U.S.A. /
Growing Healthy Churches
Bay Area District Association
California State Baptist Convention
National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc.
