PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth’s lineup of events for September celebrate its 140th anniversary.
According to a press release, the church’s theme is “Standing Firm to Serve,” with 1 Corinthians 15:58 being the scripture that reflects the occasion.
Third Baptist was co-founded in 1885 by Rev. J.W Godwin. Joseph A. Fleming has been the church’s senior pastor for the past eight years. Fleming’s father, Dr. Joe B. Fleming, served as the church’s pastor for 36 years.
Originally seating 300 churchgoers, Third Baptist now seats between 800 to 900 members after it expanded to consist of a sanctuary/chapel, fellowship hall and the Joe B. Fleming building…