Rev. Richard Jordan celebrating 30 years as pastor of Canton's most iconic Black church

CANTON ? The Rev. Richard Jordan did not expect to spend more than five years in the pulpit of Antioch Baptist Church when he started in 1994.

But 30 years later, he remains the shepherd of the city's most iconic Black congregation.

"It was the Lord's doing," he said. "I was going from Canton to Cleveland at the time; I didn't know what the Lord was going to do. I didn't see 30 years. Then five years turned into 10. The best part has been just us growing together and becoming that family it was intended to be."

On July 21, Antioch, at 142 Arlington Ave. NW, will celebrate Jordan's 30th pastoral anniversary with a black tie worship service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Marvin McMickle of Cleveland will speak.

Members of Antioch's leadership team describe Jordan as a visionary who encourages women to take part in leadership but also as a pastor who adheres to the Scriptures.

How the Rev. Richard Jordan landed at Antioch Baptist Church

Jordan, a native of Columbus, succeeded the late Rev. W.C. Henderson, who served Antioch for 32 years.

Jordan was one of four pastors interviewed for the position, said Deacon Board Chairman Myron W. Clark, who led the search committee. The committee's decision to choose Jordan was the result of a "spiritual connection," he said.

"He's a spirit-filled man, first of all. That was No 1," he said. "He also seemed well-versed in the word (Bible)."

In 2009, Jordan led Antioch from its decades-long location at 1103 Seventh St. NE to lease the former Canton Negro Oldtimers Association Building at 1844 Ira Turpin Way NE.

"There were quite a few who didn't want to go," Clark said. "But he said he was led by the Spirit."

The Rev. William Wallace Luke, who retired from active ministry in 2010, serves part time in Antioch's music ministry.

"I became a part of Antioch in 2005," he said. "My family and I did visit different churches for a year but ultimately my wife and son wanted to be here. I'd like people to know he's a man of great faith. We are here because of his faith."

Elder Beverly Williams, Jordan's administrative assistant, grew up attending Antioch, returning as an adult in 1995. Williams, who is co-chairing the celebration with fellow Elder Eva Graves, said God led her back.

"He's a visionary for sure," she said of Jordan. "When his mind is made up, you can't deter him. He's going to stand on what he believes."

The role of women at Antioch Baptist Church in Canton

Williams, Graves, the late Sharon Jordan and the Rev. Rhoda Luke were part of the first class of women ministers elevated to "elder" status at Antioch. It's unusual in a denomination where women are not always welcome — or wanted — in positions of leadership.

Longtime member Betty Mabry serves as chief financial officer of the church's trustee board.

Graves, who was raised a Jehovah's Witness, has been at Antioch for 23 years.

"I was invited by a member," she said. "When I came, it just felt like home."

Antioch Baptist Church moves

After not being able to come to terms with the owner of their previous building, Jordan led Antioch to purchase the current church in December 2021 in the midst of a pandemic and just months following the death of his wife, Sharon.

Not everyone was sure it was the right move.

The building, which once housed the Arlington Avenue Church of God, is twice the size of the edifice on Ira Turpin Way NE.

"Many people, myself included, had doubts," Luke said, laughing. "He stood on what God showed him."

Graves noted that the church wasn't on their initial list of properties to tour.

"His name actually means 'brave leader' in the Bible," she said. "He stands on what God is telling him to do. He's a very brave leader."

Jordan said he didn't agonize over the decision.

"I can't say I 'slept' on it," he said. "I thought, 'It's a big place, but why is it a big place? Why is it too big for us?'"

Antioch not only survived the pandemic, it has thrived. Williams said weekly attendance averages about 100, not including those who watch services on Facebook Live.

"We just had six people join on Sunday," Williams said. "We're doing more outreach."

Antioch Baptist's long history in Canton

Luke said Antioch's history and strong music program have always been part of its appeal.

In addition to pastoring, Jordan also plays the organ.

"Antioch has always had that reputation as the 'Mother Church' of Black churches in Canton," said Luke, who's also a pianist and singer. "I think people also like the structure of the services, which are not overly long."

The members added that Jordan's late wife also was a huge asset.

"She brought such a bright light," Luke said.

Williams agreed.

"She is still spoken of on a weekly basis," she said. "She was our leading lady, not just the first lady. She treated everyone the same."

Asked to explain Antioch's success, Jordan doesn't have a simple answer.

"I can't tell you anything specific," he said. "We do what probably a whole lot of other churches do. It's very difficult to be different and not be full of heresy."

Graves said she thinks Antioch's strong sense of family is what draws people to it.

"It feels like home, and I think that appeals to people," she said.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or [email protected].

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

Editor's note: This story has been updated with corrected information.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Antioch Baptist's Richard Jordan celebrates 30 years in Canton pulpit