Our History

In the spring of 1903, a small group of people met in each other’s home for prayer. After many religious services the group felt the time had come for them to have a permanent place of worship.

In the fall of 1903, the saints met in the home of Jamie Bracey for prayer. At the time, the Reverend R.B. Tillery of Norfolk, Virginia was extended the call to be the first pastor and he accepted. It was also at the home of Sister Bracey that a council of Baptist Pastors organized the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church. Reverend Tillery served faithfully as pastor, organizer, and spiritual leader to the small congregation until his death in 1905.

 The Second Pastor Reverend Goodman 1907

 The Third Pastor Reverend Washington 1907

 The Fourth Pastor Reverend W. F. Hill 1912

 The Fifth Pastor Reverend Booner 1927

 The Sixth Pastor Reverend Isaac W. Garrison 1928

 The Seventh Pastor Reverend H.A. Minor 1953

 The Eighth Pastor Reverend Willis F. Evans 1958

 The Ninth Pastor William C. Butts 1969

 The Tenth Pastor C.J. Clifford 1971

 The Eleventh Pastor Reverend Lee R. Jefferson 1974

 The Twelfth Pastor Reverend Hiram G. White 1978

 The Thirteenth Pastor Reverend Spenser Happoldt 1992

 The Fourteenth Pastor Reverend James Edwards III 1993

In the meantime the Lord blessed Elim Baptist Church from its early conception. On Saturday, April 16, 2011, Dr. E.M. Scott met with a small group of people at Mount Trashmore for Intercessory Prayer. He wanted to thank them for their unwavering support for him. A question was proposed to him about planning a new church. The following week, Saturday, April 23, 2011 Dr. Scott met again with a few believers and supporters and stated that the Lord has given him confirmation to start a new church name Elim Baptist Church (meaning freshwater). He stated that much would be required, such as commitment and faithfulness. He desired that Elim Baptist Church would be a spirit driven church and the bible would be there compass and direct them on position and church activities. He stated Elim will be a tithing church.

Elim Baptist Church began their first worship service on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Hampton Inn. Meanwhile, Elim received certification from the State of Virginia. On Sunday, June 15, 2011 Elim found a church house to worship, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Through the blessing of the Lord, on Sunday, July 31, 2011 Elim was set apart as a recognized Baptist Church at Dome of Canaan Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Va. by the Sharon Missionary Baptist Association as Dr. Kevin White - Moderator.

In 2013 the members of The New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church sought much prayer and direction from God to fill their pulpit with their fifteenth pastor. At the same time, Elim Baptist Church were diligently seeking financial backing to begin the process to secure their own church. As God would have it, Dr. Shawn J. Singleton, a spiritual mentor of The New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church began to fast and pray in earnest for the Lord to reveal who should be tasked with moving the church forward. The revelation came vividly that Dr. Ervin Scott should be the next man of God to lead his people. Each congregation met separately and voted in agreement to merge as one church. Both congregations agreed the new name will be The New Rose of Sharon Elim Baptist Church. They united in worship as one on Sunday, January 4, 2015.