On March 15, 1923, a group of concerned men and women bonded by their strong religious belief, gathered at Meadowbrook Avenue, Marshallton, Delaware to discuss the feasibility of establishing another Baptist church in this vicinity.
The meeting was organized and moderated by Rev. E.L. Jones, Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church of Chester, PA. After much deliberation, a motion was made and unanimously carried that a new church would be established in this locality.
In May 1923, Rev. J.S. Dickerson consented to pastor The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church and remained for five years. On March 8, 1925, there were 16 candidates for baptism, and they became members of the Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. J.H. Williams accepted the call as Pastor in January 1928 and worked diligently with the members until 1934. During His service, The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church ‘s name was officially adopted, and a newly formed group went forth to obtain recognition as a religious organization.
Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church became a religious body incorporated by the State of Delaware in 1928 consisting of: two (2) Deacons, eight (8) Trustees, and twenty (20) members with Rev. J.H. Williams as Pastor and Bro. Robert Fair as Secretary. On March 7, 1928, The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church received the right hand of fellowship from the Baptist Council with Rev. J.H. Johnson, Moderator.
During the year 1931, twenty-two (22) members were taken in. Membership grew and a few auxiliaries were organized such as: Sunday School, Usher Board, BYPU, Missionaries, Choirs, Ways & Means Club, Pastor’s Aide and Home Missionary Circle. Rev. Williams was called to the Dover area where he remained until his passing.
Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church then issued a call to a son of the church, Rev. Harry Wooten, who had been an Usher and a Deacon in the congregation. Rev. Wooten served as Associate Minister from January 1931 – June 1934 and then consented to be the Pastor of the Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church.
During his tenure much was accomplished: (1939 – ROAMBC became a member of Preachers & Deacons Union of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. of Delaware and Adjoining States; 1944 – original edifice was reconstructed and a vision of a new edifice was given. May 1954 – 1st rally was held for the building fund.
On April 1965, Rev. Ivan N. Collins, Jr., joined The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church and became the Asst. Pastor under the leadership of Rev. Wooten, who transitioned to be with the LORD in May 1965. Rev. Collins accepted the call by the congregation to pastor in July 1965. Rev. Ivan N. Collins, Jr. was set to complete the vision that Rev. Wooten had started. Under his leadership the new edifice was completed, and the congregation triumphantly entered for praise and worship on the 3rd Sunday in July 1977.
God continued to bless The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church through Rev. Collins’ leadership by increasing fellowship circles with other churches and nursing homes. The physical status of the church grew with the purchase of adjacent property (1991) and numerous additions (1992): ramp, additional offices, elevator and parking lot.
September 1994, Rev. Herbert J. Owens, Sr., became Assistant Pastor under Rev. Collins’ leadership. After 30 years of service, Rev. Collins decided to retire and Rev. Herbert J. Owens, Sr. was installed as Pastor on August 20, 1995, to April 30, 2019, due to health issues.
Rev. Herbert J. Owens, Sr. carried the baton which has been handed off to him by the journey of numerous pastors over 85 years. Under his leadership God has given and birthed visions of spiritual and physical growth to The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church.
Under Rev. Herbert J. Owens, Sr. leadership, numerous ministries and auxiliaries have been birthed (Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Ministerial Training, New Member’s Christian Orientation, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Children’s Church, Health & Wellness Ministry, Scholarship Program, Audio/Visual Ministry, Christian Education Dept., Sunday School class expansions, Deacons & Deaconess Training, Fellowship Choir, Senior Sunday Services, Senior Food & Clothes Closet, Youth & Young Adult Choir, etc.). The ministries and auxiliaries have been strengthened through prayer and continuous membership growth.
Rev. Gerald Black was installed as Pastor on May 4, 2019, and resigned on March 28, 2021.
Rev. Oscar L. Turk, Jr. was installed as Pastor on September 25, 2021. Under the direction of Rev. Oscar L. Turk, Jr., Bible study and Sunday school were reestablished. The church streaming platform was upgraded to stream directly through the church camera system.
The upgrade allows the church to stream the service through social media platforms, i.e., Facebook, YouTube and Bible Study via Zoom.
The Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church has dedicated their service to Jesus Christ for over 99 years to teach and preach His Word to the people of God through continuous prayer and obedience.
We invite you to come and join us in the uplifting of God’s kingdom through praise and worship to Him. We are earthen vessels of God whose mission is “Each One, Reach One With God’s Holy Word.”