In the beginning
In 1921, there was growing concern among the Black families in the village of Batavia because there was no Baptist church where they could worship God according to their faith and beliefs. While an African Episcopal Methodist Church existed in the community, many desired a Baptist congregation of their own. Some attended First Baptist Church, but it was not the same as having their own church home.
During this time, Mr. Drake, a well-known carpenter in Batavia, approached the Black families and offered to build them a church for $700 and provide the land on which it would be built. The church was constructed on Logan Street, on the site where the church offices and rear parking lot are located today—thus giving rise to the name Logan Street Baptist Church.
Logan Street Baptist Church was founded in September 1921 under the guidance of Rev. B. P. Gayles of Main Street Baptist Church in Aurora, Illinois. The five founders of the church were Mr. and Mrs. Jerry White, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Josephine Buckner. After the church was organized, it was without a pastor. During this time, Rev. B. P. Gayles, Rev. Mac Williams, Rev. Bridgeford, Rev. Brookings, and Rev. Robert Hazelwood faithfully conducted services until a pastor was called. Mrs. Daisy Rice served as the first church clerk, and Mr. Richard Hazelwood was the first deacon.
In 1928, Rev. Willie Mitchell of Evanston, Illinois, was called as the first pastor. During his ministry, five men were endorsed as deacons: Walter Hazelwood, Bruner Buckner, Ezra Barnett, Robert Buckner, and Lacy Wilson. Under Rev. Mitchell’s leadership, the church moved from the original wooden structure to a basement building constructed on the adjoining west lot. This space now houses the kitchen, office areas, baptismal pool, and furnace rooms. Rev. Mitchell resigned in 1955 after serving Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church for 27 years.
Following his resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years, though services continued under the leadership of Rev. Henry Wheaton and various circuit ministers. During this period, with the assistance of Rev. Robert Wesby of Main Street Baptist Church in Aurora, two additional men were selected as deacons: Truman B. Hazelwood and James H. Young.
In 1957, the church called Rev. Julius E. Boyd as its second pastor. He served for ten years and resigned in 1967. During his ministry, the congregation experienced growth. Pastor Boyd selected Harvey L. Johnson and Alex Wallace Sr. as deacons and ordained Rev. Truman B. Hazelwood and Rev. Michael Lee Graves as ministers. The building that now serves as the Fellowship Hall was constructed as the sanctuary in 1959 during Rev. Boyd’s tenure.
After Rev. Boyd’s resignation, services continued under interim pastor Rev. Randy Richardson until November 1967, when Rev. David H. Moore of Carbondale, Illinois, was called as the third pastor. During his ministry from 1967 to 1976, the congregation grew by forty new members. In May 1968, the church purchased its first parsonage and later acquired five acres at Gore and River Streets. Rev. Moore resigned in 1976 after nine years of service.
Rev. John E. Nabors of North Chicago served as the fourth pastor for four years. During his tenure, plans for a new church facility were developed and studied.
In 1981, Rev. Truman B. Hazelwood was called home to Logan Street Baptist Church as its fifth pastor. Early in his ministry, the sanctuary was remodeled with mock cedar beams, acoustical tile ceilings, carpet runners for the floor and pulpit, and new roofing. As membership increased, four individuals were added to the Trustee Board, and nine men served as deacons: Edward E. LaCour, Nathaniel Henderson, Shelton Johnson, Ronney Rayes, Toney Rayes, Victor Brooks, Alex Wallace Jr., Edward Tousana, and Gary Moss. Deacon Earnest Hayes and Foster Chatman were already ordained when Rev. Hazelwood assumed leadership. Rev. Hazelwood served faithfully until his retirement in 1996.
Rev. Dennis Hill, assistant to Rev. Hazelwood, was selected as the sixth pastor. Though his tenure lasted only two years, he was highly effective in outreach, and many were added to the membership. During his leadership, women were licensed to preach, and planning began for reconstruction of the parking lot.
Following Rev. Hill’s resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years until 2000, when Rev. Sheridan Todd Yeary was installed as the seventh pastor. Rev. Yeary established the church’s first website and introduced computer technology to Logan Street. Renovations included updates to the sanctuary pulpit area, new pulpit lighting, kitchen cabinetry, and carpeting in the Fellowship Hall. Four ministers were ordained, six ministers were licensed, a church logo was created, and the first women deacons were ordained. Rev. Yeary resigned in 2007.
Rev. Larry Spires served as interim pastor until Rev. Dernard Newell was elected as the eighth pastor in December 2010. During his pastorate, the church experienced several renovations, including updated flooring in the Fellowship Hall, sealing of the kitchen service window, and a major sanctuary remodel with updated audio-visual equipment.
Rev. David J. Seymour, a son of Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church, returned to lead the congregation during a season of transition following the departure of the previous pastor. Appointed interim pastor in 2016 and officially called as the ninth pastor in November 2017, Pastor Seymour ushered the church into a season of restoration, stability, and forward vision. He guided the church through the challenges of the 2020–21 global pandemic, led the Centennial Celebration in 2021, and renewed core ministries by re-establishing Bible Study, strengthening prayer, restoring Adult Sunday School, reorganizing Children’s Church, and launching College and Young Adult Bible Study.
Pastor Seymour also expanded the church’s digital presence, strengthened organizational structure through updated by-laws and the establishment of a Governing Board, and restored treasured features such as the stained-glass windows. Known for his practical and welcoming leadership style, Pastor Seymour has fostered steady growth—particularly among college-aged and young adults—while empowering a diverse ministerial team. Today, Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and community in Batavia, prepared for advancement into a new century of ministry.
During this time, Mr. Drake, a well-known carpenter in Batavia, approached the Black families and offered to build them a church for $700 and provide the land on which it would be built. The church was constructed on Logan Street, on the site where the church offices and rear parking lot are located today—thus giving rise to the name Logan Street Baptist Church.
Logan Street Baptist Church was founded in September 1921 under the guidance of Rev. B. P. Gayles of Main Street Baptist Church in Aurora, Illinois. The five founders of the church were Mr. and Mrs. Jerry White, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Josephine Buckner. After the church was organized, it was without a pastor. During this time, Rev. B. P. Gayles, Rev. Mac Williams, Rev. Bridgeford, Rev. Brookings, and Rev. Robert Hazelwood faithfully conducted services until a pastor was called. Mrs. Daisy Rice served as the first church clerk, and Mr. Richard Hazelwood was the first deacon.
In 1928, Rev. Willie Mitchell of Evanston, Illinois, was called as the first pastor. During his ministry, five men were endorsed as deacons: Walter Hazelwood, Bruner Buckner, Ezra Barnett, Robert Buckner, and Lacy Wilson. Under Rev. Mitchell’s leadership, the church moved from the original wooden structure to a basement building constructed on the adjoining west lot. This space now houses the kitchen, office areas, baptismal pool, and furnace rooms. Rev. Mitchell resigned in 1955 after serving Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church for 27 years.
Following his resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years, though services continued under the leadership of Rev. Henry Wheaton and various circuit ministers. During this period, with the assistance of Rev. Robert Wesby of Main Street Baptist Church in Aurora, two additional men were selected as deacons: Truman B. Hazelwood and James H. Young.
In 1957, the church called Rev. Julius E. Boyd as its second pastor. He served for ten years and resigned in 1967. During his ministry, the congregation experienced growth. Pastor Boyd selected Harvey L. Johnson and Alex Wallace Sr. as deacons and ordained Rev. Truman B. Hazelwood and Rev. Michael Lee Graves as ministers. The building that now serves as the Fellowship Hall was constructed as the sanctuary in 1959 during Rev. Boyd’s tenure.
After Rev. Boyd’s resignation, services continued under interim pastor Rev. Randy Richardson until November 1967, when Rev. David H. Moore of Carbondale, Illinois, was called as the third pastor. During his ministry from 1967 to 1976, the congregation grew by forty new members. In May 1968, the church purchased its first parsonage and later acquired five acres at Gore and River Streets. Rev. Moore resigned in 1976 after nine years of service.
Rev. John E. Nabors of North Chicago served as the fourth pastor for four years. During his tenure, plans for a new church facility were developed and studied.
In 1981, Rev. Truman B. Hazelwood was called home to Logan Street Baptist Church as its fifth pastor. Early in his ministry, the sanctuary was remodeled with mock cedar beams, acoustical tile ceilings, carpet runners for the floor and pulpit, and new roofing. As membership increased, four individuals were added to the Trustee Board, and nine men served as deacons: Edward E. LaCour, Nathaniel Henderson, Shelton Johnson, Ronney Rayes, Toney Rayes, Victor Brooks, Alex Wallace Jr., Edward Tousana, and Gary Moss. Deacon Earnest Hayes and Foster Chatman were already ordained when Rev. Hazelwood assumed leadership. Rev. Hazelwood served faithfully until his retirement in 1996.
Rev. Dennis Hill, assistant to Rev. Hazelwood, was selected as the sixth pastor. Though his tenure lasted only two years, he was highly effective in outreach, and many were added to the membership. During his leadership, women were licensed to preach, and planning began for reconstruction of the parking lot.
Following Rev. Hill’s resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years until 2000, when Rev. Sheridan Todd Yeary was installed as the seventh pastor. Rev. Yeary established the church’s first website and introduced computer technology to Logan Street. Renovations included updates to the sanctuary pulpit area, new pulpit lighting, kitchen cabinetry, and carpeting in the Fellowship Hall. Four ministers were ordained, six ministers were licensed, a church logo was created, and the first women deacons were ordained. Rev. Yeary resigned in 2007.
Rev. Larry Spires served as interim pastor until Rev. Dernard Newell was elected as the eighth pastor in December 2010. During his pastorate, the church experienced several renovations, including updated flooring in the Fellowship Hall, sealing of the kitchen service window, and a major sanctuary remodel with updated audio-visual equipment.
Rev. David J. Seymour, a son of Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church, returned to lead the congregation during a season of transition following the departure of the previous pastor. Appointed interim pastor in 2016 and officially called as the ninth pastor in November 2017, Pastor Seymour ushered the church into a season of restoration, stability, and forward vision. He guided the church through the challenges of the 2020–21 global pandemic, led the Centennial Celebration in 2021, and renewed core ministries by re-establishing Bible Study, strengthening prayer, restoring Adult Sunday School, reorganizing Children’s Church, and launching College and Young Adult Bible Study.
Pastor Seymour also expanded the church’s digital presence, strengthened organizational structure through updated by-laws and the establishment of a Governing Board, and restored treasured features such as the stained-glass windows. Known for his practical and welcoming leadership style, Pastor Seymour has fostered steady growth—particularly among college-aged and young adults—while empowering a diverse ministerial team. Today, Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and community in Batavia, prepared for advancement into a new century of ministry.
New Building
The church moved from the original wooden building to a basement structure which was built on the adjoining west lot. This is currently were the kitchen, office area, baptismal pool, furnace rooms are located. Rev. Mitchell resigned as pastor in 1955 after serving Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church for 27 years.
We were without a pastor for two years, but service continued on with Rev. Henry Wheaton and various other circuit ministers. At that time, two more men were selected as deacons with the aid of Rev. Robert Wesby of Main St. Baptist in Aurora. They were Truman B. Hazelwood and James H. Young.
We were without a pastor for two years, but service continued on with Rev. Henry Wheaton and various other circuit ministers. At that time, two more men were selected as deacons with the aid of Rev. Robert Wesby of Main St. Baptist in Aurora. They were Truman B. Hazelwood and James H. Young.
1957 - 1967
In 1957 the church called Rev. Julius E Boyd as their second pastor. He served here with us for 10 years and resigned in the year of 1967. During his ministry the congregation grew. He crowned Harvey L. Johnson and Alex Wallace Sr. as deacons and he ordained Rev. Truman B Hazelwood and Rev. Michael Lee Graves as ministers. What is now the fellowship hall was the sanctuary which was built in 1959 during Rev. Boyd’s ministry.
After Rev. Boyd’s resignation, we were again without a pastor, but our services continued with interim pastor, Rev. Randy Richardson until November of 1967 when Rev. David H Moore of Carbondale, IL was called as the third pastor.
After Rev. Boyd’s resignation, we were again without a pastor, but our services continued with interim pastor, Rev. Randy Richardson until November of 1967 when Rev. David H Moore of Carbondale, IL was called as the third pastor.
Membership Growth
During his ministry from 1967 until 1976 the congregation grew with 40 new members. In May of 1968 we purchased our first parsonage and later purchased the five on Gore and River Streets. Rev. Moore resigned in 1976 after nine years of service.
Rev John E. Nabors of North Chicago was the next pastor and served for four years. During that time, plans for a new church were drawn up and studied.
Rev John E. Nabors of North Chicago was the next pastor and served for four years. During that time, plans for a new church were drawn up and studied.
1981 - 1996
In the year of 1981, Rev Truman B Hazelwood was called home to Logan Street Baptist Church as our fifth pastor. During the beginning of his ministry, the sanctuary was remodeled with mock cedar beams, and acoustical tile ceiling, carpet runners for the floor and pulpit and new roofing. As the membership grew, there were four added to the Trustee Board and nine men crowned as deacons. The were Edward E LaCour, Nathaniel Henderson, Shelton Johnson, Tonney Rayes, Toney Rayes, Victor Brooks and Alex Wallace Jr., Edward Tousana, Gary Moss, Foster Chatman and Deacon Earnest Hayes was already a deacon when he joined Logan Street.
Rev. Truman Hazelwood served Logan Street until his retirement in 1996. At that time Rev. Dennis Hill, who was the assistant to Rev. Hazelwood, was elected for our Sixth pastor. Although Rev Hill served for only two years and was extremely effective in outreach and many were added to the membership. During his tenure, a licensed to preach was issued to the first women. Also, preparation and planning began for reconstruction of the parking lot.
Rev. Truman Hazelwood served Logan Street until his retirement in 1996. At that time Rev. Dennis Hill, who was the assistant to Rev. Hazelwood, was elected for our Sixth pastor. Although Rev Hill served for only two years and was extremely effective in outreach and many were added to the membership. During his tenure, a licensed to preach was issued to the first women. Also, preparation and planning began for reconstruction of the parking lot.
2000 - 2010
After Rev. Hill resigned as pastor and the church was without a pastor for two years and in the year 2000, Rev. S. Todd Yeary was installed as our Seventh Pastor. Rev. Yeary established a website and introduced computer technology to Logan Street. The sanctuary pulpit area was renovated, and pulpit lighting added. New cabinets were installed in the kitchen and tile was replaced by carpet in the fellowship hall. Three ministers were ordained and given license to preach. A church logo was created, and the first women deacons were ordained.
Rev. Yeary submitted his resignation in 2007. Rev. Larry Spires was appointed as interim pastor, until Rev. Dernard Newell was elected our eighth pastor in December of 2010. Rev Newell updated the fellowship hall and remodeled the Sanctuary with chairs and up-dated the audio equipment and added visual equipment.
Rev. Yeary submitted his resignation in 2007. Rev. Larry Spires was appointed as interim pastor, until Rev. Dernard Newell was elected our eighth pastor in December of 2010. Rev Newell updated the fellowship hall and remodeled the Sanctuary with chairs and up-dated the audio equipment and added visual equipment.
Current Pastor
Rev. David Seymour served as interim pastor from the summer of 2016 until he was called as our ninth pastor in 2018. Pastor Seymour has re-established regular Bible Study, prayer meetings and Adult Sunday School. Additionally, Children’s Church was reorganized, new by-laws were established, a Governing Board was created, a new church logo was created, and organizational structures have been put in place. Also in the short time that Pastor Seymour has been at Logan Street, the famed stained glass windows have been re-installed and the service window in kitchen has been opened, along with much needed repairs to the parking lot.
