Welcome

Iconium Baptist Church was organized during the year of 1883, on Smith Street, Southwest of Atlanta, in the Pittsburgh Community, just a few yards down behind this present edifice. A group of God-fearing Christians began praying and studying the Bible in their homes and were moved by the spirit of God to have a special church home in which to worship God and to further introduce others to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to help lead them in the knowledge that He is the Savior of the world and beside him, there is none other!

We are told that some of the first pastors were: The Reverends L. Stokes, McGuire, T.W. Williams, and Byrd. In 1923, the Reverend W. B. Bell was called to serve as pastor and left an indelible record of being one of God’s greatest disciples in preaching the gospel in his day! He led the church to its first McDaniel Street address, below this present site. The Reverends R. H. Milner, B. Joseph Johnson (interim) and D.A. Dixon also served this great church. In 1960, Pastor Emeritus Malvin A. Linsey was called to lead us. This assignment enabled him to pastor this church for forty-one (41) years. It was through his leadership that God gave him the vision to rebuild this present edifice in which we now worship! After his health declined, the church reluctantly accepted his request to retire as our Spiritual Leader. In October of 2003, the Lord called him home and he is now sleeping in the arms of Jesus, waiting to greet us with his infamous “Yes Sir” in that great “Getting up Morning!”

The roots of Iconium Baptist Church are now scattered throughout this community and the City of Atlanta. Not only does Iconium have the record of being the oldest Baptist Church in the Pittsburgh Community, it also is the “Mother” Church of Bethany, Greater Mt. Pleasant, Southside Springfield Baptist Churches and later, another Iconium Church, which was organized in Atlanta. Several “Sons” of Iconium have been called to pastor churches in Atlanta and nearby cities. They were Reverends Clarence Walker, J.M. Terrell, J.W. Byrd and Howard Price, Jr. (all deceased).

God always has a leader for His people! After the retirement of Pastor Emeritus Linsey, we were blessed to not reach out of our church family and select another pastor! The Lord had given us two dedicated associate ministers: Reverend Russell Stephens (who had worshipped and served here for 12 years under the leadership of Pastor Linsey) and the Reverend Lewis Linsey, Jr. It was after much prayer and supplication; the Reverend Russell Stephens was chosen to serve as our Pastor! Together with our then associate ministers, Reverend Lewis Linsey, and Reverend Jeffery Vincent, we could only say: “Lord, What a Blessing!”

For 20 years, Reverend Stephens served as our lead Pastor with continued dedication first, to God, and then to us! Sadly, on January 26, 2021, we lost our beloved Pastor Russell Stephens who has gone on to be with our Lord. He was committed to serving parishioners, the young, as well as all others. 

With the passing of Pastor Stephens, we were blessed to have had two dedicated associate ministers, Reverend Jeffery Vincent, and Reverend Lewis Linsey (who decided to step back from his ministerial duties) to take the helm! Reverend Vincent continued to bring the message weekly and proved to be a humble and faithful servant. On September 10, 2022, another one of God’s faithful servants, Pastor C.L. Jordan was elected to lead Iconium Baptist Church and preached his first sermon as senior pastor on September 18, 2022. Pastor Jordan reached his one-year anniversary on September 10, 2023, and is now in his third year as our senior Pastor. In 2023, Pastor Jordan saw fit to bless us with a new associate minister Reverend Emanual Longino to work alongside him with Reverend Vincent and in 2024, we were blessed to have Reverend Marcus Webster, Sr. join our church and be appointed as our third associate minister. In 2025, under the leadership of Pastor Jordan, associate minister James Roberts joined and was appointed as Director of the Evangelism Ministry. Pastor Jordan is making a difference here at the Iconium Baptist Church.

Under the leadership and vision of Pastor Jordan, Iconium Church continues to grow in faith, purpose, and outreach. His teachings during Bible study, Sunday school, and morning worship have helped guide the congregation toward a deeper understanding of the gospel and a more meaningful relationship with God.

One of Pastor Jordan’s most passionate goals is to expand the church’s mission work across the globe. In 2024, he, along with First Lady Peggy Jordan and several church members, answered that call by traveling to the Navajo Nation in Arizona and the Dominican Republic. There, they ministered to and supported communities in need, fulfilling the church’s mission to serve others as God has called us to do. This year, the church continued its outreach efforts by returning to the Navajo Nation and sending financial donations to the Dominican Republic, ensuring that the work of compassion and service remains ongoing.

In addition to mission work, Pastor Jordan has established several new ministries that reflect a holistic approach to faith. These ministries focus on worship, education, community involvement, personal support, and spiritual growth. Each one is actively working to fulfill its goals and make a lasting impact within the church and beyond.

Pastor Jordan is also leading a special building fund campaign with a goal of $150,000 to support essential repairs and fully renovate the church’s fellowship hall. This year, through prayer and God’s provision, the church received enough funds to complete major foundational repairs. With the help of many dedicated men of the church, renovations began, allowing us to reopen the fellowship hall in time to celebrate Pastor Jordan and First Lady Peggy Jordan’s third pastoral anniversary. Glory be to God! 

While there is still much work to be done, the congregation remains committed and enthusiastic about completing the remaining renovations. With faith and unity, we continue to move forward, trusting that God will provide as we strive to fulfill the vision for our church.

We are honored to know that our 142-year-old church has survived the “raging winds and storms of life” and through it all, God blessed us, and it is rewarding to know that other Christians are able to help carry the gospel message of Jesus Christ, which is much needed today, as never before!

The Scripture, II Chronicles 7:14, tells us that “If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Yes, we do not know how long it will be, nor what the future holds for us, but if we believe in God, 

WE KNOW THAT HE IS THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE!

“HAPPY 142nd CHURCH ANNINVERSARY, ICONIUM BAPTIST CHURCH”

                                         “Dedicated to Holiness!”