Albert Frank is grateful to have a place where he has been able to spread God’s word for many years.

The only deacon at the Antioch Baptist Church, Frank says it feels good to have spent 60 years of his life at the church that is celebrating 131 years of being a sanctuary for those looking to pursue a Christian journey.

“We thank God we’ve been here for 131 years. It has been a blessing,” Frank, 88, said.

The church was founded in 1890 by Rev. C.W. Frazer. It would eventually find a home on 332 Elizabeth St. in 1919 after the original church building was burned and lost its records, according to the church’s website.

A diverse pool of people makes up the membership, ranging from young people in their 20s to those in their 60s. Frank said a good number of people show up to the church, but the number has decreased since covid hit. The church currently has just 30 members.

The pandemic caused the church to shut down for a year and a half. Live streams were available for those who wanted to tune in to service, but the impact was clear.

“Because of the pandemic, a lot of people stopped coming,” Frank said.

The pandemic has not affected the experience for members like Tammy Carson, who leads the church’s prayer and worship team. She has attended the church on and off from the time she was a child, when she would attend with her dad. She started going full-time three years ago. She loves the sense of family the church exudes.

“It has been a wonderful experience. We’re a family and look out for each other,” Carson said.

The church faced another loss when its pastor resigned in December 202. The doors reopened in June. To temporarily fill the role, the church has invited different pastors to lead services on Sundays. Some pastors come from out of state to preach in Sewickley.

“We are hoping to find a permanent preacher soon,” Frank said.

Though the church has faced many challenges, Frank said the church has leaned onto God for help and guidance through everything.

“We just move on and pray and ask God to lead us,” he said.

Frank looks forward to getting the church more involved with the community to help recruit members. He invites anyone to visit the church to be surrounded by love and fellowship.

“It’s a loving church. We want to treat people right and preach about fellowship and unity,” he said.

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