SUNDAY LIVE SERVICE
STARTS AT 11AM
St. Paul
Baptist Church
SUNDAY LIVE SERVICE
STARTS AT 11AM
Our History
At the turn of the 20th century, Ada County was growing—and so was the vision for a faith community where African Americans in Boise could worship, grow, and belong. Census records show the Black population in Ada County increasing from just 47 residents in 1900 to 135 by 1910. Among those who arrived during this time was Rev. William Riley Hardy, who came to Boise in 1904 and would soon become the founder and first pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, Boise’s first African American Baptist congregation.
A Church Begins at Home
St. Paul began humbly as a house fellowship, with members gathering for Sunday worship in one another’s homes. Mary Buckner, writing in the church’s 35th Anniversary Souvenir Program, reflected on those early days:
“As a child growing up here in Boise, there was no colored church. A group of older people knew and realized a great need for the work of God in the city, and the children required religious training. Services were started by meeting from house to house. We enjoyed the services and our leaders.”
As the fellowship grew, homes could no longer contain the congregation. By 1909, public records show the church meeting in a small building at 6th and Front Streets. Over the next several years, worship services moved to various locations around Boise—including a home on the east side, the rear room of a blacksmith shop, and a hall near the Capitol—each step reflecting both perseverance and growth.
Building a Permanent Home
With Boise continuing to expand, church leaders felt called to build a permanent place of worship. In a remarkable act of generosity, Mrs. Narcisa Gestal and her daughter offered their lots at 128 Broadway Avenue to the congregation, saying, “I love to do good, so I’m offering my lots for the colored people of Boise.” The congregation purchased the property, and in 1921 construction began.
Rev. Hardy, a skilled carpenter by trade, led much of the work himself, joined by church trustee Louis Stokes and other local craftsmen. Together, they built more than a structure—they built a testimony of faith, sacrifice, and hope.
One can almost imagine the congregation singing during those days:
“Lord keep me day by day
In a pure and fervent way…
I want to live, Lord,
In a building not made by hand.”
Faith Through the Years
Rev. Hardy faithfully served St. Paul for nearly 20 years, the longest pastoral tenure in the church’s history. The years that followed included seasons of transition and renewal. Leaders like Rev. D.D. Banks helped secure the church’s property and financial stability, while Rev. W.P. Johnson oversaw important improvements to the building and parsonage.
As the congregation continued to grow, God once again made a way. In 1993, when St. Paul reached capacity, the Capital Christian Center graciously offered its building at 14th and Bannock. The congregation accepted, and in doing so committed to preserving their historic Broadway church.
That historic building—placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982—now serves as the home of the Idaho Black History Museum, a lasting gift to the broader community.
On October 9, 1994, with joy and thanksgiving, the congregation officially moved into its current home at 1320 West Bannock Street, celebrating God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
A Living Testimony
Throughout its history, St. Paul Baptist Church has remained deeply committed to serving Boise and the surrounding communities—sharing the gospel through worship, music, teaching, service, and fellowship. From generation to generation, St. Paul has stood as a testament to God’s grace: worshipping, praying, singing, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
We honor the many pastors who have faithfully led this church, from its earliest days to the present. And today, St. Paul continues to press forward “toward the mark of the higher calling” under the leadership of our pastor, Rev. Jonathan J. McReynolds.
We, the members and friends of St. Paul Baptist Church, are living witnesses to miracle after miracle—heirs of blessing upon blessing. We have seen the Lord make a way out of no way.
Truly, we have come this far by faith.
Historical acknowledgments
With gratitude for historical documentation provided by:
Mary C. Hardy Buckner
Dr. Mamie O. Oliver
GET IN TOUCH
ADDRESS: 1320 W Bannock St, Boise Idaho 83702-5621
|
PHONE: (208) 344-0674
CONTACT US
Get in touch with us, we're here to listen!
WORSHIP
Let us know how we can pray for you.
Connect with us and stay up-to-date!
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. St. Paul Baptist Church