Southminster Presbyterian Church in Phoenix: A 70-year legacy of faith and service

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Southminster Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, a historic African American congregation in the PC(USA), celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024. 

Chartered in 1954 by the Rev. George Benjamin Brooks, the church has been a beacon of hope, faith, and progress in the Phoenix community. Southminster is the only African American church in the Synod of the Sun and the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the wider church family and enriching the tapestry of the faith community. 

A rich history 
The journey began in 1952 when the Rev. Robert P. Johnson of the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church was invited by Synod Executive the Rev. Douglas Vance and Sunday school missionary the Rev. Claude L. Morton to study the many new emerging communities in Arizona with the idea of starting new Presbyterian churches in each of them. The Broadway area of Phoenix seemed ideal for a new church. 

The Rev. G. Benjamin Brooks was asked to make an initial assessment to determine whether there were sufficient people in the Broadway area to justify a new church. According to the church archives, the survey revealed that there was no one in the area with a Presbyterian background, but that there was sufficient interest to explore the possibilities of establishing a church in the community. 

The first service was held in November 1953 in a small, rented building. By March of 1954, the new community was organized as a congregation with 52 charter members. 

A legacy of service 
Under Brooks’ leadership, Southminster quickly became a vital part of the community, offering numerous programs for youth and adults. The church's commitment to social justice has been a hallmark of its mission, advocating for civil rights and serving the marginalized. “The church, if it is to be an instrument for the Gospel of Christ, must serve the community and people with or without a religious affiliation,” Brooks was fond of saying. 

Southminster has been a pioneer in various social initiatives, including early childhood education, after-school programs, substance abuse counseling, and feeding programs for the homeless and elderly. It has also been at the forefront of the civil rights movement, tirelessly working to promote equality and justice for all. The church has been a catalyst for political activism, empowering its members to seek public office and make a difference in their community. It has taken Matthew 25 to heart, serving the poor and enriching the lives of the hopeless. 

During the Covid pandemic, Southminster adapted to the challenges by transitioning to virtual worship services. This new tool allowed the church to stay connected with its congregation and expand its reach through technology. 

A bright future 
Today, under the leadership of the Rev. Reginald Ragland, Southminster continues its legacy of faith, hope and service. Now that the church has celebrated its 70th anniversary, it looks forward to the future with optimism and excitement. 

“Southminster’s story is still being written,” Ragland says. “We are committed to our mission of loving God and loving all, and we will continue to be a place of deep community, welcome and service, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us — the salt of the community.” 

Erin Dunigan is an ordained evangelist and teaching elder in the PC(USA). A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, she serves as a photographer, writer and communications consultant and lives near the border in Baja California, Mexico. In her free time, she is an avid gardener and leads horseback riding tours along one of the most pristine stretches of beach in Northern Baja.