Just over 100 years ago in 1918, a small group of only 38 members chartered what is now Herrin Second Baptist Church. What started as a mission that began in an empty building from 1918 to 1920 in the middle of Herrin City Cemetery, was grown into a formal church to serve the needs of the community.

At some point between 1918 and and 1920 a small 1 acre of land was purchased from Consolidated Coal Company across the street from Herrin City Cemetery and a dedicated church was built. With the help of members like Mr. Bandy, Mr. Stone, Mr. Cravens, and Mr. Loyd Bandy, a large frame building was constructed to serve as our church building.

The first building was known as “The Baptist Mission” and received financial and leadership support from First Baptist Church. The Building was later moved to the corner of 9th and Stotler Streets to be closer to town.

In 1926, Herrin Second baptist church was formally born. Our first pastor was Rev G.E. Slavens who served for 1 year.

Between the year 1926 and 1941, fourteen pastors called the pulpit home at Herrin Second. None of them serving for more than 13 months with the exception of Rev Earl Finney, who served 2 years and 8 months from