EAST LIVERPOOL - The Second Baptist Church of East Liverpool celebrated its 106th anniversary with a special service on Sunday evening.

The church welcomed Mt. Hermon Sanctuary Choir, and Bishop Donald J. Washington, both of Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus.

Washington is a native of Columbus, and after graduating from the public school system there, he entered the Army.

Washington served in the Vietnam War as a forward observer with the America Division and the 11th Infantry Brigade. Upon return, he was awarded the air medal, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.

He is married to Shirlean Washington and has two children, Trina Danielle and Donald Jerome.

"This is the 106th year that God has blessed us by raining down blessings on Second Baptist," member Cornell Nizer said as she welcomed the guests.

Second Baptist was founded on June 14, 1903, in the home of Richard Jennings. It was the third African American church to be organized in the tri-state area, under the care of Rev. William Nelson of Beaver Falls, Pa. and assistant Rev. G.B. Sallie of McDonald, Pa.

In October 2007, current Pastor Rev. Ernest E. Peachey, Sr., was installed.

"It has been a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you during our first year here at Second Baptist," Peachey said. "We are living in a time when we need to pray together, stick together, and serve God together."

Under Peachey's leadership, former Pastor Rev. Clennie Lee was named Pastor Emeritus. Sunday school, prayer meetings, and Bible studies have been re-established in the church as well as intercessory prayer, youth praise dance, adult praise dance, exercise, leadership training, and many other activities.

On March 29, the church moved from the former Second Baptist Church into its new building on Pennsylvania Avenue in the East End.