TSDSS, like the community which surrounded it, quickly grew. It formally organized as a church on February 2, 1916. The church, as it grew in membership, moved to several sites”2 within the “North End” community.
In 1920 under the leadership of Rev J.O. Derrick the church purchased the land and built its first church, affectionately called The Little Wooden Church, where the current building (constructed from 1946-1954) now stands.

Russell Street has been blessed to have had several leaders who were influential in molding our church and enhancing the surrounding community. They were: Rev. Harris, Rev. Thomas, Rev. Craige, Rev. Hill, Rev. B.J. Smith, Rev. J.C. Matthews, Rev. J.O. Derrick, Rev. C.L. Schateen, Rev. M.P. Parrish, Rev. J.W. Brooks, Rev. I H. McElroy, Rev. C.C. Gatewood, Rev. Stephen C. Campbell, Rev. Nathaniel Jackson, Rev. Cullian Hill, Rev. Anthony C. Campbell, Rev. C. B. Knox, Rev. Walter Cheeks and Rev. Anthony C. Campbell. In November 1999, Russell Street took a leap of faith and for the first time in its history called Reverend Dr. Deedee M. Coleman as its first female pastor. This preaching and teaching woman of God has brought a vision, a plan and the Spirit to move Russell Street forward in the Lord.

The current building was built under the leadership of Dr. Stephen C. “Dynamo” Campbell between 1945 and 1954. However, throughout the years, several additions, beautifications and decorations were added to the current structure. Under the administration of Rev Cullian Hill, the church structure was enhanced with the addition of air conditioning and two vans were purchased to assist the elderly and leverage the reach of the church’s Vacation Bible School. He also led the charge to replace the rose window in the front of the church that depicts various Biblical scenes. The pews were padded and the church office was computerized under Rev. Anthony C. Campbell. Rev. C.B. Knox opened up the pulpit for direct access to the altar.

Russell Street has been blessed to have had several leaders who were influential in molding our church and enhancing the surrounding community. They were: Rev. Harris, Rev. Thomas, Rev. Craige, Rev. Hill, Rev. B.J. Smith, Rev. J.C. Matthews, Rev. J.O. Derrick, Rev. C.L. Schateen, Rev. M.P. Parrish, Rev. J.W. Brooks, Rev. I H. McElroy, Rev. C.C. Gatewood, Rev. Stephen C. Campbell, Rev. Nathaniel Jackson, Rev. Cullian Hill, Rev. Anthony C. Campbell, Rev. C. B. Knox, Rev. Walter Cheeks and Rev. Anthony C. Campbell. In November 1999, Russell Street took a leap of faith and for the first time in its history called Reverend Dr. Deedee M. Coleman as its first female pastor. This preaching and teaching woman of God has brought a vision, a plan and the Spirit to move Russell Street forward in the Lord.

The current building was built under the leadership of Dr. Stephen C. “Dynamo” Campbell between 1945 and 1954. However, throughout the years, several additions, beautifications and decorations were added to the current structure. Under the administration of Rev Cullian Hill, the church structure was enhanced with the addition of air conditioning and two vans were purchased to assist the elderly and leverage the reach of the church’s Vacation Bible School. He also led the charge to replace the rose window in the front of the church that depicts various Biblical scenes. The pews were padded and the church office was computerized under Rev. Anthony C. Campbell. Rev. C.B. Knox opened up the pulpit for direct access to the altar.

Under the leadership and tutelage of Rev. Deedee Coleman, the church has undergone a complete remodel: The building is now handicapped accessible (ADA compliant) with the addition of an elevator and handicapped accessible restrooms; there is a new sound system, a renovated commercial kitchen and a completely open pulpit. The baptismal sanctuary has been relocated from the basement to the main floor and the sanctuary has new carpet and refurbished pews. Russell Street has rekindled its fellowship between community and church with several outreach programs and has built its beliefs on the promise that “If we work by the Word, the rewards are great”.

This brief history only touches the surface of the Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church, a church that continues to be a major influence in shaping the history of our community, our city and our country.

1 SDSS members: Brother Gradie and Sister Harris, Rev. J.C. and Sister Mamie Matthews, Brother James Ross, Sister Mamie Ross, Sister Laura Thomas, Brother Monroe Brown, Brother Arthur Moore, Sister Christine Moore, Brother Earnest Watkins, the Mackie boys, and the Tillie Boys.

2 Other church locations: Holbrook Ave and Oakland at Alger