Extended History

Pastor Charles J. Briscoe

In May of 1967, Pastor Charles J. Briscoe was installed as the seventh spiritual leader of this flock. A man of wisdom and insight, Pastor Briscoe sought to strengthen the Church family spiritually by encouraging Bible study groups and by providing the opportunity to take part in various workshops and study courses. There was a clear focus on individual spiritual growth and maturity. Pastor Briscoe continued the tradition of civic involvement set by Dr. Holmes, and became the first African-American president of the Kansas City Board of Education.

Pastor Briscoe introduced the idea of a Capital Stewardship Campaign in January 1992, to finance his vision of adding an education wing to the existing edifice. What began in January 1992 as a vision for Pastor Briscoe became a reality in October 2000, when the South Wing was dedicated. In addition to adding over 13,000 square feet of classroom, office and meeting space, at a cost of $1.5 million, there was the installation of a modern public address sound system, energy efficient windows throughout the Church, the purchasing and paving of two parking lots, remodeling of the kitchen and upgrading of the heating and air-conditioning systems along with new lighting in the main sanctuary.

To enhance the services and make the Church operations more efficient a number of pieces of equipment were purchased. In addition, the Church has purchased several parcels of land directly to the South of the Church for future expansion and possible development of a family life center. The lower auditorium beneath the main sanctuary was remodeled and new pews, together with new carpeting, were installed in the main sanctuary.

The Church outreach ministries have included sponsoring a missionary to the Foreign Field, sponsoring Ethiopian Refugees; Summer Missions where Vacation Bible School classes were conducted in places such as Montego Bay, Jamaica (1987); supporting the Urban Life Ministries, the Evangelism/Discipleship Visitation Teams; Women’s and Men’s Retreats; the inter-cultural experience of an Annual Worship Fellowship with the First Baptist Church of Shawnee, and assistance in sponsoring the Paseo Baptist Church of Johannesburg, South Africa.

The largest home mission program of Paseo Baptist Church is its Learning Center, which has approximately 35 students enrolled. This ministry was initiated under the leadership of Pastor Briscoe and has operated successfully since 1979. The hallmark of the Learning Center is teaching excellence in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Graduates of the Learning Center have consistently outperformed their peers regardless of whether measured in a private or public academic setting. This ministry which has operated for 47 Years years, was initiated under the leadership of Pastor Briscoe and Erma L. Williams.