Extended History

Reverend Delmar A. White

In March of 2002, Reverend Delmar A. White was called as the eighth under-shepherd of this great congregation. Under his leadership, the Learning Center expanded to the third grade. Pastor White embraced the essential role the Learning Center plays to the overall evangelism program of Paseo then and in the future. The African-American Church in general and the Paseo Baptist Church in particular must give earnest attention to the devastating disparities between the academic performance of white and black children. No other institution in America today is adequately addressing the root of that issue. The Learning Center captures the essence of how this challenge must and can be addressed in the African-American church.

Pastor White sought to revitalize what had become an aging congregation. While continuing the emphasis on individual spiritual growth and maturity, Pastor White challenged the membership to seek new approaches to addressing the debilitating conditions that plague the African-American community. Under his leadership the Charles J. Briscoe Scholarship fund was established which gives thousands of dollars a year to those who aspire higher education.

Pastor Gregory Ealey

In September 2009, Pastor Gregory Ealey began service as the ninth Pastor of Paseo Baptist Church. Under Pastor Ealey's leadership, Paseo focused on becoming ALIVE (Adore God in Worship, Love our Neighbor in Serving, Incorporate the Family of God through Fellowship, Voice the Message of Christ through Evangelism, and Educate the People of God through Discipleship). This focus led to the mission statement- "Unleashing People to Love Christ and the Community".

Pastor Ealey sought to strengthen the church's finances and modernize the church's practices. He led a campaign which paid off the construction debt of the South Wing, repaved the church parking lot, and installed video and audio systems that enhance the worship experience.

Pastor LaRon Thompson

Members

Paseo Baptist Church has always played a prominent role in the development of the Kansas City Community.

• The late Carl Johnson, who served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years was the first Africa-American to be appointed as a judge in Jackson County, Missouri.
• Pastor Briscoe was the first Africa-American to serve as President of the Board of Education of the Kansas City, Missouri School District, the largest school district in the metropolitan area.
• Ms. Helen Ragsdale, a long time member of the church and retired teacher from the Kansas City, Missouri School District, also served as President of the Board of Education.
• Dr. W.R. Peterson, who served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, was also chief of Staff of the historic Queen of World Hospital, which at one time was the only hospital serving African-Americans in Kansas City.
• Lawrence Blankinship, retired business leader in the Kansas City Community and retired member of the Board of Trustees, was only the second African-American elected to the City Council of Kansas City, Missouri.
• In addition to the foregoing, among the membership of Paseo has always been a significant number of educators who have played a major role in the educational development of African-American children in Kansas City.