ROOTED
For more than 80 years, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has been a place where faith is nurtured, lives are transformed, and generations come together to worship and serve. Rooted in the Word of God and committed to the work of ministry, we continue to honor the legacy entrusted to us while embracing God’s purpose for our future.
Take a look around and discover the people, beliefs, history, and vision that make Antioch who we are!
IN PURPOSE
OUR MISSION
The dual calling of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is the evangelization of unbelievers and the perfecting of believers for the work of the ministry so that this congregation presents a godly, powerful witness to the world and edifies the body of Christ.
OUR VISION
The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church seeks to fulfill its Mission by building and maintaining an environment thatAccepts the Bible as the inspired Word of God without error, the complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and lifeDevelops and maintains ministries and programs that: • Present our Savior to unbelievers in a manner that allows them to make an informed decision about Christ • Enable believers to mature in the faith so that they become effective workers within the church and the communityAssists its members in determining their spiritual gifts and talentsDirects its members into ministries and programs that allow them to fully develop their spiritual gifts and talentsEnables new methods and processes that align with scripture to be evaluated for long—term use within the church
CHURCH THEME
Since believers are "kingdom people," Antioch has adopted the theme "Kingdom Set Time" as the guiding, unifying principle for execution of its Mission and Vision: Stewardship, Evangelism, Tithing, Teaching, Inspiration, Ministries, Excellence. "... and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b)
OUR BELIEFS
God There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three Manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for sin according to the Scriptures, arose bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. The Holy Ghost The ministry of the Holy Ghost is to glorify Jesus Christ, and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the Believer for godly living and service. The Bible The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. The Church The true Church is comprised of two components: The Head, Jesus Christ, and the Body, which consists of those who have been regenerated by the Holy Ghost through saving faith in Jesus Christ. Man Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost. It is only through regeneration by the Holy Ghost that salvation and spiritual life can be obtained. Salvation The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only means of justification and salvation for all who believe, and only those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Ghost and thus become children of God. Baptism and The Lord's Supper — Water baptism by immersion shortly after accepting Christ as personal Savior is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to new life. The Lord's Supper, Communion, is a memorial service depicting Christ's death in a sacred and symbolic manner, which should be observed by all true Believers and only Believers. Marriage God created marriage in the beginning, as a blessing for both man and woman, before any sin/rebellion entered the world. He created marriage to be between one man and one woman, who enter into a covenant relationship, complement one another, serve one another, and sanctify one another for as long as they both shall live. Therefore, any attempt to redefine marriage as a union between people of the same sex or as a union between more than one man and one woman is rejected. The Return of Jesus Christ The personal, premillenial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the Believer. Future Events There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the Believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the Unbeliever to judgment and everlasting, conscious punishment.
MEET
Rev. Dr. James L. Cherry, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Pastor James L. Cherry, Jr. is a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and the eldest son of the late Reverend James L. Cherry, Sr. and Mother Eunice Cherry. Raised in a family deeply rooted in faith and ministry, Pastor Cherry answered the call to ministry early in life and has devoted more than five decades to serving God and His people.
Pastor Cherry was licensed to preach in 1975 at Nazarene Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the leadership of his father and pastor, Reverend James L. Cherry, Sr. He was ordained in 1983 by Pentecostal Bishop Quander L. Wilson of Greater Emmanuel Ministry in Columbus, Ohio, and again in 1994 by Reverend Asa Roberts, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Throughout his years of ministry, Pastor Cherry has been blessed to preach and teach at revivals, conferences, seminars, and other gatherings throughout the United States.
OUR PASTOR
Before answering the call to pastor Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Rochester, New York, Pastor Cherry served as Senior Pastor of Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, for 13 years. On February 12, 2009, he was elected as the fourth Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and was officially installed on April 4, 2009. Since that time, he has faithfully led Antioch through seasons of growth, change, challenge, and renewal. A Vision for Antioch Under Pastor Cherry’s leadership, Antioch has embraced a vision centered on spiritual growth, service, and excellence. His adopted theme, “Kingdom Set Time,” encompasses six foundational principles: Stewardship, Evangelism, Teaching, Tithing, Inspiration, and Ministries & Excellence. With a heart for both tradition and progress, Pastor Cherry has guided Antioch through a number of inaugural and historic changes, while remaining committed to strengthening the church’s ministry and its connection to the community. Among those historic milestones was the welcoming of female ministers to Antioch’s Associate Ministerial Staff. As Antioch continues to move forward, Pastor Cherry remains committed to leading the church with faith, purpose, and a vision for the future. His desire is to see the church not simply exist, but thrive as a place where people are equipped, inspired, and empowered to fulfill their God-given purpose. A Commitment to Education Pastor Cherry’s commitment to ministry is reflected not only in his years of service, but also in his dedication to theological and academic preparation. He has studied at Manna Bible School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in History and Religion. He also attended Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and The Spirit of Truth Institute and Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity. Continuing his pursuit of theological education, Pastor Cherry completed the one-year Intensive Study Certification program at Princeton Theological Seminary and received a Certificate in Theology and Ministry Administration. He is currently pursuing an earned Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. A Man of Faith and Family Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Cherry is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is happily married to his beloved wife, Polly A. Hunter Cherry, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Leslie Michelle, Michael James, Christopher Nathaniel, and David Drew. Their family has also been blessed with two handsome grandsons, Hunter and Ezekiel. Pastor Cherry considers his family one of his greatest blessings and treasures the opportunity to serve both his church family and his own family. His life and ministry reflect a commitment to faith, family, education, leadership, and service—a legacy that continues to shape Antioch and the generations to come.
MEET OUR
Polly A. Cherry
First Lady
Lady Polly A. Cherry was born to Deacon Lloyd and Deaconess Estelle L. McCarthy Hunter on January 31, 1962, in Uniontown, PA and was baptized at the Mt. Rose Baptist Church, Uniontown, PA by Rev. James L. Cherry, Sr. She later joined Interfaith Assembly for Christ Church in Uniontown, PA under the Pastorate of Rev. Howard E. Dantzler, Sr. She served in many different ministries at these churches during her youth and young adult years.
FIRST LADY
After graduating from Laurel Highlands High School, Uniontown, PA, she enrolled in Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK, and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She furthered her education and received a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California in California, PA.
In 1994 by divine intervention, Lady Cherry was introduced “again” to the love of her life, Rev. James L. Cherry, Jr. They were united in Holy Matrimony on June 2, 1995, and started their first pastorate together as a couple in April 1996 at the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, Aliquippa, PA. During their 13 years of service, Lady Cherry worked with the Deaconess Ministry, Women’s Ministry and played piano for the Praise Team and the annual community Easter Cantata. Lady Cherry relocated to Rochester, NY in October 2010 after her husband, Rev. James L. Cherry, Jr., accepted the Pastorate at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Lady Cherry continued with her life-long commitment of service to the Lord and immediately got involved with several ministries such as Hospitality, Antioch Women’s Fellowship and is a Co-Coordinator for Antioch’s Health Ministry. She also serves as the President of the Baptist Ministers' Wives and Widows Council of Rochester and Vicinity. Lady Cherry has a heart of compassion for women and the many issues they face. She has a desire to see them grow and mature into the women God has intended them to be. Lady Cherry started her professional career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/Department of Public Welfare/Fayette County Assistance Office in 1989 as a part-time Energy Assistance Worker. She was promoted to the position of Income Maintenance Caseworker and retired after 21 years of service as an Income Maintenance Casework Supervisor and Staff Trainer. Lady Cherry has been employed at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital since 2011 and is currently the Assistant Director of the Medicaid Enrollment Department. Lady Cherry’s greatest joy in life is being the wife of Pastor James L. Cherry, Jr., mother to their four beautiful children: Leslie, Michael, Christopher and David, and “Nana” to their two grandsons, Hunter and Ezekiel (Zeke). She is a firm believer that the woman of God sets the atmosphere for her family to blossom and grow. “If Christ is the head of your life and you exalt His Word above every situation that comes your way, then your home will be a sanctuary where love abounds and peace abides.” Lady Cherry enjoys many hobbies such as reading, decorating, entertaining and crafting. Spring and summer are her favorite times of year to enjoy her past time which is gardening. Lady Cherry’s favorite scriptures are Isaiah 40:28-31 and Proverbs 31:10–31.
MINISTRY
& leadership
Our Deacons and Associate Ministers serve alongside our Pastor, supporting his leadership and working together to fulfill the vision God has entrusted to him for the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Through their faithful service, they help strengthen our church family and advance the ministry and mission God has given us.
DEACON BOARD
Wallace Hill, Chairman Robert Brazil, Sr; Chairman Emeritus Robert Brazil, Jr Pedro Calderon Peter Cooper Joseph Green Alexander Harewood Tom Harris Dave Nesmith Robert Perry Rick Rambo Rufus Sapp Tommy Simmons Lee Tucker
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
Rev Ethan Banister Rev Rubin Goff Rev Harry Hawkins Elder Andre Howell Rev Aaron James Elder Jerome Wilson Elder Sonia Wilson Minister Brinde Burns Minister Audrey Jackson Minister Joyce Pettway Minister Bruce Proctor Minister Yassir Smith Evangelist Christine Williams Minister Wanda Woods
CHURCH HISTORY
Honoring the Past. Celebrate the Present. Embrace the Future.
For 81 years, four pastors have faithfully shepherded Antioch, each contributing to the story, strength, and legacy of our church. As we honor the past and celebrate the present, we look with faith and expectation toward the future God has prepared for Antioch.
