The congregation occcupied the cluster of four Sunday school buildings and the multi-purpose building at the new location on August 27, 1967 with 195 in Sunday school and a large number at worship, including many visitors.

Family night dinners began on Wednesdays, followed by chilren's choirs and children's missions groups. The Ideal was printed again for the first time since 1935. Visitation was begun, and more visitors came and more people joined the congregation.

An office building/library was built, with dedication in October 1969. In 1970, the 150th anniversary of the church was celebrated with many services and a new history of the church was written by Mrs. Belle G. Ellyson.

A chapel building was built in 1975 and named for the Powell family, who contributed a substantial portion of the cost. However, it was finished temporarily with rooms installed for Sunday school use.As church attendance increased, the time had come to build a sanctuary.

The sanctuary was dedicated on November 23, 1980, with a listed capacity of 732. Later a pipe organ was installed and dedicated in 1988.

Attendance continued to increase. Children came in ever greater numbers and the youth experienced much growth. This increase needed more educational space, so a new Education Building was begun in 1990 and dedicated in September 1991. In November 1991, the renovated Powell chapel was dedicated.

Many programs have begun for all ages. The Senior Adults have a group called Second Cousins. Many members participate in ESL (English as a Second Language), assisting immigrants to learn English. A Russian congregation conducts worship on Sundays in the Educational Building and has other meetings during the week. The CLC operates for preschool children five days a week and has a waiting list.

The 175th anniversary of the church was celebrated in April, 1995 and a new history of the church was begun by John S. Moore, and finished two years later.

WMU has been transformed into a newer version of itself and is very active, as are children's missions and choir groups. A men's missions group has reconstituted with active participation. Young adults in and just beyond college are increasing in attendance. Vacation Bible School attracts about 400 children from the congregation and the community. The Youth program continues to grow. Music and Missions groups boast well over 100 children actively involved.

The congregation embarked on a building program in 2000, and a new Family Life Center has been built behind the sanctuary, followed by a renovation of the sanctuary to increase seating capacity. The sanctuary was occupied in November 2003.

The Family Life Center has sparked numerous new programs and ministries since its opening in September, 2002. Basketball leagues, youth sleepovers, family night dinners, and gatherings for many groups are a small portion of the uses of this building. As membership approaches 2000, the challenge is to have as many members as possible active in some way in the ministries of the congregation.

The pastor, Dr. Spence, celebrated the 40th anniversary of his pastorate in November 2002, and has played an important role in continuing the church's loving and friendly spirit. The future of Second Baptist Church is indeed encouraging with his leadership and the continued hard work of the church staff, church leaders, and faithful members.

At the Deacons’ Retreat in September 2006, Dr. Spence announced that he was planning to retire and that a committee needed to be formed to secure a new pastor. Mike Ligon, chairman of the Deacons, became chairman of the committee and 12 others were selected to work with him. An outside consultant was used from time to time to work with the committee.

After more than a year of work, the committee announced in January 2008 that Dr. Craig Sherouse, currently pastoring in Georgia, was its nominee and that he would visit for most of a week so that the members could meet

At the Deacons’ Retreat in September 2006, Dr. Spence announced that he was planning to retire and that a committee needed to be formed to secure a new pastor. Mike Ligon, chairman of the Deacons, became chairman of the committee and 12 others were selected to work with him. An outside consultant was used from time to time to work with the committee.

After more than a year of work, the committee announced in January 2008 that Dr. Craig Sherouse was its nominee and that he would visit for most of a week so that the members could meet him and get to know him. In January, 2008, the congregation voted to call Dr. Sherouse and he accepted. His first Sunday in the pulpit was March 2.

The congregation has come to know, appreciate and love Dr. Sherouse and his well prepared sermons which he publishes and makes available to the congregation. The members have embraced him and the future looks bright.

(This was adapted from the recently published The History of Second Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, 1820-1995 by John S. Moore. Copies are available through the church office.)