Congregations from across California came together Friday in hopes of saving one of the oldest Black churches in Oakland.
From 34th Street in a small corner building, to 32nd Street with a building that spans the block, North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church has been rooted and growing in the west Oakland community for 118 years.
“This is our mainline hook up with the past and the legacy is to carry it on for today’s generation,” said Pastor Sylvester Rutledge.
But now the house of worship is on the brink of closing after learning they owe five years of back property taxes.
They need to raise $44,000 by March 16