Behold over seventy-six (76) years have passed and we the members of this great spiritual institution, proudly celebrate this significant milestone by giving praise to God. Today, we gather as a united body binding generations of Christians worshippers to one another in this time of reflection and celebration.

 The Annex Baptist Cathedral had its origin under a tree in front of the late Par Wallace’s house in Union Village. The vision to begin this work was born in the mind of Evangelist David Robert Knowles. However, the church would soon move to Wulff Road which was then a foot path used by drays and carts. With the assistance of then Mr. Alexander Black, a strip of land thirty by seventy-five (30 x75) was secured from Mr. Joseph Chase for six (6) pounds on January 6th, 1936. A wooden structure was erected on the said property and the church experienced tremendous growth in its membership. 

The annex was formerly organized by divine permission on Sunday, December 31st, 1936 to serve the then existing communities of Wulff Road, Rolle Avenue, Peardale, Pinedale, Kemp Road and the surround area since it was the only Baptist church in the immediate area. 

 During the embryonic stage of its growth, Deacon Sandy Johnson led worship service for a short period followed by Deacon Isaac Pinder who was later ordained and became the first Pastor. Through prayers and commitment, Annex became one of the most affluent church in the area. God has answered the prayers of the many faithful parishioners who prayed for spiritual growth and sustenance. All praise and thanks be to our God. 

Time passed quickly and the need again rose for expansion, consequently on March 29th, 1950 additional property was purchased upon which the first stone structure was erected with an initial seed gift known as the miracle three pound. Pastor Pinder, officers and members continued to raise funds to extend the building with the help of Mr. Ronald Jones an ardent member and building contractor.

After the demise of Pastor Isaac Pinder, Rev. Alexander Black was unanimously voted to become Pastor Pinder’s successor and the Annex’s second Pastor. With increase development of the southern and eastern districts of New Providence, membership grew steadily and the need of expansion was again necessary. On June 28th, 1973, the church purchased additionally property immediately west of it from Mr. Thomas Herbert Hamilton. A piece of property was also purchased from Mr. George Munroe. These are the properties on which the New Annex Baptist Cathedral now stands.

In 1977, Pastor Black once again headed a building project which resulted in the erection of one of the largest Baptist church in New Providence at the time. A ground-breaking service was held on Sunday, May 22nd, 1977. Several fundraising efforts followed which were contributed to by members and the general public. To God be the glory! Then came the moment of truth, on Sunday, May 27th, 1979, the cornerstone of the Annex Baptist Cathedral was laid. With the humble, but firm leadership of Pastor Black, the fine people of Annex rejoiced at the dedicatory service, July 3rd, 1983, because of the realization that their goal was achieved through much sacrifice and hard work.

In June 1990, Rev. Mitchel Jones succeeded Rev. Black as the third Pastor of the church. In honor of his late Pastor, Rev. Alexander Black, Rev. Jones named the bookstore and auditorium The Alexander Black Memorial Centre.

With the support of his family and the Annex membership, Pastor Jones immediately undertook a new comprehensive redevelopment plan for the church. While some phases of the plan are completed, there is an ongoing redevelopment program in place to accommodate future growth. It is our prayer that the Annex remain faithful and focused that this church will become the gateway to God’s eternal Kingdom. May the Lord be praised!