Meet Our Pastor

Northside Baptist Church has been a staple in the North Baltimore community for over 65 years.  First established as a mission incorporated under the University Baptist Church, Northside held its first service under the direction of Pastor Edward T. Hutton on November 28, 1954.  

Through community engagement and strong leadership, and with the help of University Baptist Church, Northside progressed from renting space in Idlewylde Community Hall to its own property in March of 1959.  Pastor Hutton shepherded the church through this transition and continued to serve as Northside's pastor until his retirement in 1992.  

Since its establishment, Northside has been led by six full-time pastors.  Pastor Hutton served from the church's founding until his retirement in 1992.  Pastor Robert Door was called as Pastor Hutton's successor in 1992.  In 1994, Northside called pastor Keith Goretzka, who led the church from January of that year until May 1996.  Ten months later, Reverend Jerry Wade became the full-time pastor and remained in that position until 2003.  Pastor Reginald Turner was called as Northside's first full-time African American pastor on September 3, 2006.  Pastor Turner held this position until 2011. Northside is currently led by Pastor Walter L. Parrish III, a native of Baltimore.  He was called in January 2012 and is now entering his eighth year of service to Northside and the greater Baltimore community. 

Today, Northside Baptist Church continues to expand its reach within the community.  Northside has established a community garden, run feeding programs, and maintained a food pantry for those in need.  It has held community meetings, hosted Baltimore City Youth Works interns, and established a scholarship fund for students seeking higher education.  All of these programs reflect Northside's focus on community service and engagement and on its mission to "make and grow disciples and empower people to live changed lives."