Our History, Our Leadership
The General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc. (GBSCWI) spans over a century of faith-driven leadership, community engagement, and organizational growth.
Reverend Anthony Wade, 7th President
General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc.
Reverend Anthony Wade is the newly elected 7th President of the General Baptist State Conven
tion of Wisconsin, Inc. (GBSCWI) A devoted servant leader, President Wade brings decades of Christian ministry, professional leadership, community service, and denominational experience to this historic role. Guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28, his vision is to strengthen churches, develop disciples for Christ, equip Christian leaders, and expand the Convention’s outreach to communities and families throughout Wisconsin.
President Wade serves as Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Madison, Wisconsin, where he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to Christian education, discipleship, health and wellness, youth development, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Second Baptist Church was reunited with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc., strengthening the church’s connection to the broader Baptist fellowship.
Reverend Wade has chaired the General Baptist H. Matthew Beecham Scholarship, helping to support educational opportunities for students. His community involvement includes tutoring and mentoring youth, facilitating Black Men Voices, advocating for mental health awareness, and championing health and wellness initiatives.
President Wade has earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree. His professional career reflects the same commitment to service that has characterized his ministry. After 41 years of dedicated service with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he retired, having devoted more than four decades to public service and the health and well-being of communities.
A strong advocate for Christian education, President Wade is a certified instructor for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. – Congress of Christian Education. As the 7th President of GBSCWI, he seeks to build upon the Convention’s more than century-long legacy of faith and service while preparing its churches and ministries for the next generation. His leadership emphasizes love, unity, Christian education, community outreach, health and wellness, leadership development, and the continued growth of God’s Kingdom.
Beyond the pulpit and his leadership responsibilities, President Wade is a devoted family man. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Lucretia Sullivan Wade. Together, they are the proud parents of one daughter, Tricia Renee Butler Wade.
To learn more about President & Mrs. Anthony Wade visit: SecondBaptistMadison.org
Reverend Wade invites you to visit our National Baptist Convention website to learn more.
Our History
Below is a comprehensive summary of General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc.'s (GBSCWI) origins, leadership, and milestones:
Founding Churches
- Calvary Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
- Galilee Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
- St. Paul Baptist Church (Racine)
- Second Baptist Church (Kenosha)
First Elected Leaders
- Moderator: Reverend S.J. Williams (1924-1926)
- Vice Moderator: Reverend W.M. Johnson
- Secretary: Reverend F.W. Pennick
Early Leadership (Moderators)
- Reverend S.J. Williams (1924-1926) served as the first Moderator.
- Other Moderators:
- Reverend W. Boyd
- Reverend Joseph Washington
- Reverend Isaac Coggs
- Reverend Charles H. Broomfield (1936-1948)
- Reverend W.L. La Beaux (1948-1949)
- Reverend J.L. Williams (1949-1955)
The records of the moderators' exact years of service are incomplete before Reverend Charles H. Broomfield’s term.
Key Events
- In 1955, the organization transitioned from a State Association to a Convention for greater organizational strength.
- Reverend J.L. Williams resigned due to illness, and Reverend Louis Beauchamp was elected as the first president in 1956.
Achievements under Reverend Louis Beauchamp (1956-1983)
- Fundraising for Headquarters:
- The first New Year's banquet fundraiser raised $2,000 for a Baptist Center.
- Incorporation (1957):
- The Convention was officially incorporated in February 1957.
- Purchase of Headquarters:
- On September 1, 1960, the Wisconsin Baptist Center at 2nd and Burleigh, Milwaukee, was purchased for $40,000.
- The cornerstone of the building was dedicated on September 30, 1962.
Reverend Dr. Hezekiah King Henderson (1984-1989)
Key Achievements
Pastor of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church.
- Led during a period of organizational separation.
Reverend Dr. Donnie Sims (1989-2006)
Key Achievements
- Purchased a new headquarters at 3500 North 26th Street, Milwaukee.
- Served on the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Board of Directors under the presidency of Reverend Dr. Henry Lyons.
- Honored in 2018 for 50 years of pastoral service.
Reverend Dr. Hugh Davis, Jr. (2006-2011)
Key Achievements
- Pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
- Strengthened the Convention during his term as the 4th president.
Dr. Fredrick Jones (2021-2026)
Key Initiatives
- Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Milwaukee.
- Began serving as the 6th president in October 2021.
Ongoing Initiatives:
- Continued support of the H.O.P.E. Ministry.
- Maintains partnerships with organizations like:
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA)
- American Heart Association
- American Cancer Society
- Medical College of Wisconsin
Reverend Dr. Garry Levy (2011-2021)
Key Achievements
- Youngest President:
- Became the 5th president and youngest to serve in October 2011.
- Served two consecutive 5-year terms (2011-2021).
- Faith and Wellness Advocacy:
- Established the H.O.P.E. Ministry (Health Outreach Prevention Education) to promote health and wellness.
- Set the goal of having a H.O.P.E. ambassador in each of the 33,000 National Baptist churches nationwide.
- Worked with the White House to raise awareness about faith and wellness.
- Community Partnerships:
- Fostered partnerships with the Lac Du Flambeau Tribe and RiverWorks Development Corporation to serve underserved communities.
- Collaborated with health organizations to improve community health and wellness.
- National Recognition and Grants:
- Returned the GBSCWI to its status as a member of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- Helped secure the largest federal grant in the Convention’s history: $3.75 million in July 2021 for the All of Us Research Program.
Reverend Anthony Wade (2026-Present)
Key Initiatives
- Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Began serving as the 7th president in October 2026.
Ongoing Initiatives:
- Continued support of the H.O.P.E. Ministry.
- Maintains partnerships with organizations like:
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA)
- American Heart Association
- American Cancer Society
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. - Congress of Christian Education
Milestones
- 1924: Founding of the State Association by five Baptist churches in Southeast Wisconsin.
- 1956: Election of Reverend Louis Beauchamp as the first president and incorporation of the Convention.
- 1960: Purchase of the first headquarters at 2nd and Burleigh in Milwaukee.
- 1989-2006: Leadership of Reverend Dr. Donnie Sims and the purchase of a new headquarters.
- 2011-2021: Reverend Dr. Garry Levy’s transformative leadership, including the establishment of the H.O.P.E. Ministry and the $3.75 million federal grant.
Our Legacy
From its humble beginnings in 1924, the GBSCWI has grown into a pivotal faith-based organization in Wisconsin.
- The Convention’s history is marked by resilience, visionary leadership, and commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of its members and communities.
- It remains a vital part of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., with a focus on advocacy, socio-economic challenges, health, and education.
