Our Church History

Under the leadership of Reverend James E. Fitten, on September 6, 1981 The Shalom Baptist Church was chartered. The church started with Ninety seven {97) members.

1981

Established

One year later settlement on a property was made on the former Pep Boy's Store located at Broadway and Chestnut Streets, while simultaneously holding the 1st phase of the Recognition Service at a temporary location known as the Baptist Temple Church, Camden, NJ.

1982

Purchased Property

The membership grew to about five hundred (500). The men of Shalom did most of the renovations to the property. Families united to transform the former Pep Boy’s Store to a Christian Worship Center. As the membership grew so did the ministry programs and outreach into the community. Ministries such as a food bank, Thanksgiving feeding of the community, clothing closet, development of a CDC and special worship services were formed.

1982 - 2010

500 Members

Reverend Fitten served as founder and Senior Pastor until his retirement. Reverend Joseph L. Scott served as Co-Pastor from 2010 until 2013. In 2015 Reverend Eugene Gilbert was elected Pastor following Reverend Fitten’s retirement.

2015 - Present

Reverend Eugene Gilbert

Due to Reverend Gilbert becoming ill about June 2020, the associate Minister Shelton Shambry and Evangelist Flora Straughter filled the pulpit until December 31, 2020. As of January 1, 2021 The Reverend Joseph L. Scott was called as the Interim Pastor.

2020 - 2021

Reverend Joseph L. Scott

The church continues to serve Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Luke 4:18 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised

Reverend Joseph L. Scott

Pastor

It is my honor and privilege to serve the Shalom Baptist Church. The church has been an integral part of the spiritual fabric of the City of Camden since its founding. The church has endeavored to provide a holist ministry. The church is Christ centered. The church has as part of its mission to “proclaim the Gospel of Peace”. Making Disciples for Jesus Christ is a Gospel mandate. Therefore, the ministries reflect empowering the disciples to be lights in the world. It is my desire that we do all in our power to make this world a better place. To that end we work to prepare God’s people to serve this present age and live into eternity with Jesus.

During the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic, the quest for social justice and other crises, we are assured of God’s presence. We seek God’ guidance and put our trust in Jesus Christ.

God will see us through to a brighter day!

A Short Story About Reverend Scott

Rev. Scott is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up during the civil Rights Era and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He participated in the Selma to Montgomery March. He accepted Jesus Christ as savior at an early age and the call to Gospel Ministry as a child. He was licensed to preach as a child. Rev. Scott served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. He is a graduate of Temple University and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer) with a Masters in Divinity. He was ordained at the Shalom Baptist Church in Philadelphia under the leadership of Rev. David Weeks, Jr. Rev. Scott Pastored churches in The United Methodist Church for 33 years.

He served as Co-Pastor with the Rev. Dr. James E. Fitten of the Shalom Baptist Church, Camden, New Jersey, for about 3 years. December 2019, he was called as the Interim Pastor of the Shalom Baptist Church Camden, New Jersey.

Shalom Baptist Church elected Reverend Scott as Senior Pastor effective January 1, 2022.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ