Rev. John H. Hayes saw the need for a church to be located in the Craig Street area. On July 3, 1929, the Progressive MBC was organized. The place he chose was a small hall located on East Craig Street. Rev. P.S. Wilkerson, the Moderator of the Eastern District Association granted the church its charter. The founder, Rev. John S. Hayes was elected Pastor. The membership grew and soon a new location was needed. On Sunday, May 3, 1936, the church moved to a new edifice at 328 West Grayson St. God continued to bless the church with an increasing membership and again a search was made for a larger place to worship. In 1948, the church moved to its present location at 1859 Center St. Rev. Hayes continued to serve as pastor until God called him home in 1949. Other leaders were called, and the church continued to make progress. Tragedy struck in the spring of 1967: the church burned and was a total loss. This building, where we are today, was constructed and dedicated with a candlelight. Service at daybreak the first Sunday in February 1968. The debt on the church was soon paid off and a mortgage burning ceremony was held to celebrate. Rev. Hayes and that small band of faithful pioneer Christians in 1929 played a great role in the future of Progressive. They had the dream that we are living today. Only eight pastors have led this membership, each in his own unique way with inspiration from God. The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed under the leadership of the following pastors: *Rev. John S. Hayes (Founder), *Rev. W.G. Gillispie, *Rev. Rev. J.J. Short, *Rev. W.C. Quinn, *Rev. P.S. Wilkinson, Jr., *Rev. Emmett W. Smith, Rev. John D. Kyle, Jr., and Rev. Michael A. Richardson, Pastor.