By: Dominica Jaramillo
Pastor Fred Richmond is in the business of opening doors; his first were to his home, holding church services in his own living room. But now, 30 years and 30,000 sq. feet later, the doors to 5731 Northwestern Avenue swing wide open to welcome in a progressively growing body of believers. New Omega Baptist Church is a true testimony to what God can do with just a little bit.
“The intention wasn’t to start a church. It was to get our [Richmond and his wife’s] families back into church – they had become complacent. So, I started a home mission, hosting Bible study and fellowship.” Pastor Richmond explains what the beginning really meant to accomplish; but, as always, when God is in the mix, He’s sure to deliver exceedingly above and beyond anything anyone could ever ask for or imagine. As a result, Richmond’s small home Bible study grew.
“We started going home to home [to host Bible studies], and August of 1979, Pastor Richmond made official the new church, and its seven plus members, as New Omega Baptist Church (NOBC). They moved into a building on 12th and Racine Street.
As the church grew, NOBC bought up surrounding properties, with every intention of expanding their current facility. But, as things began to get underway, Richmond began to consider the costs involved. Facing over a million dollars in constructions costs, the church acknowledged the fact that they could easily move into a bigger facility, for the same cost of building on to their current building, minus time and effort. So, that’s exactly what they did.
After 20 years in Racine’s inner city, New Omega Baptist Church headed west, to their new location on Northwestern Avenue. With room to accommodate their ever-growing congregation, along with 4 times the parking space, New Omega stands with doors wide open, embracing more than just the resident’s of Racine. “We’ve got new members from Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Waukesha and Mt. Zion, Illinois, that probably would never have come into the inner city.” With a mission to save souls and reach the lost, it seems the new location assists in ‘branching’ out to those who are hungry for God. “It’s amazing! I hadn’t really foreseen us being where we are.” Excited about the growing diversity in NOBC, Pastor Richmond expresses the awe for He who made it all possible, “I am grateful God has used me for this work; I know I couldn’t have done it on my own. I give Him the glory, honor and praise for that.”
Celebrating 30 years of growth in Christ, Pastor Richmond looks back at his years, thankful for what God has done, but also tired from years of service. “I get tired and weary like everyone else. This position may seem full of glamour and fame, but this is a 24 hour ministry; it becomes a job that is tiring.” Nonetheless, Pastor Richmond indulges in his ‘calling’: “For me, it is a calling. I have to be obedient. Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel, but woe to me if I didn’t fulfill God’s calling! I am glad [in Christ] and I appreciate God for my wife, Barbara, who understands a pastor’s role and job.” Looking to retire in 3-4 years, Richmond mentions his son is apt to take his place as pastor over NOBC. “I don’t want to see the church begin to stifle and fall away. We want to pull in the youth. A church without youth is a dying church.” Richmond believes his son, currently in seminary, can fill those shoes.
With 30 years of dedication and services under his belt, Pastor Richmond humbly concludes, “If I could reach everyone in Racine, I’d be happy.” Well, Amen! Congratulations to Pastor Fred Richmond, and the congregation of New Omega Baptist Church, as they celebrate 3o years of service unto the Lord!
