History
Our Journey
Between 1970 and 1980, the Bronx faced a period of intense fire and abandonment. Yet, out of those deep physical and spiritual needs, God raised up Commonwealth Community Baptist Church to be a light in the community.
1995: A Vision for the Bronx
Commonwealth Community Baptist Church was born in the hearts of two Bronx school teachers, Marty and Valerie Silverberg. They had a deep desire to see a Gospel-preaching church planted in the heart of their own community.
As the congregation grew, the church met in several locations before finding its permanent home:
- A storefront on Tremont Avenue
- Southern Boulevard
- Westchester Avenue
- Our current home on Commonwealth Avenue
1996 – 2009: Growth & Partnership
In 1996, the Silverbergs joined Baptist Mid-Missions to provide a stronger foundation for the ministry. In 1998, a providential connection was made when Pastor Silverberg reached out to Pastor Joel Grassi about opportunities to serve.
That seed bore fruit ten years later when Pastor Grassi joined the church as Assistant Pastor in 2009.
2010 – 2013: The Miracle on Commonwealth Ave
One of our greatest milestones was the transformation of a decades-old, abandoned Jewish synagogue into a house of worship. God provided the funds to demolish the roofless, decaying structure and build the beautiful worship center we use today.
During this season, many faithful partners—including Pastor Sam Lake and his family—helped shape our youth and outreach ministries into what they are today.
2013 – Present: A Continuing Legacy
In 2013, Pastor Silverberg stepped down as Senior Pastor. Pastor Joel Grassi, who had already been serving the congregation faithfully, was unanimously elected to lead the church into its next chapter of ministry in the Bronx.
“To God be the glory, great things He hath done!”