In July 1952, a group of dedicated Christians, under the leadership of Reverend H. K. Griffin, Sr., met at the True Gospel Baptist Church in Oakland, California, for the purpose of organizing a District Association. From this meeting, the Progressive Missionary District Association was formed. Under that administration and within a four year period, the Association grew from 12 to 29 churches.
First Officers of PBMEDA
Reverend J. H. Henderson
Moderator, Parent Body
Reverend W. L. LaBeaux
1st Vice Moderator, Parent Body
Reverend H. K. Griffin
2nd Vice Moderator, Parent Body
Sister Ida M. Owens
Recording Secretary, Parent Body
Reverend R. L. Johnson
Financial Secretary, Parent Body
Reverend Tommie Davis
Treasurer, Parent Body
Sister W. L. LaBeaux
President, Women
Sister Dorcas Haynes
Vice President, Women
Sister Callie Jones
Directress, Young People
Sister Bernice Taylor
Co-Directress, Young People
Brother Fred Broussard
President, Ushers
Brother Felton Miles
President, Laymen
In October 1952, the District Congress was organized at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond, Reverend Nathaniel Phanor, Pastor. The legal name of this organization is Progressive Baptist Missionary Educational District Association of Northern California (PBMEDA).
In 2017, the Home & Foreign Mission Association (HFMDA), Reverend Sean Teal, Moderator and Progressive Missionary Baptist Educational District Association (PBMEDA), Reverend Dr. Alvin C. Bernstine, Moderator, began plans to hold a Merger Session. A few days before the Session began in August, Moderator Teal stepped down and Reverend Dr. Ambrose Carroll, Sr., became Acting Moderator of HFMDA.
At the end of the Session, members agreed that both districts would continue to merge ahead under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Bernstine. In a July 27, 2018 letter to pastors, Moderator Bernstine stated, “I remain excited about the merger with the Home and Foreign Mission District Association, and with your prayers and support it will come to pass.”
The Merger of the two districts did not happen; however, as of early 2024 talks were still underway.
District Churches
| Church | Pastor | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem MB Church | Dr. Carole McKindley-Alvarez, Senior Pastor Dr. A.C. Bernstine, Pastor Emeritus | mmckal@yahoo.com acbernstine3652@gmail.com |
| Calvary Hill Community Church | Rev. Dr. Joseph Bryant, Jr. | Info@calvaryhillsf.com |
| Cornerstone MB Church | Rev. Dr. Rodney Leggett | admin@sfstone.org |
| First MB Church of Marin | Rev. Dr. Rondall Leggett | fmbc1944@yahoo.com |
| First Union Baptist Church | Pastor Henry Dillihant III | info@mysite.com |
| Galilee Baptist Church | Rev. Dwayne Fisher | |
| Greater El Bethel Baptist Church | Rev. Anthony Majors, Interim Pastor | |
| Greater St. Paul Church | Bishop Joseph Simmons | info@gspbc.org |
| Little Zion Baptist Church | ||
| Mount Calvary Baptist Church | Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea | |
| Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church | Pastor Harry Fort | |
| Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church | Rev. Dr. Andre Green | mtcarmel1343@comcast.net |
| New Hope Baptist Church | Pastor Joan Katzenberger | |
| Paradise Missionary Baptist Church | Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Howard | paradisembc.sf@gmail.com |
| Parchester First Baptist Church | Rev. Marcus Van Hook | mwvanhook@yahoo.com |
| Pilgrim Rest MB Church | Rev. Eric Morris | thepilgrimrestchurch@gmail.com |
| Prayer Everywhere | Bishop Sean Teal | |
| Providence Baptist Church | Bishop A.L. Cobbs, Jr. | providencebc@sbcgloabl.net |
| St. John Missionary Baptist Church | Rev. Mervin Redmond, Sr. | |
| *Second Union Baptist Church | Rev. Damonn White |
* May join the district