In August 1957 a few members including the late Reverend Charles E. Armstrong gathered at the home of Bro. & Sis. Howard E. Martin. On August 28, 1957 a congregation of 65 was organized as the Inspirational Baptist Church with the calling of Reverend C. E. Armstrong as Pastor. Reverend Armstrong served as pastor until January of 1961.
In April of 1961 Reverend Edward O. Thomas, Jr. was called as pastor. On Mother’s Day 1976 IBC moved to 2529 Essex Place. July 19, 1986 God called Pastor Thomas to rest from his labor.
May 17, 1987 Inspirational Baptist Church called her pastor the Reverend Terriel R. Byrd. Dr. Byrd led the church to purchase 7 acres of land located at 9208 Daly Road. February 7, 1999, Dr. T.R. Byrd resigned as pastor to pursue his career as a Professor of Theology in Florida.
On June 2, 2000 Victor S. Couzens became the next pastor of Inspirational Baptist Church. Pastor Couzens came to IBC at the age of 23, the youngest Pastor in the history of Inspirational Baptist Church. Pastor Couzens FERVENTLY worked toward the building of our new edifice at 9208 Daly Road. We entered our new worship facility one year later, May 26, 2002. Elevated to the office of Bishop October 2005, Bishop Couzens also serves as 1st assistant presiding Bishop of F.O.C.C.U.S. (Fellowship of Christian Churches United in Service). Under the Leadership of Bishop Couzens the church purchased 14 acres of land formerly known as the “Surf Cincinnati” water park and is currently making plans to build a new worship center.
“Here We Grow Again”
Having just built our current facility 5 years ago, “Here We Grow Again”. On July 31, 2007 Inspirational Baptist Church purchased 14 acres of land formerly occupied by “Surf Cincinnati” water park. IBC will be the first predominately African American congregation to develop property on a major interstate in the Greater Cincinnati area. Over 90,000 cars a day travel the portion of I-275 where our new property is located. Breaking ground in the summer of 2008 we will build a 61,000 sq. ft., 1800-2000 seat worship center, education facility/community resource center, children’s ministry and administrative suite in Phase I. Additional phases may include a hotel/conference center and enlarging the worship center.