Fourth Street Baptist Church officially installed Rhonda M. Pearson as pastor during a weekend celebration marking a historic milestone for the nearly 195-year-old congregation.
Pearson becomes the first woman to lead the church, one of Owensboro’s oldest African American congregations. Church members, clergy, and community supporters gathered for pre-installation and installation services, celebrating both Pearson’s appointment and the church’s next chapter.
In interviews with the Owensboro Times, Pearson described the moment as “truly humbling” and said her focus is on continuing the church’s legacy while helping people grow spiritually and finding ways to serve the broader community.
The weekend events included worship services, special music, and a reception following Sunday’s installation ceremony.
