The Reverend Doctor William Saxe Epps, a native of Rochester, New York began his tenure at Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles on Thursday, October 1, 1987 and was installed as the eight Pastor of Second Baptist Church on Sunday, January 31, 1988.


His preparation for the ministry began with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College, Dallas, Texas in 1966; a Master of Education degree from Columbia University, New York City in 1970. He received the Doctor of Ministry degree at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1987. He also studied at Andover-Newton Theological Seminary and at Boston University in Massachusetts.


Pastor Epps participates in the World Baptist Alliance; the National Baptist Convention, USA. Inc.; the American Baptist Churches USA and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.


He is married to the former Agretta Denise Holloway. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters; Jaqueline Jeannelle and Andrea Nichole.


Mrs. Epps was born in Durham, NC and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University. She is a Registered Nurse. Currently she plays in the Hand Bell Choir and lends a helping hand in the Youth Ministry.


“…Come with us, and we will do you good, for the Lord has spoken good concerning (us).” Numbers 10:29

​​Dr. Venus Butler 

A Native of Detroit, MI. and has a Bachelor's in Speech & Language Pathology/Audiology from the University of Michigan; Master of Speech & Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University; Master of Divinity from the Colgate Rochester School of Divinity in New York; Doctor of Ministry from the Fuller School of Theology in Pasadena, CA and has been at Second Baptist for 20 years.

More about Rev. Dr. William S. Epps

Dr. Ernest Young
Born in Millry, Alabama. Earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of California, a Master in Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry at the Claremont School of Theology. He has served at Second for more than a decade.

associate ministers

Rev. Barbara  Mealacon 

From New Orleans, Louisiana. Has been a member and minister at Second Baptist since 1989. Received a Bachelor & Master of Social Work from Southern University, New Orleans; A Bachelor of Religious Education from Christian Bible College, New Orleans; Master of Religious Education from New Orleans Theological Seminary (Southern Baptist Seminary). 

Second Baptist Church LA

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

Minister Lois King 

A retired school teacher, an ordained minister of the Gospel since 1992. Has a Associate degree
in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education and a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling;
She is a writer of short stories, a children’s book and is featured in (3) books of poetry.

Dr. D. Marie Battle 

Born in Camden, Alabama. Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Miles College, Birmingham, Alabama. Graduated from Antioch University with a Master in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Theology  from Yellow Springs, Ohio. Joined Second Baptist in 1988.

 2412 Griffith Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011   (213) 400-877    deleby@pacbell.net