BAILEY, REV. DR. HORACE CHARLES (15 Aug. 1860-16 Feb. 1942) was the first pastor of ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH (1903-1923) who led Antioch through a period of tremendous expansion, growth and activity.
Born in Natchez, Mississippi to Nicholas and Mary (Hall) Bailey, Horace graduated from Natchez College, served several pastorates in the South, and did graduate work at The University of Chicago. On 1 Mar. 1903, Bailey was installed as Antioch's pastor.
Bailey faced several problems, including sparse membership, a $17,000 debt, and the need for a permanent church home. An outstanding administrator and businessman, Bailey enlisted the aid of the CLEVELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION and JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER to build a new church at Central Avenue and E. 24th. Costing $16,000, the church was dedicated in Nov. 1905, two years after Bailey's arrival.
Bailey established the West Park Baptist Mission (which became the Second Calvary Baptist Church of LINNDALE), and led the church in raising sufficient funds to clear its indebtedness. Church membership increased to about 1,200.
Bailey made Antioch a center of interracial activity by cooperating with Cleveland's white Baptists. In 1916 he was president of the NAACP, Cleveland branch. Bailey was president of the Independent Voters League which supported Robert LaFollette in the 1924 national election and sponsored meetings in Cleveland's black district. Bailey resigned in 1923 due to declining health. He returned as supply pastor, 1927-1928.
Bailey married Sarah Mitchell (3rd wife) on 10 Aug. 1904. He had two children, Horace Jr. (d. 1936) and Lottie (Patterson). Bailey is buried in LAKE VIEW CEMETERY.