The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was founded on April 8, 1920 in the home of Mother Mary B. Evans, but it was organized in October 1920. The initial members, who lived in the downtown section of Norfolk, came from Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. With the support of the pastor of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Mother Evans, Mary Gaskins, Etta Spicer, Frank Hyman, Belle Purvis, Mary Turner, Minnie Hayes, Edna Saunders-Robinson, Fannie Spicer, Lula Haywood, Isaiah Riddick, William Briggs, and a few others began this new branch of Zion. The Rev. James M. Johnson was the founding pastor and organizer. The first Deacons were James Spicer, Chairman and C. W. Parker. The small fellowship was named Antioch Missionary Baptist Church by Mrs. Victoria Johnson, the wife of the pastor. Rev. Johnson served faithfully for six years relocating the church from the home of Mother Evans to Cove Street to Wide Street.

Our next venue was Burrell Street and the Good Samaritan Hall on St Paul Street. Our last location during his tenure was Garrett Community Church on Cumberland St. Following his farewell sermon in 1926, the church moved back into the home of Mother Evans while Deacon Isaiah Riddick was appointed to secure a preacher and a building for continued service.