Celebrating Women’s History Month 2025: Honoring Eliza Davis and the Legacy of Third Baptist Church
Eliza Davis, founder of Third Baptist Church, San Francisco.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month 2025, we reflect on the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped history, defied expectations, and built legacies that continue to inspire us today. Among these remarkable women is Eliza Davis, the visionary founder of Third Baptist Church, the oldest predominantly African American church in the Western United States.
Born on October 12, 1790, Davis overcame the constraints of race, gender, and systemic oppression to establish Third Baptist Church in 1852, laying a foundation that has stood strong for over 170 years. At a time when female leadership was rarely acknowledged—especially for African American women—Davis’s pioneering role as a faith leader, community builder, and advocate for justice reflects the resilience and strength of Black women throughout history.
Her story, like those of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, and Mary McLeod Bethune, embodies the transformative power of female leadership and the unwavering spirit of those who fight for justice, education, and opportunity.
Eliza Davis: A Story of Perseverance and Faith
Eliza Davis’s life was marked by determination, courage, and faith. Born into slavery in Albemarle County, Virginia, she lived through over a century of American history—spanning the steamboat era, the Gold Rush, and the early years of California’s statehood. Like many African American women of her time, she faced unimaginable hardship, yet refused to be defined by her circumstances.
Alongside her husband, Russell Davis, she made the arduous journey to California in 1852, arriving in San Francisco with a mission to build a place of faith, strength, and empowerment for the Black community. Similar to Sojourner Truth’s powerful speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”, Davis’s very existence challenged society’s restrictive notions of race and gender. She claimed her place as a leader, founding Third Baptist Church and creating a spiritual and communal sanctuary for generations to come.
Third Baptist Church: A Legacy of Leadership and Social Justice
Since its founding, Third Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship—it has been a pillar of justice, service, and education. Under Eliza Davis’s leadership, the church provided community support, advocated for social justice, and fought against racial inequality. For 172 years, it has continued to uplift, protect, and serve its congregation and the broader community.
Today, Third Baptist continues this legacy through over 20 active ministries, addressing education, social welfare, and civil rights advocacy. Its work has impacted thousands of lives through programs such as:
Back on Track (est. 1988) – an interfaith education initiative, in partnership with Temple Emanu-El, that has helped over 2,000 K-12 students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically.
Global Humanitarian Initiatives – including efforts in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Tanzania, where the church has supported refugee resettlement and life-saving medical treatments for children.
Partnerships with the NAACP and Faith-Based Organizations – creating educational and cultural exchange programs, including a recent student delegation to Accra, Ghana.
These initiatives reflect the spirit of Eliza Davis, who dedicated her life to empowering others through faith, education, and advocacy.
Women’s Leadership and the Power of Representation
Eliza Davis’s legacy reminds us that women’s leadership has always been integral to social progress. The contributions of Black women, their impact on communities, movements, and institutions has been profound.
From Harriet Tubman leading people to freedom, to Shirley Chisholm becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress, to Vice President Kamala Harris breaking barriers in leadership today—women of color have continuously shaped history.
At Third Baptist Church, this commitment to women’s leadership has been unwavering. By 1996, nearly 20 women had been ordained as deacons, and women have long played crucial roles in shaping the church’s mission, ministries, and outreach programs.
As we reflect on Women’s History Month 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in female leadership—not just as a matter of fairness, but as a necessity for building stronger, more inclusive communities.
A Future Rooted in Joy, Justice, and Faith
At the heart of Third Baptist Church’s work is a spirit of joy and faith that has sustained it for over 170 years. Eliza Davis trusted in her faith to carry her through life’s struggles, and today, that same spirit guides the church’s work.
As we look to the future, we honor her vision, resilience, and leadership—ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire, uplift, and empower for generations to come.
This Women’s History Month, let us celebrate Eliza Davis and all the extraordinary women in history who have defied the odds, shaped movements, built communities, and changed the world.