Major Rochester Black Church to Install New Pastor

Rev. Dr. Kito March Sr. of Cleveland, Ohio, will be installed as senior pastor of Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, one of Rochester’s largest and most influential Black congregations, on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Rev Dr. Kito March, Sr.

The installation will mark a new chapter for the historic church, located at 175 Genesee St., which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Founded in 1923, Aenon has long been a cornerstone of Rochester’s Black community, known not only for its worship services but also for its role in social justice, civil rights, and community outreach.

The church was led for nearly 40 years by Rev. James E. Cherry, a nationally respected preacher and civic leader who served as senior pastor from 1970 until his retirement in 2008. Under Cherry’s leadership, Aenon grew into one of the region’s most prominent Black churches, hosting national religious gatherings and advocating on issues such as education, housing, and racial equity. Cherry remained active in ministry and community affairs until his passing in 2018.

This year’s installation service continues that legacy of leadership. The day’s events will begin with morning worship at 10:30 a.m., featuring Rev. Carl Washington Jr., pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Harlem, as guest speaker. The installation service is scheduled for 4 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Alphonso Jackson, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Miami, delivering the keynote message.

Before coming to Rochester, March served as senior pastor of Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland and as president of the Congress of Christian Education for the United Missionary Baptist State Convention of Ohio.

March holds degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, a Master of Arts in Ministry, and a Doctorate in Ministry. He and his wife, LeJeune, have four children and four grandchildren.

He succeeds Rev. Dr. Jonathan J. H. McReynolds, who resigned in 2022 after six years of service.