Milwaukee Pastor Honored with Street Renaming

Port Avenue by Christ the King Baptist Church now bears the name of its founding pastor, John W. McVicker Sr.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Milwaukee Common Council has officially renamed Port Avenue beside Christ the King Baptist Church to honor the church's founding pastor, John W. McVicker Sr. McVicker founded the church in 1985 and expanded its reach with a school, housing, and a credit union over his four decades of service to the community.

Why it matters

The street renaming recognizes McVicker's decades of spiritual leadership, community programs, and global outreach through the church. It serves as a lasting tribute to his impact on the Milwaukee community.

The details

Port Avenue, located next to Christ the King Baptist Church, was officially renamed to honor Pastor John W. McVicker Sr., the church's founding pastor. McVicker started the church in 1985 and over the years expanded its ministry to include a Christian school, housing development, and credit union, providing resources for both the congregation and the broader community. After 40 years of service, McVicker retired as pastor in 2025.

  • The Milwaukee Common Council approved the street renaming in November 2025.
  • The new street signs were unveiled on February 15, 2026, as McVicker returned to the church months after delivering his farewell sermon.

The players

John W. McVicker Sr.

The founding pastor of Christ the King Baptist Church, who served the Milwaukee community for 40 years through the church's ministry, community programs, and global outreach.

Treyvon Sinclair

The current senior pastor of Christ the King Baptist Church, who spoke about McVicker's lasting legacy.

Kenneth McVicker

The brother of Pastor John W. McVicker Sr., who said the street renaming reflects decades of commitment to the community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a song in our tradition that says 'May the works I've done speak for me' and when I'm gone, it'll be no denial that I passed through this way.”

— John W. McVicker Sr., Founding Pastor (fox6now.com)

“There are many people who walk on pavements. Pastor McVicker is one who laid the pavements that other people can walk.”

— Treyvon Sinclair, Senior Pastor (fox6now.com)

“It's not just about the name, it's about the service that Pastor has given to this community.”

— Kenneth McVicker, Brother of Pastor John W. McVicker Sr. (fox6now.com)

The takeaway

This street renaming serves as a lasting tribute to Pastor John W. McVicker Sr.'s four decades of dedicated service to the Milwaukee community through his leadership of Christ the King Baptist Church and its expansive ministry, community programs, and global outreach.