The rush to incorporate Fourth Baptist Church apparently has slowed after opponents temporarily claimed the church’s name along with eight variations.

According to State Corporation Commission records, John Lewis Taylor III and SAGEsse Consulting separately reserved the names Fourth Baptist Church, Fourth Baptist Church of Church Hill, Fourth Baptist Church of East End and Fourth Baptist Church of RVA. Other names that have been reserved include Fourth Baptist Church of Richmond, Fourth Baptist Church of Richmond VA, Fourth Baptist Church of VA and Fourth Baptist Church of Virginia.

The SCC allows potential incorporators to reserve names for up to four months and blocks others from seeking to use names that have been reserved.

Some of the reservations expire at the end of April, while others expire at the end of May.

The pastor, Dr. William E. Jackson Sr., has not responded to a request for comment. Several opponents of incorporating the 162-year-old church have indicated that Dr. Jackson has promised to hold another congregational meeting this spring to further discuss the proposal before moving forward.

The proposal has split the 300-member congregation. Dr. Jackson has stated in a report to the church’s members that he received authorization to proceed with incorporation at a congregational meeting in mid-October.

But those seeking more time to consider the matter have alleged that all members were not notified that the vote would be taken, one-third of those who attended the virtual meeting had signed off by the time the vote took place, too little time was given to discussion and the reported 39-26 tally in favor was inaccurate.

Between 80 and 100 church members have signed a petition calling for more discussion before any additional action is taken.