Uncrowned Community Builders

Robert E. Baines Sr., a longtime pastor, businessman and former Erie County Legislature candidate was a native of Skipper, Virginia. He relocated to Buffalo in 1960 with his family. He graduated from Boy's Vocational High School and earned an associateâ??s degree in applied science from Houghton College, a certificate of industrial electricity from Erie Community College and a bachelor's degree from the State University at Albany.
Rev. Baines worked as a machinist at Worthington Pump and was an electrician and later a supervisor at General Motors. He retired in the late 1970s. For several years, he owned Tarts Market on Dodge and Wohlerâ??s streets and Doll's Deli on Carlton Street in the Fruit Belt. In 2003, Rev. Baines ran unsuccessfully for the 7th District seat in the Erie County Legislature. Also in 2003, he was honored by Houghton College with an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity for his work in the field of ministry.
He became pastor of Antioch Fire Baptized Holiness Church in the late 1960s and then of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He celebrated his 40th anniversary as pastor of Zion Missionary in 2011. Rev. Baines also was a chaplain with Buffalo Police Department for more than 10 years until his death. Well-traveled, Rev. Baines had visited Africa several times, Guyana, Jamaica, Hawaii and several other states.
He was married to the former Sandara Jeter for 27 years. The couple has one son, Robert Jr. and a daughter, Robin.