On September 23, 1906, a number of newcomers to Jackson, met on the lawn of J. J. Carpenter, 560 Long Street (now 560 Lambuth Boulevard), for the purpose of organizing a new Baptist Church. Mrs. J. P. Phillips led the group in the movement to erect a new church in the fast growing residential section of Jackson. Rev. D. A. Ellis, pastor of the Second Baptist Church (now Calvary) was counselor during the planning and organization. On this occasion about fifty people assembled. After a prayer for God's guidance, the chairman read the Church Covenant and Articles of Faith. To his call for those who wished to establish the new church, twelve responded. The following names composed that first roster: Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Phillips, T. L. Hilliard and Mrs. Clem Hilliard from Mt. Moriah Baptist Church; Miss Willie May Phillips of the Second Baptist Church; Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Campbell of the Whitesville Church; Mrs. I. N. Cowin of the Bells Baptist Church; Mrs. Laura Arnold from Unity Baptist Church; Mr. C. W. Brown of the Waynesboro Church; and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Hollingsworth from Highland Avenue Baptist Church in Jackson. Rev. Terry Martin, wo was part time pastor of Mt. Moriah and Highland Avenue, was called to be its first pastor. The church then voted to accept Deacons Phillips, Hilliard and Hollingsworth as deacons since they had been previously ordained.

During the six months following organization, services were held in th home of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Phillips at 260 Dancy Street. In March 1907, the church moved to a tent pitched at the corner of Campbell and Deaderick. The lot had been purchased from Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Nouse the previous December. Sunday School began September 30, 1906 with R. E. Corum as Superintendent and Mrs. J. P. Phillips, Mrs. C. E. Ryder, Mrs. Willie May Phillips and R. E. Corum elected to serve as teachers. The name, West Jackson Baptist Church, was early decided upon with J. P. Phillips, T. L. Hilliard and J. B. Hollingsworth being named trustees.

Rev. J. T. Early became pastor in 1907 and served until 1913. In February, 1908, a tabernalce was placed on the rear of the lot so that the tent might be removed to make room for the new building. The tabernacle was made by using sections of telephone posts to support the roof and was enclosed by salvaged parts of the tent. About the same time, Highland Avenue Church disbanded and many of her members came to West Jackson. The proceeds resulting from the sale of the Highland Church property were turned over to West Jackson Church.

1909 was a banner year in which the church licensed four preachers: G. C. Bosdler, Paul Freeman, Will Freeman and Myler Birdsong. In that year 39 baptistisms were recorded, 43 were received by letter and 11 by reinstatement bringing the membership up to 148. The first permanent structure of West Jackson was erected in 1908 at a cost of $12,000. Its unusual features were two porches, one on the sourt side and one on the west, and two stained glass windows, one of "The Good Shepherd" and one of "The Ascension." In 1912 the church floor plan was changed in order to install a baptistry. Prior to this all candidates were baptized in the Forked Deer River.

In September 1913, Rev. Early resigned to accept a pastorate in Memphis. In January 1941 Rev. W. J. Beardon came from Temple Church in Memphis. After a few months his health began to fail and he died in 1915. He was replaced b Rev. C. H. Warren who served for three years. In 1919 Dr. R. E. guy was extended a call and served until 1953.

In 1921 the first mission was started on Poplar Corner Road (now Poplar Heights Baptist Church). Eight letters were granted for West Jackson members to join Poplar Heights and for many months the pastor and teachers continued to direct the new mission. In 1928 sixteen letters were granted to organize a new Beptist Church at Westover. In 1945 West Jackson voted to buy six acres of land north of Jackson on the Humboldt Highway at a cost of $2,500. For some years West Jackson Chruch sponsored a mission Sunday School there and when Englewood was organized most of the charter members were from West Jackson Church. In 1950 West Jackson voted to deed the property and buildings to the Englewood Baptist Church.

In January of 1947 West Jackson initiated a kindergarten program lead by Mrs. S. A. Reed and Miss Brownie Sandlin. In March 1953 Dr. Guy tendered his resignation. Succeeding him was David Q. Byrd, pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Chruch, Meridian, Mississippi.

In 1952 a new building was completed at a cost of $400,000. It was complete with air-conditioning and a three manual pipe organ. In addition to the auditorium with seats for 1200, the building had a large dining room where 300 could be served, plus four large primary departments, one adult department and class rooms, one young people's department and class rooms and a suite of offices and reception rooms.

In October of 1957 the church voted to establish another mission. Land was purchased three miles east of Jackson on Highway 70. West Jackson assumed the responsibility for establishing and sponsoring the Nashway Chapel.

In 1957 the church unanimously adopted its largest budget to date. The budget totaled $118,888. Once again keeping focused on the goals of the church, the largest item was for missions - a total of $35,014.82.

In 1963 a new educational building was completed. Wednesday through Sunday, June 26-30, 1963, were set apart as special dedication days for the new building and its facilities. The special speakers were Dr. Fred Kendall, Dr. Ramsey Pollard and Dr. David Q. Byrd. Each evening different departments were recognized and their new quarters in the educational building were dedicated. Recognition was given to the special gifts and memorials. An entire secion of the Sunday's Jackson Sun, June 30th, told the West Jackson story in words and pictures.

The decades to follow continued in growth and expansion once again. By 1974 membership had grown to 2,389. It is recorded that the church owned property valued at over $2 million. The WMU instituted the "White Christmas March for Missions" in 1975, which is still observed today.

Membership grew 2,466 with an average Sunday School attendance of 904 under the direction of Dr. Byrd, until his resignation December 31, 1977 to become a professor at Boyce Bible School in Kentucky.

On January 1, 1979, Dr. John Lee Taylor accepted the call to become the next pastor. The church experienced growth and a time of celebration under his pastorate. The church celebrated their 80^th anniversary on September 21, 1986 with an old-fashioned customs of worship dress and a brush arbor vesper service on the church lawn.

Dr. Taylor resigned as pastor of West Jackson, effective October 1987, to begin a pastorate at the First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia.

Steve Gaines was called to be the pastor of West Jackson and began his official ministry on July 31, 1988. While serving the church he was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Under the leadership of Dr. Gaines the church continued to place emphasis on soul-winning.

On January 21, 1990, the church voted to purchase 14.03 acres of land at the southeast corner of Channingway and Stonebridge for the purpose of possible future relocation of the church's facilities. The total cost of the land was $645,380.

On Sunday, August 25, 1991 Dr. Gaines resigned as pastor to answer a call to the First Baptist Church of Gardendale, Alabama.

In 1995 under the leadership of Dr. Jerry N. Tidwell, West Jackson Baptist Church purchased land on Oil Well Road and built the present facility. A recreational facility and additional classroom space was added in 2002.

Dr. Jerry Tidwell resigned as pastor in February 2002, with March 17 being his last Sunday.

During the time without a pastor, West Jackson Baptist Church experienced the greatest time of additions in its history. Only God can be given the credit for such a bountiful harvest into His kingdom.

Dr. Wendell Lang was recommended by the pastor search committee for our next pastor. The church voted unanimously to call him as pastor April 24, 2005. His first Sunday was June 5, 2005.

West Jackson has a strong heritage with people serving the Lord and doing His will. They have stood on holy ground as they have done His mighty works. We ask the Lord to continue to be with us in the days ahead as we share the gospel here and elsewhere. We thank Him for all the blessings He has showered on us in the past and look forward to the blessings of the future. May we continue to be found faithful to His call while standing on His holy ground.

History Videos

History of West Jackson Baptist Church-Part 1 from West Jackson Baptist Church on Vimeo.

History of West Jackson Baptist Church-Part 2 from West Jackson Baptist Church on Vimeo.

History of West Jackson Baptist Church-Part 3 from West Jackson Baptist Church on Vimeo.

History of West Jackson Baptist Church-Part 4 from West Jackson Baptist Church on Vimeo.