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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.
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