West Craig Road Baptist Church

Did the name Charleston Heights Baptist Fellowship ever ring a bell? Probably not. Right here, at 7880 West Craig Road, stands West Craig Road Baptist Church. This church has undergone a fascinating transformation since its humble beginnings. It all started in September 1983. A small group approached Pastor Roy A. Worthley. They envisioned a doctrinally strong Southern Baptist Church in northwest Las Vegas. This group consisted of government employees from the Nuclear Test Site, military personnel, and local residents. Pastor Worthley agreed to lead them under one condition: they had to pay his full-time salary. They accepted, and on October 2, 1983, Charleston Heights Baptist Fellowship was born. Their first meeting place? The social room of a Cal-Fed Bank building on Decatur Blvd. and Meadows Lane. The bank generously covered their utilities and provided furniture. A portable electric organ filled the room with music. After nine months, the church had saved $18,000. They set out to find a permanent home. A church member offered a plot of land on Lone Mountain Road, and in August 1984, they moved into a portable building there, becoming Lone Mountain Baptist Church. For four years, the church thrived in this temporary location. Members sometimes traveled 65 miles to attend services. In 1987, the church had to relocate. They sold their portable building to a church in Indian Springs. Then they purchased land at Craig Road and Valadez Street, thanks to a building contractor. During construction, they temporarily merged with Nellis Baptist Church. This partnership benefited both congregations. Lone Mountain Baptist Church never faltered in its numbers or finances. They even paid to repaint the Nellis church buildings. In the summer of 1988, Nellis Baptist Church regained its footing. Lone Mountain Baptist Church moved to the Municipal Golf Course’s social hall. They stayed there for nearly two years. In December 1989, construction began on their current location. The new building was primarily built by volunteers, taking over a year to complete. In the spring of 1991, West Craig Road Baptist Church opened its doors. The name change reflected their new, permanent location. Today, West Craig Road Baptist Church continues its mission. It remains a testament to the dedication and vision of those early members.