Picture this a sprawling 80000 square foot Family Life Center. This is Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church in Dallas Texas. It wasn’t always this grand. In the summer of 1986 a small group of believers met on the campus of Bishop College. They were the seeds of what would become this impressive church. Initially they gathered in the Zale Library. Later they worshipped at Carr P Collins Chapel. By September 15 1986 they had formed a church elected a pastor and officially adopted the name Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. The late Reverend Karry D Wesley a recent Bishop College graduate became their first leader. He guided 539 charter members.
The church quickly outgrew its temporary home. A search committee found the Hillcrest Family Life Center. This became their sanctuary from December 1987 to October 2001. The church grew and the need for a bigger space became clear. Their existing facility was sold to Light of the World Church. This was a financial blessing. It allowed them to build their own Family Life Center. Construction was underway. During the transition Paul Quinn College’s Richard Allen Chapel served as a temporary worship site.
On Mother’s Day May 14 2002 Antioch moved into its magnificent new Family Life Center. The 80000 square foot building included a large Multi-Purpose Center offices classrooms a bookstore a chapel and a fellowship atrium. It was a testament to their faith and growth. The church continued to thrive. On October 31 2004 they dedicated a new 54000 square foot Worship Center. This impressive space accommodated 2800 members.
Reverend Dr Karry D Wesley faithfully served as Senior Pastor for 33 years. His legacy lives on. He passed away on November 13 2019. His son Chris Wesley became the Senior Pastor on February 9 2020. Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church continues his vision of reaching teaching and preaching to all. It remains a vibrant community of faith in Dallas. It stands as a beacon of hope and a place of spiritual nourishment for many. This remarkable church is a living testament to faith perseverance and the power of community.