“Believe, belong, and become.” That’s Kingsland Baptist Church’s motto. Today, let’s explore its story. This church has deep roots in the community.
Kingsland Baptist Church started as Kingsland Baptist Mission. Tallowood Baptist Church established it in October 1977. Twenty-five families first met at Nottingham Country Day School.
In February 1978, Hollie Atkinson became the first pastor. He was an associate pastor at Tallowood. The mission grew quickly.
By January 1979, over 200 members needed more space. They moved to Memorial Parkway Elementary School. Tallowood helped purchase land on Kingsland Boulevard. It was a 14.5-acre site.
October 1980 saw a new building dedication. Membership was over 350. Kingsland Baptist Mission became Kingsland Baptist Church in May 1981. There were 385 charter members. Sunday School enrollment reached 569.
Pastor Hollie Atkinson resigned in November 1984. Tim Sledge became pastor in August 1985. Easter 1987 saw record attendance. There were 689 worshippers. This launched a building program. It enlarged the Worship Center and increased parking.
The Child Enrichment Center began in September 1987. Phase IV Construction followed in 1989. It created a new Worship Center. It also added a Music Suite, Welcome Center, and office space.
December 1991 marked the first Bethlehem Boulevard event. It drew 6,911 people. Easter attendance broke 2,000 in 1993.
In the summer of 1995, 4.7 acres were purchased. This was east of the existing property. Phase V Construction in 1995 added a new parking lot. It also renovated education space.
Tim Sledge resigned as pastor in 1996. Phase VI Construction followed. The Burns Building provided new Student/Adult Education space. Gene Smith became Senior Pastor in June 1997.
Phase VII Construction started in June 1999. It added parking and an Activities Center. The project included education space and a new kitchen.
Kingsland established a mission church in Fulshear in March 2000. It is now River Bend Baptist Church. John Crowe became pastor. Gene Smith resigned in August 2002. Kingsland celebrated its 25th anniversary in October 2002.
Alex Kennedy was called as Senior Pastor in March 2003. The Garden, with its outdoor baptistry, was dedicated in April 2004. The Legacy Building was dedicated in September 2006.
Kingsland established The Crossings in 2007. This was a second daughter church. It was in the Cinco Ranch area. Matt Powell became pastor.
In March 2008, Kingsland closed for a Sunday. They remodeled the Worship Center. This began the annual tradition of Caring for Katy. Easter attendance passed 4,000 in 2010.
Kingsland became debt-free in January 2012. They started Bethel Bible Fellowship in August 2012. Paul Cockrell became pastor. Alex Kennedy was called to Carmel Baptist in October 2012.
Dr. Robert Sloan served as Interim Pastor in January 2013. Ryan Rush was called to be Senior Pastor in May 2014. The Church @ Cane Island began in January 2015. They worshipped at Midway BBQ. Jon Davis became pastor.
Kingsland purchased office space in August 2015. They also purchased 68 acres for a new campus. This was at Stockdick School Road and Porter Road.
The Courts opened in January 2017. Kingsland launched their multi-site campus in North Katy in September 2017. Kingsland celebrated its 40th anniversary in October 2017.
The International People Groups Ministry began in June 2019. The Empowered Homes website launched in October 2019. Kingsland’s North Katy campus opened in September 2020.
From humble beginnings, Kingsland Baptist Church has grown. It became a vibrant community hub. Its history reflects faith, growth, and service. It stands as a testament to dedication.