Here at 4142 Gladewater Road stands Willing Workers Baptist Church. In 1947, a group of members led by Rev. Horace Moore gathered. They met in Brother and Sister J. Bluitt’s home at 3502 Wyrick. They formed the Willing Workers Baptist Church.
Seven months later, the church moved to Salina Street. Praises were offered to God there for eighteen years. In 1966, the church had to move. The Houston Independent School District was expanding. In February 1967, property was purchased. A building was erected at 6900 Weaver Road. Reverend Moore continued his mission leading to greater achievements.
Rev. James C. Carrington Jr. was invited to succeed Rev. Moore. This happened upon Rev. Moore’s retirement. On December 31, 1978, Rev. Moore presented the proposal. Rev. Carrington was unanimously accepted. On January 7, 1979, Rev. James C. Carrington Jr. became pastor. He challenged the church to strive for excellence.
Pastor Carrington remodeled the church in 1985. On August 14, 1988, a groundbreaking service expanded the sanctuary. Seven new classrooms and a fellowship hall were added. In 2002, Pastor Carrington led another remodeling. It was completed in April 2003. The sanctuary was expanded. A media room and receptionist area were included. In 2006, land was purchased for a New Sanctuary and Life Center.
A second Willing Workers Baptist Church location opened April 13, 2008. It was in Texas City, Texas. It started at the Charles Doyle Convention Center. Then it moved to the Showboat Pavilion. Worship service and Bible study happened each week. In June 2012, the church bought its present building at 801 29th Street North in Texas City.
During his forty-two years of leadership, Pastor Carrington ordained twenty-one deacons. Twenty laymen announced their calling to the ministry. The Willing Workers Baptist Church grew tremendously under Pastor Carrington’s leadership. The Church became known as One Church in Two Locations.
The church’s motto is: A Church that’s not seeking the lost is lost. Its mission is to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. First in homes, in communities, and in jobs. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter. The Bible is the guide. The Willing Workers Baptist Church is willing to work and working to win. It is on the move for Christ.
Pastor Carrington structured the church with Department Heads. These departments support the church. There is a Worship Arts Department. Also there is a Sanctuary Service Department. A Christian Education Department exists. General Auxiliaries Departments help too. Ministries support the needs of the members. These include Marriage Ministry and Singles Ministry. There is also Youth Ministry and Young Adults Ministry. Senior Saints Ministry and Men’s Ministry also serve. Women’s Ministry and Transportation Ministry are available. Kitchen Ministry, Evangelism Ministry and Media Ministry are included.
On March 28, 2021, Pastor James C. Carrington Jr. announced his retirement. He transitioned to Pastor Emeritus. Senior Pastor Eric D. Carrington Sr. was appointed. His installation service was held July 25, 2021. Remodeling has been done to both locations under Pastor Eric D. Carrington Sr.’s leadership.
Senior Pastor Eric D. Carrington Sr.’s vision is Believing God for More. It also includes Trusting God while Waiting. The Willing Workers Baptist Church continues to seek the lost. They realize the harvest is plentiful. They are moving from membership to discipleship.