“About 25 members.” That’s all it took to spark the beginning of something truly special. Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church began with just a small group in 1941. They wanted to create a new Baptist Church. There wasn’t one in the area yet. Initially named ‘Woodlawn Baptist Sunday School’, the members met in their homes.
In November, Mrs. W. E. Collins stepped up. She donated a one-acre lot for a church building. This land became the foundation of Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church. On January 4, 1942, the church was officially chartered as ‘Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church’. The first service was held in the new, white wood-frame building. The congregation celebrated their first baptism on June 28, 1942. Three people were baptized.
As the church grew, the need for more space became clear. In February 1943, five classrooms were added to the building. On March 8, 1945, they dug a basement. The existing building was moved on top. The men of the church built a concrete block building. It housed the Youth Sunday School Department. Today, it’s the Seniors Building.
The church planned for a parsonage. The plans were approved on April 9, 1947. In the spring of 1948, a parsonage was built on Exmore Avenue. The pastor and his family moved in.
The present auditorium building was completed in May 1955. It became a central gathering place for the growing congregation of Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church.
The education building was completed in November 1960. This middle building connected to the auditorium. The preschool and ministerial staff moved their offices there. By 1968, Woodlawn Baptist Church had 937 members. Sunday School enrollment reached 883.
In 1973, an education-activities building was constructed. This included a gymnasium for team sports. The classrooms quickly filled with Child Development Center children during the week. Today, it’s known as the CDC Building. It is attached to the education building.
In 1991, Woodlawn’s Auditorium/Sanctuary was completely renovated. It received new paint, lighting, carpet, and furniture.
During the 90s, the Senior Citizens of Woodlawn Baptist Church asked to use the block building. This was previously the Youth Sunday School. It needed renovation. They refurbished it with a kitchen and bathrooms. They also added brick to the outside. Now called the Seniors Building, it’s maintained by the seniors.
Woodlawn started a Christian School in 1989. In 1996, a new school building was built. It featured three classrooms and bathrooms. In 2015, the ‘Iglesia Cristiana Alfa y Omega’ church assisted in its renovation. They currently use the building. The Christian School closed in the mid-2000s.
Today, Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church continues to serve. It stands as a testament to the dedication of its founders. Their vision of creating a strong, vibrant community of faith still shines brightly. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living, breathing testament to faith, community, and enduring spirit.