Our History
From simple beginnings in a rented filling station, a group of about ten Christians initiated a movement for scriptural, New Testament worship that has grown to more than fifteen congregations in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and has impacted the cause of Christ worldwide.
Humble Beginnings (1929-1939)
The story begins before 1930, when a small band of Christians was meeting on the north side of Fort Worth at 27th and Menefee. An incident happened that changed the course of spiritual history for this group and for the cause of Christ. One Sunday morning, the group was smaller than usual, and they communed with only one loaf and one cup. When questions arose about the practice, the group studied together and a number of them concluded that they should use only one loaf and one cup every Sunday, according to the example left by Jesus (1 Corinthians 11.24-25).
Although some ridiculed the practice, this small group of Christians resolved to continue to worship in the simple way they read about in the Scriptures: they met every first day of the week, sang praises to God (no instruments), read and taught the scriptures, prayed, set money aside for church use, and observed Communion with one loaf and one cup containing the fruit of the vine.
Early Years at Vaughn Blvd. (1939-1956)
In 1939, the group purchased a building at 2704 Vaughn Blvd in Fort Worth for $3,000–a considerable amount at that time. With few members and the Great Depression in full swing, contributions were very small at first, sometimes less than $5, and it became difficult to keep up with the payments. During a critical period, one church family even moved into an apartment on the back of the church building and rented out their home, using the money to save the church from the creditors: such was their devotion!
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Soon the church began to grow and found its love for evangelistic outreach. World War II began, bringing new people to the area to work, among whom were others seeking the biblical way of worshiping and living. The church building had no usable baptistry at first; so, countless baptisms took place in nearby Sycamore Creek at Cobb Park. The congregation helped plan and orchestrate a number of evangelistic efforts at home and abroad, including the annual Texas Labor Day meeting (held continuously since 1947); the first missionary effort to Nyasaland (now Malawi), Africa; and efforts to plant new congregations in Dallas (Denley Drive, Boulder Drive, Duncanville), Fort Worth (Stop Six) as well as in Paris, Texas. Some of those from this congregation who became preachers were Dr. Ronny Wade, Maurice Chandler, Dr. Joe Norton, and Bob Chancelor.
Transition to Trentman Ave. (1956-1991)
By the mid 1950s, the church had grown and the building became too small; so, the brethren purchased three lots at 5015 Trentman Avenue in Fort Worth. The members were eager to get the new building constructed and furnished – some even went over at night to work on it! Soon, the congregation was back to its favorite work: sending out preachers to share the gospel across Texas, being instrumental in establishing congregations in Amarillo, Mineral Wells, Weatherford, Cleburne, and Tyler. Those who became preachers from this congregation include Melvin Blalock, Bruce Word, Bob Johnson, and Jim Crouch.
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​​Other individuals in the congregation focused their attention on works local to Fort Worth, including hosting singing schools (The Gospel Singers Association) and revival meetings. The sisters in the congregation even formed a sewing group, making layettes for needy babies, preparing bandages for John Peter Smith Hospital, and sending clothes to an orphanage on East Vickery in Fort Worth.
Green Oaks Blvd: A New Leaf (1992-Present)
After a period of transition, during which they met on Woodrow St. and later in a rented community room in Kennedale, the congregation completed construction on a new building on Green Oaks Blvd. The first worship service was held on October 11, 1992, with many long-time members of the Trentman Ave. congregation participating. Interest from the community was overwhelming, with many visiting the services.​ The congregation has since continued to share the gospel wherever the opportunity has arisen, whether in Texas (Gun Barrel City, Athens, Abilene) or abroad (Mexico, Russia, Malawi, Ghana).
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Although the scenery has changed, the heart and soul of the congregation remain the same. Although 85 years have passed, the members have maintained the same intense interest in sharing the gospel. The original communion table from Vaughn Blvd. stands in the foyer at Green Oaks today, reminding us never to lose sight of our history and purpose: serving God "in sincerity and truth" (Joshua 24.14).
Will you join us?​
Will You Join Us?
Plan a visit to our congregation this week!