1909 was a banner year in which the church licensed four preachers: G. C. Bosdler, Paul Freeman, Will Freeman and Myler Birdsong. In that year 39 baptistisms were recorded, 43 were received by letter and 11 by reinstatement bringing the membership up to 148. The first permanent structure of West Jackson was erected in 1908 at a cost of $12,000. Its unusual features were two porches, one on the sourt side and one on the west, and two stained glass windows, one of "The Good Shepherd" and one of "The Ascension." In 1912 the church floor plan was changed in order to install a baptistry. Prior to this all candidates were baptized in the Forked Deer River.
In September 1913, Rev. Early resigned to accept a pastorate in Memphis. In January 1941 Rev. W. J. Beardon came from Temple Church in Memphis. After a few months his health began to fail and he died in 1915. He was replaced b Rev. C. H. Warren who served for three years. In 1919 Dr. R. E. guy was extended a call and served until 1953.
In 1921 the first mission was started on Poplar Corner Road (now Poplar Heights Baptist Church). Eight letters were granted for West Jackson members to join Poplar Heights and for many months the pastor and teachers continued to direct the new mission. In 1928 sixteen letters were granted to organize a new Beptist Church at Westover. In 1945 West Jackson voted to buy six acres of land north of Jackson on the Humboldt Highway at a cost of $2,500. For some years West Jackson Chruch sponsored a mission Sunday School there and when Englewood was organized most of the charter members were from West Jackson Church. In 1950 West Jackson voted to deed the property and buildings to the Englewood Baptist Church.
In January of 1947 West Jackson initiated a kindergarten program lead by Mrs. S. A. Reed and Miss Brownie Sandlin. In March 1953 Dr. Guy tendered his resignation. Succeeding him was David Q. Byrd, pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Chruch, Meridian, Mississippi.
In 1952 a new building was completed at a cost of $400,000. It was complete with air-conditioning and a three manual pipe organ. In addition to the auditorium with seats for 1200, the building had a large dining room where 300 could be served, plus four large primary departments, one adult department and class rooms, one young people's department and class rooms and a suite of offices and reception rooms.
In October of 1957 the church voted to establish another mission. Land was purchased three miles east of Jackson on Highway 70. West Jackson assumed the responsibility for establishing and sponsoring the Nashway Chapel.
In 1963 a new educational building was completed. Wednesday through Sunday, June 26-30, 1963, were set apart as special dedication days for the new building and its facilities. The special speakers were Dr. Fred Kendall, Dr. Ramsey Pollard and Dr. David Q. Byrd. Each evening different departments were recognized and their new quarters in the educational building were dedicated. Recognition was given to the special gifts and memorials. An entire secion of the Sunday's Jackson Sun, June 30th, told the West Jackson story in words and pictures.
In 1995 under the leadership of Dr. Jerry N. Tidwell, West Jackson Baptist |
