HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupporting DocumentationSupporting Documentation
A. Alterations
1. Constructed in 1952 as a single-story church building in a shotgun-plan format
2. Fellowship Hall and Kitchen addition in the early 1970s creating an L-plan for the church complex.
3. Stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary
4. A front porch was put at the entryway into the sanctuary
5. The steeple was expanded
6. New concrete sidewalks were poured
7. Ceiling fans were added to the Fellowship Hall
8. New parking lot and landscaping were done in 1983
9. The church was re-carpeted and painted after flooding in the 1990s
10. New organ and piano were purchased and raised to prevent damage from future floods
B. Historical Figures
No information on any figures associated with Washington Chapel Baptist Church could be found
C. Property Ownership
See attached spreadsheet of deed information
D. Tenant History
The church still resides on its original site since its construction in 1952
E. Narrative History
“ Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
-Matthew 16:18
With this scripture in mind, the Washington Chapel Baptist church was built on a Solid Rock, whose foundation is Christ.
On December 31, 1892, the Washington Chapel Baptist Church was organized by Reverends L. K. Williams and R. H. Littleton. Their initial meeting was held in the Old Foster School, below
the College Station Cemetary. The following persons were in attendance: Josh Washington, Dallas Brown, Peter Curry, Millie Washington, Ruth Brown, Elvira Collins, Jure Washington,
and Amy Washington.
The School membership grew. In April, 1900, a Soul Saving Campaign was conducted for three weeks. Forty candidates accepted Christ as their personal Savior. These candidates were
baptized on the 4th Sunday in May, 1900.
The deacon board consisted of the following: Josh Washington, Dallas Brown, Peter Curry, Frank Landrum, William Curry, and Lee Richard. The members
continued to worship in the old Foster School until it was destroyed by fire. The members kept the faith in spite of their loss, and built a place of worship on the corner of the Stasney
estate. Many members began to move to various places. This did not hinder the progress of the Church. The membership continued to grow spiritually and numerically. The members had
a profound determination to work. In 1903, the first missionary society was started at Washington Chapel, with Sister Amy Martin as president.
Having led the Church for several years, Pastor L. K. Williams work ended here on earth. Overriding hardships, these dedicated people of god called Rev. William P. Keating in 1909 as
pastor. Brother Matthew Davis served as secretary of the Church. Realizing that God’s Church must advance, the Rev. John Ayres was invited to preach the first revival services.
After serving faithfully as pastor for many years, Rev. Keating’s tenure as pastor ended. The Church felt a need for a new leader. In the 1920’s Rev. G. W. Williams was called to lead
the flock at Washington Chapel Baptist Church. Under Rev. G. W. William’s inspiring leadership, it was discussed and agreed upon to purchase property from Bro. Lee Richard. A new Sanctuary
was built. Moving upward to higher heights. A misunderstanding developed, which is quite prevalent in many Church families, and a split occurred in the membership, causing some members
to seek membership elsewhere. Being led by God, the members did not become discouraged and continued to work toward the upbuilding of God’s Kingdom.
The deacons serving under the leadership of Rev. G. W. Williams were: Deacons Sam Richardson, Wallace Raiford, Sander Henderson, and David Martin who also served as Superintendent of
Sunday School. Bro. Matthew Davis served as secretary.
Rev. G. W. Williams served his Master well. He accepted the call of pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and resigned as pastor of Washington Chapel. Washington Chapel was again
seeking a Shepherd to lead them. Rev. W. T. Jackson was called to pastor Washington Chapel in 1929. He preached and teached God’s word, convincing men, women, boys and girls to come
to Christ. The deacons serving under his leadership were: Deacons David Martin, Same Richards, J. C. Chew, Roland Columbus, Ed Carroll, Walter Steen, Johnny Waldon. Brother Priestly
Mitchell served as secretary. After serving 20 years or more as pastor, the Church felt that they were not progressing as well as they would like. Unfortunately, Rev. Jackson was asked
to resign. The Church sought a new leader. The members went down in unified prayer, seeking strength and guidance. Thanks to God, those prayers were answered. In the spring of 1946,
Rev. L. W. Flowers was chosen as our new leader. Being knowledgeable and business minded as well as a devout Christian leader. With God’s help, under the dynamic leadership of Rev.
Flowers, the loyalty and courage of the faithful
members, a new edifice was erected in 1952, valued at $28,000.00, which was paid in full in approximately 3 years.
Believing that tithes and offerings are God’s way to finance the Church, the members contributed fervently toward the support of the Church, enabling the Church to make improvements
on the edifice whenever necessary. The improvements include: a porch addition on the front façade of the church, a new gathering hall with kitchen, new carpet, and elevating the choir
and pastor stage in the front of the sanctuary. The new carpet and stage were elevated to prevent damage from flooding. The added gathering hall and kitchen were extended perpendicularly
from the original 1952 building. The church needed extra room for fellowship and serving dinner for other churches throughout the community. They also have a new organ that sits alongside
the original organ in the sanctuary today. From the floor plan blueprints it is noticeable that there were originally supposed to be extra rooms extending beyond the back of the sanctuary,
but they did not get built for the existing building. There are only two extra rooms, one on each wing for the choir and bible study.
The deacons serving under Rev. Flowers’ leadership were and some still are: Deacons Walter Steen, Sr., Daniel Washington, Roland Columbus, Phillip Steen, Sr. and Willie Howard, Sr.
August 1973, six new deacons were added: Deacons Philip Steen, Jr., James E. Steen, Jeremiah Waldon, Clinton Robison, S. A. Ford and Thomas Hall.
Bro. Daniel Washington served as secretary for a number of years, after which, Bro. Samuel Pierce served as secretary until he was called to his heavenly home.
In September, 1964, Bro. Philip Steen, Jr. filled the position as secretary and is still serving in that capacity.
For 32 years the members have worked closely under the first leadership of Rev. L. W. Flowers, accomplishing many goals.
Due to deteriorating health, the Church felt that Rev. Flowers needed assistance. During our quarterly business meeting, Rev. Flowers, deacons and members discussed selecting an associate
pastor. It was decided by the Church that Rev. E. E. Garvin be contacted. Upon Rev. Garvin’s acceptance, it was motioned by sis. Daisy Steen and seconded by Sis. Hattie Turner the
Rev. E. E. Garvin would be our associate pastor. On July 23, 1976, Rev. E. E. Garvin delivered his first sermon as associate pastor.
The Church is steadily growing, spiritually, numerically and financially.
Playing a magnificent and dynamic role in the early history of this great Church were the following:
Rev. L. K. Williams
Rev. Bob Williams
Rev. G. W. Terry
Rev. W. M. Keating
Rev. G. W. Williams
Rev. C. C. Littleton
Rev. W. T. Jackson
Rev. L. W. Flowers
Presently serving is:
Rev. E. E. Garvin
This concludes the History of the Washington Chapel Baptist Church.
F. Drawings
See attached site plan
G. Photographs
See attached photographs
H. Additional Information
No other outside information was located
I. References
City of College Station Web site www.cstx.gov
Brazos County Court House. County Clerk’s Office. Building deeds and records
Steen, Andre Mae. Personal interview. 13 October 2004.
Williamson, Audry. Personal interview 13 October 2004
Garvin, Rev. E.E. Personal interview 13 October 2004