How it all started...
Originally on the outskirts of Knoxville, the West Lonsdale Community was organized in May, 1906. The area quickly grew into a thriving neighborhood. Recognizing the opportunity to reach people with the message of the Gospel of Christ, several members of the community began a Sunday School which first met in the Claxton School on Piedmont Street in April, 1922. After only a few months, it was obvious that a church was needed in the community. So, on October 29, 1922 with the aid of several area churches, West Lonsdale Baptist Church was born.
Within a month, two lots on the 200 block of Dayton Street were secured as the site for a permanent church building. (The first lot was purchased for $15 down and $5 per month until paid in full. The Land Company donated the other lot.) The first wooden structure was completed in 1924, paid for in part by money raised by the ladies of the church selling their eggs, butter, milk and home baked goods in space provided by the Knox Department Store.
Growth followed. Pastors were called. Deacons were set apart. Worship and prayer were offered. Lives were changed.
Within a month, two lots on the 200 block of Dayton Street were secured as the site for a permanent church building. (The first lot was purchased for $15 down and $5 per month until paid in full. The Land Company donated the other lot.) The first wooden structure was completed in 1924, paid for in part by money raised by the ladies of the church selling their eggs, butter, milk and home baked goods in space provided by the Knox Department Store.
Growth followed. Pastors were called. Deacons were set apart. Worship and prayer were offered. Lives were changed.
Expanding the vision...
By 1950, a great need for expansion had arisen. In 1951, a brick structure consisting of classrooms, Pastor’s study, nursery, rest rooms, baptistery and sanctuary was constructed on the same site as the original frame structure. Addition of a brick Education Building followed in 1958, with further additions of the Fellowship building in 1971 and the Family Life Center in 2001.
Throughout its history, WLBC has been guided by many fine Christian leaders and has seen numbers of its young members grow up and out to become Christian leaders themselves. Ministries begun in the church have served to reach people and nurture them in the love of Christ. Among these ministries are the Childcare Center, begun in August, 1987 and sports programs such as Upward Basketball which ran for 15 straight seasons beginning in the early 2000s.
Throughout its history, WLBC has been guided by many fine Christian leaders and has seen numbers of its young members grow up and out to become Christian leaders themselves. Ministries begun in the church have served to reach people and nurture them in the love of Christ. Among these ministries are the Childcare Center, begun in August, 1987 and sports programs such as Upward Basketball which ran for 15 straight seasons beginning in the early 2000s.
Where we are headed...
Today, WLBC is active in the community through outreach partnerships with such organizations as the Knoxville Dream Center and the Center for English. Since 2015, WLBC has also provided a home for Iglesia Bautista Exodo, a Spanish speaking sister church. Predominantly consisting of Guatemalan people, Exodo reaches a large segment of the West Lonsdale and Lonsdale Communities.
Through its first 100 years, WLBC has seen the community shift from small suburbia with young families to inner city with retirement aged residents to rental properties with transient families. The community is now undergoing a resurgence as properties are reclaimed and restored with new young families moving in. Through it all, West Lonsdale Baptist Church has been here, ministering, loving and sharing God’s truth. As we continue in this mission, our prayer is that God will help us to remain the neighborhood church He called us to be from the start.
Through its first 100 years, WLBC has seen the community shift from small suburbia with young families to inner city with retirement aged residents to rental properties with transient families. The community is now undergoing a resurgence as properties are reclaimed and restored with new young families moving in. Through it all, West Lonsdale Baptist Church has been here, ministering, loving and sharing God’s truth. As we continue in this mission, our prayer is that God will help us to remain the neighborhood church He called us to be from the start.
