Church History
Lakeland Street Baptist Church was organized on February 12, 1942, as the Haltom City Baptist Church and was located in the 5400 block of East Belknap.
The church has been under the leadership of four pastors over the past 60 years. The founding pastor was Dr. E. Bryan Clemens. During the ministry of the next pastor, Rev. Oscar Simmons, the church was moved in 1956 to its present location at Cindy Drive and Lakeland Street in Fort Worth. At this time, the church name was changed to Lakeland Street Baptist Church.
In
March of 1963, Rev. A.F. Jernigan became the pastor and now remains
as Pastor Emeritus. Upon Rev. Jernigan's retirement in March of
1998, Rev. Eric Crawford became pastor until August of 2000. Rev.
Karl R. Ogdie was called as Pastor in November 2000 and still remains
pastor today.
The church has undergone many building programs in its history:
- Original auditorium was enlarged and remodeled, air conditioned, and new upholstered pews were purchased in 1963.
- First educational building, built in 1964, included Church and S.S. Offices, classrooms, and a large fellowship hall.
- Church purchased additional land for parking lots in 1965.
- Two houses and additional property were purchased across from the church for additional S.S. space in 1965.
- The present auditorium was built in 1966. Along with it, a new pre-school educational building was constructed. The original auditorium was completely remodeled and converted into a chapel and S.S. Department.
The church underwent
a complete remodeling program which changed the look of the church,
both internally and externally, in 1985-86.- A spacious 7,700 sq. ft Family Life Center was built in 1985.
- The church bought and closed one block of Lakeland Street in order to build the FLC.
- Completed remodeling of Nurseries in 1998.
- Completed remodeling of Pre-school S.S. area in 1999
- Complete remodeling of front foyer and vestibule in 2003.
During its history, LBC has not forgotten its reason for existence. Its purpose has, and always will be, to preach and teach the Word of God. We thank God for allowing us to do so through a strong Sunday School, sending Missionaries to the foreign field, the AWANA Program, our Youth Department and children's church ministries. We are grateful to God for all of His many blessings on this church in the past 60 years. We look forward to reaching more souls for the Glory of God in the years to come.
Additional Historical Photos:
