Our History

The scene was a small building called the "The Tabernacle," erected by F.T. Beazley and others, on the corner of Hatton and Ann Streets. A tiny, yet growing body of believers had been meeting for Sunday School and prayer meeting services for about a year. On January 29, 1899, fifty-seven persons, forty-six from the Court Street Baptist Church, gathered in "The Tabernacle" to present their letters in a service devoted to constituting the Park View Baptist Church.

The next decade brought a series of firsts. The first permanent sanctuary was occupied for worship on the first Sunday in May 1899. On that occasion, the first pastor, the Rev. W. P Hines (1899-1904) began his ministry with the fledgling church. In 1909, Mrs. R. D. Stephenson, (1909-1913) wife of the church's third pastor, began the first Women's Missionary Society. From its inception, Park View was a self-supporting church. An excellent location in an expanding suburb, good leadership from pastors and lay persons, and a strong sense of purpose combined for growth.

In fact, the church soon outgrew its space, so the Rev. C. B. Arendall (1913-1915) led the church to begin a fund for a new building. In 1919 the church purchased lots for $10,000 at the corner of Hatton Street and A Street (now Crawford Parkway). Construction was begun under the ministry of the Rev. H. A. Greisemer (1923-1926) in September 1924, and the first worship service was held in the present sanctuary on Sunday, October 2, 1925. Some of the present members still recall the famous march from the old building to the new.

Two national crises would soon impact the church: the Great Depression and World War II. As happened with most churches, Park View faced severe financial problems and related difficulties. However, God provided for the church by sending Dr. W. H. Baylor (1927-1941) as pastor. Dr. Baylor's wise leadership kept the church focused upon evangelism, missions, and tithing.

During World War II the economy of the area boomed, but a different set of problems arose: how to deal with the grief of war; and how to minister to those temporarily relocated in the nearby shipyards, hospitals, and military installations. Again, God smiled on Park View by leading Dr. R. W. Wallis (1942-1947) to the church. Dr. Wallis was a splendid Bible teacher and demonstrated a contagious kindness and patience which carried the church through the crises of war. One unintended but effective ministry of the church was to provide a popular meeting place for the servicemen and local young women. A number of these couples married and are among the leaders in the church today.

Following the war, the church experienced the greatest numerical growth in its history. Under the Rev. Wilbur W. Hutchins (1948-1951), the sanctuary was packed for the morning worship service, which was also broadcast by a local radio station. Rev. Hutchins was followed by the Rev. David Hammock (1951-1956) who, in 1953, led the church in the construction of its education building, the completion of the Baylor Chapel, the completion of a new kitchen, and the remodeling of the social hall.

In 1962, Park View called Dr. Thomas Powers (1962-1984) to serve as pastor. For most of Dr. Powers' ministry at Park View, David Huff (1962-1988) assisted as minister of music, developing one of the most renowned music programs in the city. With their leadership in 1963, the sanctuary was remodeled and a new organ was purchased.

By the early 1970's, the major crisis of the church's history was occurring. The communities surrounding the church from which the church through the years had gained most of its new members came into rapid transition. Many long-time residents moved away to the new suburbs. With his wit, sincerity, and emphasis upon "The Changeless Christ," Dr. Powers sought to hold the church on a steady course. By the time he retired in December 1984, having served longer than any previous pastor, he was respected for his leadership not only in the church, but throughout the entire city. Fittingly, the church elected him "Pastor Emeritus."

Dr. Darrell R. James (1985-1990) became pastor the week after Dr. Powers retired. During his ministry, a new organ and a small grand piano were purchased for the sanctuary and a concert grand piano was donated.

Other Park View pastors include D. P. Harris (1904-1908), R. G. Kendrick (1916-1919), E. E. Dudley (1919-1923), W. Wilbur Hutchins (1948-1951), James S. Burris (1957-1958), John Worth Long (1958-1961), Robert V. Forehand (1991-1997), and Scott A. Salsman (1998-2003). Aaron Brittain is our current pastor who started at the beginning of 2005.

As Park View Baptist Church enters the 21st century, the congregation is more than a relic of past accomplishments and failures, but a living community that continues to find new ways to minister under the guidance of the Spirit. True to its Baptist heritage, the church strives to uphold the freedom of individuals under the Lordship of Christ. By providing meaningful worship experiences, education, fellowship, outreach, and mission opportunities, Park View seeks to fulfill its ongoing purpose as the Body of Christ.