Our History

“The Wood Street Baptist Church” 

     The Wood Street Baptist Church was organized in 1953 by Rev. Banks and 10 members at 1030 Wood Street.  Pastors following Rev. Bobby Banks were:  Rev. Montgomery, Rev. J.H. Brown, Rev. George Wilson 1958-1961, Rev. J. L. Shelman 1961-1964, Rev. V. Otis 1964-1965, Rev. Horace Hayes 1965-1977, and Rev. Floyd Chenault 1977-1981.  During the leadership of Rev. Floyd Chenault the church purchased another building and moved to 2401 Dean.  The building was bricked and a corner stone was added with saints leaving special items and prayers into the marble.  Those who contributed to this event were:  by Bro. Laymon Smith, Bro. Carl Fulce, Bro. M. Rettig, Bro. Saul, Bro. A. Piper and others. 

      Rev W. D. Adkins, the Assistant Pastor, served until the church called Rev. Richard Mayes in May of 1981. Rev. Mayes accepted a calling to Oklahoma, City, Ok in March, 1983, thereby resigning as Pastor.  Rev Elbert Clark served as pastor from April 1983 – Sept 1983.  Rev David Cooper succeeded Rev. Clark in October 1983, and served the WSBC to April 1987. Rev. E.G. Franklin assumed pastor of the WSBC from June 1987 to October 1989.  Rev. Anthony Eaton, Rev. Odell Andrews, Rev. Sparkman, Rev. Ethel Morris and Rev. Tommy Dorsey all served as assistant Pastors, and they ministered until the church called Rev. Jimmy Watson, he served as Pastor from 1989-1992.  

    Rev. Floyd Chenault succeeded Rev. Jimmy Watson, for his second term, as Pastor of the Wood Street Baptist Church.   He continued, to lead the church, until his untimely death in Oct, 2001.  Rev. Robert Thomas was called to Pastor the WSBC in February, 2002.  Rev Thomas continued to improve the environment of the WSBC.   He led the church through a significant remodeling period, to include the purchase of:  A new roof, new vaulted and paneled ceiling and walls, a new Hammond Organ, a “Baby Grand” Piano, a set of drums, a church van, a lighted marquee sign and many other improvements.     

     Rev. Norris L. Thomas succeeded Rev. R. Thomas, officially in April of 2013.  Rev. NL Thomas arrived with a new God inspired vision, which regenerated some lost hope, therefore influencing the congregation to move forward.  He redesigned the service structure, added a new Praise and Worship Team, led the church to purchase a new 20 passenger bus, a new ceiling mounted video projector and electronic screen.  Weekly church attendance has doubled in all services to include Sunday School and Tuesday night Bible Study.  The church membership is on a steady climb and God is continuing to do amazing things at the Wood Street Baptist Church.