CHurch History
The Nazarene Baptist Church was organized on February 24, 1924, by Rev. S. T. Tyler. He was assisted in the organization of the church by several ministers, namely: Rev. W. L. Rhodes, Rev. Lee, Rev. W. M. Catlin, Rev. G. Edwards, Rev. D.A. Willis, Rev. Hanna, Rev. Woodson, and Rev. Anthony.
Nazarene Baptist Church, at that time, had only eighteen members, namely: Sis. Campbell, Sis. Clark, Sis. Clayton, Bro. & Sis. Nelson Davis, Sis. Fields, Sis. Nancy Hardy, Mr. & Mrs. McCollins, Mrs. Milton, Rev. & Mrs. Lee Mitchell, Sis. E. Smith, Sis. Maggie Talbort, Sis. Demple Wagner, Bro. & Sis. Dave Wise, and Sis. Woodson. The first deacons were Bro. Dave Wise and Bro. Nelson Davis. The church’s first secretary was Sis. Wise.
The church has always been located at 114 Willis Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119.
As the church began to grow, Mrs. Pearl Wise served as the first pianist and also organized the Sunday School. The first superintendent was Sis. E. Smith. In 1946, Pastor S. T. Tyler was called from labor to reward. The same year Rev. L. R. Goolsby was called to pastor and under his leadership the church increased its membership to a very large number and made many improvements.
There was an associate minister named Rev. J. Coates. There were several officers also, including Deacon James Jessup, Deacon Andrew Cummings, Deacon John Ivy, Deacon Booker Collins, Deacon William Trammell, and Deacon Louis Farrington. Bro. Michael Sargent was ordained a deacon under his leadership. Deacon Sargent later accepted his calling into the preaching ministry and was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. Trustees at that time were Bro. Judas Bell and Bro. Nelson Taylor. In 1985, after thirty-nine years, Rev. Goolsby retired from the pastorate of the Nazarene Baptist Church.
Following Pastor Goolsby’s retirement, in 1985, Rev. Andrew Boyce was called as the third pastor of the Nazarene Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church increased its membership, and many achievements were made. The church building was remodeled inside and out. The remodeling included updated restrooms, pastor’s study, choir room and loft, carpeting, ceiling fan, Hammond organ, and new piano. The lower level was remodeled to include an updated kitchen area, two new stoves, a new gas furnace, and air conditioning. Additional improvements were the blacktop on the parking lot and liners added around the church. Rev. Kenny Wade was an associate minister during this term. On June 22, 2008, Pastor Boyce retired from the Nazarene Baptist Church after twenty-three years.
On August 22, 2008, Nazarene welcomed its fourth pastor, Rev. Kory D. Ellis. He was installed on Sunday, December 7, 2008. Since his arrival, there have been several members to reinstate their church memberships and new converts, which initiated numerous baptisms. Pastor Ellis has also been instrumental in forming the new membership class, Bible study - both on and off-site, the children’s period, leadership training, and the men and women’s fellowship ministries. During his term, the church has also had the opportunity to travel together including a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. Fellowship efforts have also included visits to the movies, Missouri Botanical Garden, and Edison Theater at Washington University.
Pastor Ellis led Nazarene to participate in a combined effort to produce a four-church revival. New fellowships with area churches have been established. During his pastorate, the church has also purchased new communion ware, removed trees from the property, installed new front steps, and replaced a damaged roof. He also orchestrated an effort for the men of the church to help remodel the baptismal pool. In November 2013, the church basement update was completed to include new paint, carpeting, tables, and chairs. The sanctuary was updated with new stained-glass windows. The restrooms and vestibule were completely remodeled in the Fall of 2014 to include new fixtures, doors, floors, and paint; they are now wheelchair accessible.
A new church sign and lighting have also been added to the property. There have been evangelistic efforts including an on-site event including games and food in the Spring of 2016 and a service in the Fall of 2019 at Deer Creek Park. During the pandemic, Nazarene maintained a social media presence and continued to broadcast until the fellowship resumed in-person service in August of 2021.
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In 2022, Nazarene changed its Sunday Morning Worship start time from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., resumed a virtual Bible Study, and also adopted new official mission and vision statements. The mission is the means and the vision is the goal.
Mission Statement: We exist to glorify God through obedience in service, lifestyle, and outreach.
Vision Statement: The church seeks to be a biblical influence that develops believers, draws unbelievers, and expands the kingdom for Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.