College Park Baptist Church History

In the winter of 1965 Rev. B. T. Watson, Sr., Pastor of Good Hope Baptist Church in Powell, Texas answered God’s call and began seeking persons willing to organize a church in this community. March 27, 1965, the church was organized with fourteen members and nine members by letter. The first services were held March 30, 1965 under the leadership of Rev. Wat­son, Sr. In that same year; we purchased land and selected two (2) trustees, Brother Kemp and Sister Birdine Carroll. God continually added new members to the College Park family.

The final note was paid on the property in 1970. In 1971, we received the title on our property and also our building permit. In July 1972, we be­gan building and by November 1973, we purchased furniture and moved into our new building. We paid our final payment in 1981. By 1983, God had called five new ministers into the ministry.

On July 1, 1984, the sale was finalized on the property occupying the building that we are in now. In that same year, God blessed us with eight new ministers. On July 7, 1995, Pastor B. T. Watson, Sr. retired and the church called Rev. B. T. Watson Jr. to serve as our pastor.

On August 7, 1998 we headed our first Deacon Ordination Service. We had two (2) brothers to be ordained. In 1999 another minister was called by God, we purchased a new church van, and our first praise dance team was born by God.

In 2001-2002, our music department was blessed with Rev. David White as our choir director and Brother Mark Finley, our minister of music. Also, our loan for the new building project was approved and received.

On February 5, 2002, the Lord called home a faithful and dedicated warrior, Rev. B. T. Watson, Sr., founder of the College Park Baptist Church.

In 2003, another minister was called to the gospel ministry.  In 2004, we broke ground on the new building next door.

During the years 2007- 2012 we faced many hurdles, some joyful, some sad, because sadly death came to the College Park family 6 times over. And joyfully another minister was called by God. In January 2012, Pastor Watson appointed Rev. Joseph Thomas as presiding minister of the College Park Church family. He served faithfully in this capacity until May 2014. We were prayerful, and God blessed us to remain faithful and strong through this duration.

In February 2013, we had to face another death in the College Park family. We lost our beloved Pastor, Rev. B. T. Watson, Jr. But it is these losses that make us stronger and eventually move us toward future opportunities for growth and blessings. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us how to persevere through these hard times.  It reads: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV) And that He did!

We thank God for keeping us through the many challenges of 2014-2015, and for also answering our prayers. We petitioned God for a pastor and he gave us one after his own heart, one that continues to feeds us with knowledge and understanding. In May 2014, Pastor Carver Adams was called and in September he was  installed as Pastor of College Park Church.

We’ve been blessed by this man of God through his love for God, his word and his people. And for this we say, “To God Be the Glory!” So as we began another journey, we reflect on God’s faithfulness to the College Park Church family for these past 50 years and Him keeping us through them all!