About us

our history

A Humble Beginning
The Arlington Park community was established in the early 1950s without a designated place for worship. On April 1, 1952, Brother and Sister A.H. Jordan opened their home at 1327 Sleepy Hollow Drive to host Sunday School classes. With a missionary’s heart, Mrs. Beulah Strine gathered 13 children and began teaching Sunday School on April 6, 1952. Within months, attendance swelled to 48 students, outgrowing the Jordans' home.

A Tent for Worship
In June 1952, God provided through Mrs. Eric Lawler, superintendent of the Hampton Road Mexican Mission, who procured a tent from Bernie Morris of the Texas Christ Movement. Under the tent, Mrs. Lawler hosted Vacation Bible School, which attracted over 70 participants daily. Evangelist Brother Fowler led 31 new members to Christ during this time, despite the challenges of worshiping in outdoor conditions.

The Founding of a Church
On July 23, 1952, the Peaceful Rest District Association, led by Moderator R.C. McNeal, organized Arlington Park First Baptist Church. Reverend N.R. Washington briefly served as the church’s first pastor, followed by Reverend Coleman. Under their leadership, the congregation purchased two lots from the Water Department for $608.10 in 1954. The church transitioned from the tent into its first permanent building at Record Crossing and Van Winkle Blvd.

A Season of Expansion
The church flourished under the leadership of Reverend H.W. Bell, who guided the congregation through a period of growth. By 1963, the church had outgrown its building and began constructing a larger sanctuary. While awaiting completion, services were held at the Arlington Park Elementary School Auditorium. In 1964, the congregation moved into its newly built facility, which remains its home today.

Reverend Bell’s leadership led to remarkable progress, including the purchase of three additional lots and a debt-free balance of over $75,000 by 1987. On May 7, 1987, Pastor Bell was called to his heavenly reward.

Modern Leadership and Innovation
In 1987, Reverend David Jones Sr. became the church’s fourth pastor. Over the next 37 years, Pastor Jones spearheaded renovations and foundational repairs to maintain the church’s infrastructure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he implemented virtual services through Facebook and conference calls, ensuring worship and fellowship continued. Pastor Jones also introduced online giving through Givelify, making financial contributions more accessible to members.

A Legacy of Faith
From a small gathering in the Jordans’ living room to a thriving church family, Arlington Park First Baptist Church stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness. Its rich history is a reflection of its unwavering mission to serve, grow, and glorify God in the Arlington Park community and beyond.

core values

1. Christ-Centered Worship
We gather to glorify God and exalt Jesus Christ through Spirit-filled worship that inspires transformation and reflects our love for Him.

2. Bible-Based Teaching
God’s Word is our foundation. We are committed to faithfully teaching Scripture to equip all generations to live out their faith with wisdom and understanding.

3. Authentic Community
We embrace a culture of love, acceptance, and accountability, fostering deep connections that reflect the unity of the body of Christ.

4. Prayerful Living
Prayer is essential to our personal and collective journey of faith. We seek God’s will and power through consistent and fervent prayer.

5. Compassionate Outreach
We are a beacon of hope in our community, serving others with humility and sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel.

6. Family-Centered Ministry
We invest in strengthening families, encouraging parents, children, and individuals to grow together in Christ-centered relationships.

7. Pursuit of Holiness
We strive to live in obedience to God’s Word, cultivating lives of integrity, purity, and faithfulness as a testimony to His grace.

vision statement

Arlington Park First Baptist Church exists to glorify God by transforming lives through the power of the Gospel, equipping individuals and families for a lifetime of faith, and building a thriving, Christ-centered community. We seek to:

Foster spiritual growth through dynamic worship, Bible-based teaching, and prayer.
Empower servant leaders to impact their families, neighborhoods, and the world.
Serve as a beacon of hope through compassionate outreach and local ministries.
Cultivate discipleship across all generations, ensuring that the love of Christ is shared and lived out.

mission statement

Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ through faithful teaching of His Word, heartfelt worship, intentional community, and compassionate service. We are committed to equipping believers to grow in faith, share the Gospel, and live out Christ’s love in every aspect of life.