Church History

In the early 1950s, the deacon's of the First Baptist Church of Wichita felt the need of continuing their mission work by starting another new church.


The new church was to be built at the corner of Woodlawn and Bayley street, far out in the country, but part of a fast-growing area.  The original building was designed in the shape of an airplane.  The side doors were the wings.


The building was dedicated on August 20, 1954.  The church began with 31 members, from 17 families.  Three months later, there were 56 members.  Dr. Earl Cooper was the original pastor and in March of 1955, Clark Holt, of Kansas City, Missouri became the next pastor.


The next five years were a busy time for the young church.  Woodlawn Baptist Mission officially became Woodlawn Avenue Baptist Church on July 1, 1956.  Clark Holt was the pastor of Woodlawn during those five years.  The church called Darrel Sanford to pastor in 1960.


Groundbreaking for the new education wing was held on May 21, 1962, and it was finished and dedicated on December 16, 1962.  Three years later, Orville Mason accepted the call to become our new pastor and served for nearly four years.  Rev. Lawrence E. Oyer became our new pastor on June 22, 1969, and stayed until Rev. J.D. Tatum became pastor on July 17, 1997.


In November 2006 Rev. Steve Brecheisen was called to pastor serving Woodlawn until December of 2016.  After serving as interim pastor for a year, our current pastor, Rev. Eddie Sears, was called and accepted the position to pastor Woodlawn on December 10, 2017.


We are proud of our heritage and what the church has been able to accomplish over the years in the community.  We look forward to many more years of continued ministry and pray for God's guidance as we strive forward.