History of Community Baptist Church
"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain." Psalm 127:1.
In 1958, Rev. Alfred Smith along with others saw the need for a Mission (Church) in the Lower Valley area. With this in mind, he and several families began holding services in the garage of his home. Sister Alexenia Freddie represents those families today. As membership continued to grow, the mission moved to a larger meeting place on Hacienda St. The Lord continued to bless the mission and we moved to a larger building at 7615 Matamoras Dr.
In 1960, Rev. Alfred Smith and the Community Family moved to its present location with the help of Loma Terrace Baptist Church, Rev. L.D. Green, Pastor and Dr. R.E. Durham, Director of the El Paso Baptist Association.
In 1961, Rev. Alfred Smith resigned his pastoral duties. The pulpit was served by various ministers of the city. Rev. E.J. Hill served as interim pastor from June 1963 until 1964.
Rev. Edgar served as interim pastor until the church called Rev. W.L. Bouren. Under the leadership of Rev. Bouren, many souls were added. He saw the need for a larger building and with the help of God and members, a loan was secured from The Southern Baptist Convention. Ground breaking ceremonies were held in 1968 and we witnessed the fruits of our labor with a special dedicatory service on February 22, 1970.
In 1972, renovation plans were already in motion when the Lord called Rev. Bouren to his eternal rest. Community Baptist Church is eternally grateful for the leadership and dedication of Rev. Bouren. Later in the same year (1972) through the divine providence of God, Rev. James L. Williams was called to lead the flock. Under his leadership the church grew to one of El Paso's largest and permanent black churches. The church building was renovated to add classrooms, offices and restrooms in the vestibule. Pastor Williams was doing an "inspirational" work when in 1976 his military obligations took him to Germany.
Rev. Milton Walker serving as Assistant Pastor picked up the "baton" and continued the work started by Rev. James Williams. He served as interim pastor for one year until he was called to Pastor in 1977. Under the reins of his guiding hand for the past 35 years, Community Baptist Church has prospered tremendously. Pastor Walker retired from pastoring on February 23rd, 2014, while seeking the Lord for a new pastor the church appointed Rev. John L. Hardwick as the Interim Pastor. Rev. Gregory Arthur officially became the proud pastor of Community Baptist Church on January 15th, 2015. Installation of his new tenure was held on February 15th, 2015. Rev. Arthur's history with Community Baptist Church started in 1983 through 2006, as a member he became an Ordained Minister and served as an Assistant Pastor.
It is with much prayer and godly anticipation that we look to the future of our church as we continue to walk by faith, to God be the Glory.