WSMBC History

West Side Missionary Baptist Church

In October 1930, a small group of Christians who came out of Fairfax Baptist Church began laying the groundwork for what was later to become West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

The Group began holding house-to-house prayer meetings on Sunday afternoons. They held their first meeting in the home of Brother and Sister Jesse Holloway. Attendance at prayer meetings increased and homes became too small. The prayer group moved their meetings to a storefront at 4373 Finney Avenue. They rented the building and held their first service November 11, 1930.

The name selected for this group was "Christian Mission Band." The Rev. G. W. Halliburton was in charge of the mission. On February 6, 1931, the Antioch District Association, under the direction of William H. Harris, Sr., moderator and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, organized the Christian Mission Band into a Church. Robert J. A. Campbell suggested the name West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Joe E. Crummie

On October 16, 1931, West Side Missionary Baptist Church called its first pastor, the Reverend Joe E. Crummie. Under his pastorate, a ground breaking service was held at 3966 Fairfax, June 1935. West Side held the first worship service in the new edifice Sunday, December 15, 1935. It was during Reverend Crummie's pastorate that the church again sought a place of worship. The building at 1314 Marcus Avenue, formerly a Pentecostal Church, was purchased. They marched to the newly acquired Church building on the first Sunday in September 1946.

After nearly sixteen years of service to West Side Missionary Baptist Church the Reverend Joe E. Crummie passed, March 26, 1947. He left a thriving membership of 1,100.

Reverend Victor Hugo Wells

Rev. Wells Reverend Victor Hugo Wells accepted the call to serve as the second pastor of West Side on the first Sunday of September 1947. Reverend Wells' progressive leadership skills were witnessed by members during the twenty-two years he served as pastor. He showed continued concern and support for the programs of all auxiliaries and departments in the Church.

A highlight of those years was a dynamic youth fellowship that developed many young people into strong and able church and vbs.jpg (209921 bytes) community leaders. The youth fellowship traveled throughout the nation and was an inspiring example to other churches. Another highlight was the purchase of educational and recreational facilities. During Reverend Wells' Pastorate, West Side became recognized as a leader in National Baptist life and participated in the work of the Baptist World Alliance. Reverend Well's service as Pastor of West Side ended after 23 years.

Reverend Moses Javis.

The Reverend William Montgomery served as Interim Minister from November 1, 1970, until the calling of West Side's third pastor The Reverend Moses Javis.

Reverend Javis accepted the pastorate of West Side Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, March 21, 1971. Under Reverend Javis' leadership a master building program was carried out. Phase I of the building program unfolded over five years, beginning in 1972. It included the renovation of the Church Sanctuary and women's lounge. In phase II of the building program, ground breaking ceremonies were held for a new education building, Sunday, June 4, 1978.

On May 27, 1979, the new education building was dedicated as the J. E. Crummie Building. The following ministries were established and housed in the new building: Howard E. Thurman Institute of Christian Education, West Side Day Care Center, West Side Music Academy, and West Side Christian Academy.

Reverend Moses Javis also led in the implementation of a Federal Credit Union, Annual Church School Institutes, a new member's orientation class, a new budgeting system, a scholarship trust fund commission and the addition of the first women trustees.

Sunday, August 18, 1985, The Reverend Moses Javis submitted his letter of resignation as pastor and leader of the West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

The Reverend Mickey R. Hassler became Interim Minister of West Side on October 17, 1985. He served in this position until May 31, 1986.

The Reverend Ronald Leon Bobo, Sr., D. Min.

On May 4, 1986, The Reverend Ronald Leon Bobo, Sr. delivered the morning sermon and accepted the call to serve as the fourth pastor. Under the leadership of Reverend Bobo, a dedicated man of God, the West Side Family has been a part of many accomplishments.

	An unprecedented number of individuals have accepted their call to preach the gospel. The Church witnessed its first ordination of women into the Gospel ministry.
	The educational ministries of the Church have expanded. For example, West Side Christian Academy presently serves children and their families from preschool through grade five; the Howard Thurman Institute continues to grow and flourish, Sunday Morning Bible study enrollment has grown to more than 1,400 students and Stephen Ministry Training is conducted on a regular basis.
	The Ethel Waters Concert Series was launched. The music ministry has been enhanced under the leadership of Dr. Doris Jones Wilson. Elder Gregg Haynes and his happy guitar has joined the music ministry and launched a music academy. New choirs have been organized.
	The Church celebrated the burning of the mortgage on May 4, 1997.
	Through the Great Things For God I and II Capital Stewardship Campaigns millions of dollars have been pledged to help make the church's vision a reality. The Great Things For God Foundation was launched to serve as a vehicle for better serving the needs of the community.
	On July 30, 1998, West Side closed on the purchase of the old Target building at 2677 Dunn Road. The building will be renovated for use as a site for a second worship service and enable the church to offer additional services to the community
	The Women of God Ministry began in 1998 and offers monthly meetings and an annual conference.
	West Side moved to two Sunday morning worship services service to accommodate the growth in membership. Currently the Church has approximately 1,800 active members.
	In 2004 West Side celebrated the official opening of their second worship location on Dunn Word.

The West Side Family reflects on its rich history with pride. As West Side Missionary Baptist Church looks to the future, may she look to Christ in faith and seek to glorify God Our Father in every word and deed.