The Foundation
In 1897, with the railroad dividing the town of Weatherford, the Baptists living on the north side of the railroad tracks joined together to form their own church. Second Baptist Church was established on the southwest corner of First Street and North Main Street (where our West Lot parking is currently located).
Eleven years later, under the leadership of Pastor B.G. Fronabarger, Second Baptist Church became North Side Baptist Church. As the church grew, additions were made to the original buildings and a Ladies Aid and Missionary Society was founded.
C.H. Ray became pastor of North Side in 1912. The church purchased property on the east side of North Main Street and built a three-story, red brick building at our current location in 1917. Pastor Ray also organized a band and an orchestra, and North Side Baptist Church became known as “the most interesting place in town.”
In 1925, the church built an open-air tabernacle south of the sanctuary to share with other congregations for revival meetings.
During World War II, members of NSBC aided the soldiers at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells and helped to establish the first chapel there under the leadership of Pastor Glenn Bales.
Eleven years later, under the leadership of Pastor B.G. Fronabarger, Second Baptist Church became North Side Baptist Church. As the church grew, additions were made to the original buildings and a Ladies Aid and Missionary Society was founded.
C.H. Ray became pastor of North Side in 1912. The church purchased property on the east side of North Main Street and built a three-story, red brick building at our current location in 1917. Pastor Ray also organized a band and an orchestra, and North Side Baptist Church became known as “the most interesting place in town.”
In 1925, the church built an open-air tabernacle south of the sanctuary to share with other congregations for revival meetings.
During World War II, members of NSBC aided the soldiers at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells and helped to establish the first chapel there under the leadership of Pastor Glenn Bales.
Expansion
The open-air tabernacle was closed in 1950 to provide a larger sanctuary needed to handle new growth. A new preschool building was also built during this era.
In 1960, when Bob McPherson was pastor, a new sanctuary was completed on the grounds adjacent to the tabernacle and the sanctuary space in the enclosed tabernacle was remodeled into educational space. The front of this new, modern sanctuary was known for its stained glass with a modern storefront construction.
Joe Griffin was pastor from 1961 to 1981. During that time, North Side enjoyed consistent growth and ministry, and again expanded its facility. A new educational building with offices, a choir suite, and upstairs classrooms was built during Pastor Griffin’s tenure. In addition, a chapel, fellowship hall, and kitchen, as well as several additional classrooms were constructed within the tabernacle building (this would later become our current Fellowship Hall and Chapel).
Another key remodeling project was completed in 1989 after Don Emmitte became pastor. This included completely refurbishing the existing sanctuary and adding beautiful woodwork details. The church’s new focal point became a 75-foot white cross which could be seen from many locations around Weatherford.
Completed in 1998, our Community Life Center (later renamed the John Allen Gym) has become a regular hub of activity, hosting many church and community events throughout the year. Besides a gymnasium and full kitchen, this space includes several of our classrooms.
In 1960, when Bob McPherson was pastor, a new sanctuary was completed on the grounds adjacent to the tabernacle and the sanctuary space in the enclosed tabernacle was remodeled into educational space. The front of this new, modern sanctuary was known for its stained glass with a modern storefront construction.
Joe Griffin was pastor from 1961 to 1981. During that time, North Side enjoyed consistent growth and ministry, and again expanded its facility. A new educational building with offices, a choir suite, and upstairs classrooms was built during Pastor Griffin’s tenure. In addition, a chapel, fellowship hall, and kitchen, as well as several additional classrooms were constructed within the tabernacle building (this would later become our current Fellowship Hall and Chapel).
Another key remodeling project was completed in 1989 after Don Emmitte became pastor. This included completely refurbishing the existing sanctuary and adding beautiful woodwork details. The church’s new focal point became a 75-foot white cross which could be seen from many locations around Weatherford.
Completed in 1998, our Community Life Center (later renamed the John Allen Gym) has become a regular hub of activity, hosting many church and community events throughout the year. Besides a gymnasium and full kitchen, this space includes several of our classrooms.
Milestones
Van N. Houser became our senior pastor in 1998, and under his leadership the church continued to grow both outwardly and inwardly. In 2005, we launched a strategic initiative to integrate budget giving with contributions to our building fund—expanding our facilities without losing ministry focus. Plans included a new Worship Center, a new Children’s Building, and renovations across the campus. The first step was expanding the sanctuary foyer with new restrooms and gathering space in 2005.
Recognizing the growing needs of young families, we began with the Children’s Building, breaking ground on July 15, 2007. Just over a year later, on August 17, 2008, the new building was dedicated to reaching generations of children with the gospel. Following the dedication service in the Children’s Theater, the congregation gathered in the gym to break ground for the new Worship Center.
On May 2, 2010, we dedicated our current Worship Center and soon after began remodeling the former sanctuary into the Church Office, High School Room, Middle School Room, and adult classrooms. These spaces became vital for ministry growth, with worship attendance increasing and many new families joining our mission to serve Parker County.
In 2015, North Side was named one of the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in America, following a church-wide study that spring. In the years that followed, new staff joined our team, our community and school district involvement deepened, and we adapted through the challenges of the 2020–21 pandemic. Our digital ministry expanded, including the addition of a video studio in the former library.
Today, North Side continues to grow and offer ministries for every age and stage of life: inspirational worship services, Bible studies for all ages, a vibrant and diversified worship ministry, weekday preschool, active senior adult ministry, children’s and student ministries, and a variety of adult Bible studies and support groups.
This wide reach has earned us the name “A Church for Every Generation”—a fitting description for a congregation that has served this community for over 125 years as we lead every generation toward a fully-formed life with Jesus.
We’re grateful you are part of our story. This is an exciting time to be part of the history of North Side!
Recognizing the growing needs of young families, we began with the Children’s Building, breaking ground on July 15, 2007. Just over a year later, on August 17, 2008, the new building was dedicated to reaching generations of children with the gospel. Following the dedication service in the Children’s Theater, the congregation gathered in the gym to break ground for the new Worship Center.
On May 2, 2010, we dedicated our current Worship Center and soon after began remodeling the former sanctuary into the Church Office, High School Room, Middle School Room, and adult classrooms. These spaces became vital for ministry growth, with worship attendance increasing and many new families joining our mission to serve Parker County.
In 2015, North Side was named one of the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in America, following a church-wide study that spring. In the years that followed, new staff joined our team, our community and school district involvement deepened, and we adapted through the challenges of the 2020–21 pandemic. Our digital ministry expanded, including the addition of a video studio in the former library.
Today, North Side continues to grow and offer ministries for every age and stage of life: inspirational worship services, Bible studies for all ages, a vibrant and diversified worship ministry, weekday preschool, active senior adult ministry, children’s and student ministries, and a variety of adult Bible studies and support groups.
This wide reach has earned us the name “A Church for Every Generation”—a fitting description for a congregation that has served this community for over 125 years as we lead every generation toward a fully-formed life with Jesus.
We’re grateful you are part of our story. This is an exciting time to be part of the history of North Side!
