Berea Baptist Church

In April 1980, Sister Lillian Dorsey, the Church mother, met with three (3) ministers, eight (8) deacons and forty-five (45) Christian friends to discuss the organization of a church that would be a true witness for Christ and with a fellowship that would be on one accord. On April 9, 1980, the congregation was inspired by reference scripture Acts 17:10-15, thus the name Berea Baptist Church was chosen. On that sunshiny Easter Sunday, the first worship service was held at the Heritage Club House, located at 3340 Lookout Drive in Forest Hill, Texas. Reverend Gaylon Foreman, acting as interim pastor, delivered a powerful message. Reverend Hoise Bell became the pastor of Berea Baptist Church on September 3, 1980. Through his leadership and God’s blessings, we purchased a building at 3629 Knox Street in Fort Worth, Texas. On August 6, 1984, the Woodland Heights Baptist Church at 6901 Forest Hill Drive in Forest Hill, Texas was purchased. This edifice now serves as our present home. The church occupancy can hold up to 650 members; the facility has 10 classrooms and kitchen facilities. November 5, 2006, Pastor Hoise Bell announced his retirement to the congregation as Pastor of Berea Baptist Church being effective December 31, 2006, thereby becoming Pastor Emeritus. From January 2007 to August 2008, Reverend Joseph Williams, III, Reverend Robert McClish, Reverend Larry C. Rhea, Reverend Charles Smith, and Reverend Oscar Stewart served as Interim Pastors. August 2008, Reverend Charles Smith was named the second Pastor of Berea Baptist Church. The Reverend Kedric L. McKnight was called as Pastor June 2013. Reverend Gary D. Jones was called as Senior Pastor May 2015.