Beginners Baptist Church History
Beginners Baptist Church was founded in March of 1970, and established in July of 1970 under the leadership of the late Pastor L. B. Bartley Sr. The original meeting location for the church was 3800 Dixon at Bourquin in Dallas, Texas.
The Pastor and members went into the homes of the community with witnessing and praying, thus, the membership began to grow. The choirs, usher board, deacons, deaconesses, brotherhood, youth, and missionary society departments were organized and each department grew. Due to the growth of each department, it became necessary for the pastor and deacons to find a suitable location to accommodate the increased membership.
In April of 1973, the church relocated to 3726 Hancock Street in Dallas. It was then a duplex. The church occupied only one side of the building. God constantly added to the membership and as time passed, the building was expanded to utilize the full structure. This expansion allowed space for the sanctuary, the pastor's study, and a classroom. Additionally, a church van was purchased. The membership increased to more than 150 individuals. The members prayed faithfully for a new site that would provide a comfortable dwelling space for the current membership and its future membership growth.
In April of 1983, Reverend Kenneth D. Pace was called to assist in the ministry of Beginners Missionary Baptist Church. At the time of his calling, Reverend Pace was an associate minister at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church. He gladly accepted the position of associate minister at Beginners and was eager to work with Pastor Bartley, the church members, and the community to provide teaching, preaching and ministering at Beginners Baptist Church.
In July of 1983, Pastor L. B. Bartley passed away and Reverend Kenneth D. Pace was called to become the Pastor of Beginners Baptist Church in September of 1983. Since 1983, Pastor Pace has continued teaching, training and witnessing for God. The membership has continued to grow to over 300 members. The church began to support the Bethlehem Foundation in its community efforts by giving its Second Sunday charity offering to this foundation.
Under the leadership of Pastor Pace, the church purchased seven lots in the same community for a new facility. In September of 1995, the church celebrated with a Ground Breaking ceremony for our current site, 3610 Hancock Street in Dallas, Texas.
On October 6, 1996, the Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held as the members, family, and friends praised God for this blessing. A parade was organized by Beginners Baptist Church beginning at the former facility and ending at the new facility. The church body marched into the new sanctuary for the Entrance ceremony. There were three worship services, 8:00am Sunrise Service (Pastor E. D. Ingram, Pastor of First mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleburne, Texas), an 11:00am Worship Service (Pastor Kenneth D. Pace), and concluded with a 3:30pm Afternoon Service (Pastor Aaron Phillips, Denley Drive Baptist Church). During the first year at the new facility, more than 70 people dedicated their lives to Christ!
Our church motto is based on II Peter 3:18 and states “Come Grow With Us”. Dr. Kenneth D. Pace and the Beginners church family continue to teach and reach many souls as well as lead them to a better life in Christ. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.