10250 North Freeway @ West Road
Houston, Texas 77037
Tel: (281) 447-8484

The History of Berean Baptist Church

1937 - Present

On Memorial Day, 1937, Berean Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, became a reality. Under the leadership of Dr. Louis Entzminger, who was sent out by the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas to start an independent Baptist Church in Houston, a small band of believers began meeting in the Carpenter's Union Hall. From there they moved to a small building on Waugh Drive; and then to 1031 East 11th Street, where under the able leadership of Pastor H. Frank Fort, the Church grew to almost 1,000 in regular Sunday attendance by the late fifties. Brother Fort came to Berean about one year after its start, and continued as pastor until his death in 1963.

At Brother Fort's death, the Church went through several years of very troubled times. During the next 13 years, the Church shrank to just over 300 in regular Sunday attendance. Although, even during these troubled times, the seeds of renewal were being sown. In 1972, the Church moved to its current 10 acre location on the North Freeway at West Road. Pastor Lester Hutson, in 1976, followed pastors Kenneth Connally, Richard Fry, and Lewis McGarity to Berean.

In its new location, the Church regained its former heritage of spiritual prosperity and true Christian contribution to the spiritual welfare of men. Sunday attendance averages between 350 and 400 and the Church is involved in dozens of far reaching ministries. More than $100,000.00 annually goes into its world-wide Missions Ministry. Berean has established churches in Mexico and several places in Texas. She has planted several churches in the Houston area, the latest being South County Baptist Church. Her goal is to plant a new church in the Houston area at least once every three years. Through her printing ministry, materials are distributed around the world. Many of the titles have been translated into other languages.

"Berean" comes from Acts 17:10. The believers in the ancient Bible city of Berea were noted for their careful commitment to scripture, and personal examination there of. The people of that city were called "Bereans." Berean Baptist Church in Houston was established on that commitment to the Bible, and has maintained it through all her years. The Church is very orthodox, yet very progressive.

Worship at Berean is characterized by a spirit of warmth, liberty and excitement; yet reverence. The Church was established as an independent Baptist Church, and has never been a part of any organization of churches.

There is an humble gratitude among the people of Berean for the privilege of serving God in this community, city, and state for so many years. We know that Berean is His Church and we are so happy that He has allowed us to be His tools in this place. The people of this Church believe the best is yet to come with the prospects of prosperity, opportunity, and service brighter than ever before.

"It Does Make A Difference What You Believe"