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Baptist Temple Church in the Heights

Established in 1908, Baptist Temple has rich history of worship, fellowship, spiritual formation, ministry, and missions. Located in the Historic Houston Heights, we are a church that seeks to share God’s love with our neighborhood and the surrounding communities. At Baptist Temple, you will find a warm welcome and a genuine concern for you and for others.

In 1908 Judge T.M. Kennerly and Rev. Frederick F. Huhns discussed the need for a church in the Houston Heights. These two men led a meeting in a hall above Simon Lewis’ store at 403 West 19th Street on May 31, 1908. At that meeting, nineteen people agreed to organize Baptist Temple, and Rev. Huhns was called to be the church’s first pastor. The congregation continued to meet in this space for the next five years.

In 1911, the church began work on its first building at the corner of 20th and Rutland on a plot of land donated by the Houston Heights Company. Baptist Temple has remained in this location ever since.

In 1927, T.C. Jester became the church’s fourth pastor. Dr. Jester was recognized as a leader in both denominational and civic affairs. Under his leadership, Baptist Temple became one of the leading churches in Houston, and most of our present church buildings were either built or remodeled during his tenure.

Over the next 75 years, Baptist Temple prospered under a series of remarkable pastors. The church experienced growth and added new facilities as well as new mission and ministry projects. Today, led by Pastor Kelly Burkhart, Baptist Temple continues to build upon its legacy of faith, fellowship, and service. We are careful to acknowledge our remarkable past, but we also have a clear vision of God’s purpose for the next century.