Our History

In August of 1961, five families began meeting in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Billy R Sowders with the intentions of beginning a Southern Baptist Church. The early services were simple, but were marked by deep prayer, strong conviction, and evangelistic zeal. On October 26, 1961, thirty-eight people gathered for an official organizational service. At this worship service, Maudine and Claudine Parrish sang special music, the charter members signed the church resolution, and Reverend Bert O’ Banion was called as the first pastor of the church. This was the beginning of Northside Baptist Church of Highlands, Texas. O’Banion lead the church from 1961 to 1970. A time which was marked by growth that necessitated movement. The church outgrew the Sowders residence and moved to a larger residence located at Pineview and Crosby-Lynchburg Road, then to a third location on Harris Road, before finally arriving at the current location. The sanctuary and adjacent building were completed in 1969.

In 1970, the church called the Reverend Coy Lively as pastor. He served the church from February 1970 to March 1971. Following Reverend Lively’s pastorate, the church called Reverend Dewey Thomas Harrison. During “Bother Tommy’s” time as pastor the church grew numerically through evangelism and outreach, and they were able to add an extension behind the church, providing what is now the fellowship hall, library, and classrooms.

In 1981, the church called Reverend Billy Joe Tate as pastor. During his pastorate, the church was able to replace the roof and change the design from flat to sloped. Tate served as pastor until 1988. In 1989, Reverend Jerry Young was called as pastor. Bro. Young served until 1991.

In 1991, the church called Reverend David R. Brumbelow. During Brumbelow’s pastorate, the church extended the parking lot and added signage on Barbers Hill Rd and Main Street. The church also remodeled the nursery in 2018. Brumbelow also served as the San Jacinto Baptist Association BSU director, keeping Northside connected to evangelism and mission to Lee Community College. “Brother David” faithfully served Northside for 29 years until his retirement in May of 2020.

In June of 2020 the church called Reverend Jared Lee as pastor. During Bro Jared's tenure, the church added small groups during the week and a Sunday morning student ministry. The offices, kids worship area, sanctuary,  septic system and the fellowship hall were all renovated during this time. Jared served until September of 2024. 

In April of 2025, Northisde called Reverend Nathan Yates as pastor. Under Bro. Nathan's leadership we have been in our neighborhoods and have brought back Vacation Bible School. The windows in the offices were replaced in 2025 and a new playground has been constructed.

A Brief History of Northside Baptist Church 317 Barbers Hill Rd

From the beginning, Northside Baptist Church has been affiliated with the San Jacinto Baptist Association, The Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2001, Northside elected to join to Southern Baptist of Texas Convention and adopted the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as the doctrinal statement of the church.

There have been numerous deacons that have served Northside throughout the 59-year history. Some of them are: C. H. Stewart, J. T Parrish, James I Selkirk, John Thomas, James Bradford, Oswall Harman, Larry David, Jack Cone, James Cain,  Kenneth Stanley, Steven Lee, and Troy King. There has also been a number of various ministers serving in support roles. John Jones was appointed associate pastor from 1979-1983. James Kingsmill and Jeff Copeland served as Youth minster. Peggy Fisher, Nita Ford, and currently Karen Bascom have served the church as Pianist. Domingo Castillo led the Church’s Spanish speaking ministry for more than 10 years. Gene Littlejohn retired as Music Minister in 2021 after 32 years of faithful service. In 2022 the Church called Sonny Rowlett to be the music minister and in 2025 Dannielle Yates was brought on as Children's Minister. 

The primary task of Northside has always been evangelism and reaching our neighbors for Christ. To achieve this effort, the church has been involved in two church plants throughout its history. Community Baptist of Indian Shores and Whispering Meadows Baptist Church in Dayton. Northside has also been recognized by the local and state conventions several times throughout its history for missions giving, outstanding Music, W.M.U, and evangelism.