At 1220 S. 49th St., at 49th and Avenue M in Temple, Texas, Heights Baptist Church is known for an intergenerational Sunday rhythm and a history of mission work stretching back to 1947. Bible study begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by blended worship at 11:00 a.m., while ministries extend from children six weeks old to adults age 55 and older. Heights members have also carried mission work to five of the world's seven continents.
A Sunday at Heights: 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School is a time of Bible study and fellowship, with classes for every age group. The church asks families to consider life stage when choosing a class rather than treating the listed age as an absolute. Children from birth through kindergarten participate in age-grouped Bible study with caring adults, hands-on lessons and teaching about Christ. After Sunday School, Children's Church welcomes children from 2 years old through kindergarten for learning centers, crafts and lessons about Jesus.
The 11:00 a.m. service is intentionally blended, combining older and newer worship to reach multiple generations. The congregation is intergenerational and welcomes people from all walks of life. The service is streamed live on Facebook each Sunday, and recordings are shared later in the week.
The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The office telephone is (254) 773-6615 and the general email is hbc.officeheights@gmail.com.
From a Southwest Temple Mission to Heights Baptist Church
Heights began in October 1947 when a few people in Southwest Temple felt the need for mission work and met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Travis (Ednah) Evetts. The mission was sponsored by Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev. George Brown serving as pastor. Rev. Clay Burns later pastored the mission, which began with 19 members in Sunday School. By May 1948, two lots had been purchased and the Brotherhood men of Memorial had built a one-room building.
The work continued as Temple Heights Baptist Mission and became Heights Baptist Church on August 7, 1949, with approximately 51 members.
Pastors who have led Heights
- Rev. E. E. Wheeless, 1953-1956
- Fred W. King, 1956-1959
- Dr. Leroy Kemp, 1959-1964
- Rev. W. H. Causey, 1964-1977
- Rev. Richard Deteau, 1978-1983
- Rev. Tom Satterwhite, 1985-1990
- Dr. Tom Henderson, 1991-2006
- Bro. Billy Koinm, 2007-2023
- Dr. John D. Carl, current pastor
Across those years, Heights has baptized new converts, and at least 13 young men and five young ladies have entered special ministry for Christ. The church's continuing prayer is to "Stand Firm in the Faith" while reaching a lost and dying world with the life and light of Jesus Christ.
Grace, Faith and the Mission That Defines Heights
Heights follows the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message and cooperates with the Bell Baptist Association, Texas Baptists and the Southern Baptist Convention. Its mission is to "exalt the Savior in worship, enable believers in maturity, ministry, and missions, and evangelize non-believers to a personal relationship with Jesus."
The church explains salvation through several commitments: acknowledging sin and repenting; believing that God raised Jesus and trusting Christ to pay the full penalty for sin; confessing Jesus as Lord and God and surrendering control of life to him; and receiving salvation as God's free gift by grace through faith rather than works. Romans 3, 5, 6 and 10, Ephesians 2, and Titus 3 provide biblical support for these commitments. People preparing to join Heights can take a new member class.
Children, Students and the Next Generation
Childcare is provided during major church events and fellowships for children six weeks through four years old. The nursery is staffed by people committed to serving young children and offering a safe, engaging environment. The wider children's schedule includes CIA (Children in Action) on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 6:25 p.m. for kindergarten through sixth grade. TeamKID follows from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is one of the church's growing ministries. Children through sixth grade are welcome at both gatherings.
Vacation Bible School is held for one week each summer for children two years old through sixth grade. Its week includes Bible stories, crafts, music and recreation, with the aim of reaching and teaching children about Christ. Preteens in grades five and six gather at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday under the name "Jesus Freaks." Preteens in grades three through six also attend preteen camp each summer.
The youth ministry serves grades seven through 12. Its stated aim is to draw teenagers closer to the Lord and one another through methods relevant to teenagers, while helping them model belief in speech, life, love, faith and purity. The youth ministry combines spiritual goals with fun in its gatherings.
College and Beyond reaches students in college, working college-age adults, graduates who are working and people pursuing another degree. A free Sunday night meal begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by group Bible study at about 7:00 p.m.
Adults and Senior Saints Finding Places to Serve
Senior Saints is for adults 55 and older. The group gathers on the second Tuesday of each month for a potluck meal and a program, with guests who entertain, share stories or teach about issues important to seniors. A game night follows on the last Friday of the month at 6:00 p.m.; participants bring a game or join one already underway.
The Golden Heights Choir has served at Heights for more than 37 years. Members age 55 and older volunteer weekly to perform at 20 nursing centers and other churches. The Baptist Men of Heights teach missions, take part in mission work, lead special projects and oversee mission organization for school-age boys. Their activities include Baptist Men's Day, camping trips, preparing and serving the annual widows and widowers luncheon, serving people in need and helping with church committees and community projects.
The Women's Missionary Union teaches about missions and organizes special mission projects, meeting at 3:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Sew-N-Love meets at 1:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday in the Fellowship Hall to make projects for people in need. Women's Bible studies are offered periodically with video-driven lessons such as Beth Moore's curriculum. Scrapbooking meets from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the first and third Mondays.
Heights also has a long church-softball tradition and plays basketball. Sports ministry provides opportunities for the men of the congregation to compete, spend time together and build community.
Recovery, Resources and Shoes for Temple Families
Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The program is intended for people dealing with hurts, habits or "hang-ups," and presents Jesus' love through the recovery process. A meal is available at 5:30 p.m. on a donation basis, with the menu changing each week.
CTLC, Churches Touching Lives for Christ, operates at 702 W. Avenue G in Temple. Its needs include sheets, towels, tableware, pots, pans, dishes, canned fruit, soup, corn, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, green beans and dry goods, along with used pew Bibles. Volunteers are especially needed Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Donation hours are Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Fellowship Hall at Heights is another donation location. Once each month, a group prepares meals for Feed My Sheep and serves lunch at Feed My Sheep.
First Blessing Shoe Ministry provides free new shoes to children and teens in the community. Each year, children from infants and toddlers through their senior year of high school are invited to receive a pair at no cost to their families. Heights partners with First Blessing, founded by Glenn and Deborah Lackey, to host the shoe ministry. For Heights, the distribution is a practical way to serve families, build relationships and share the love of Christ.
Giving That Supports Physical and Spiritual Needs
Heights has made online giving available as a practical way for people to participate in the church's work. Contributions help meet physical and spiritual needs around the church, and giving through CloverGive is available. The general office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Ministers Leading Heights
Dr. John D. Carl is pastor. Originally from Virginia, he moved to Texas in 1980 and spent 17 years as senior pastor in Garland before joining Heights. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Hardin-Simmons University, an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary, and a D.Min. in Pastoral Leadership from Southwestern Seminary. He also pursued doctoral study in Hebrew Bible at Baylor University.
Music Minister Tim Kemp is a Central Texas native with more than 40 years in music ministry. He earned a Master of Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993 and works to bring people together in praise to God. Lauren serves as Minister of Students. She graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in Christian Studies and is pursuing graduate study in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University.
Their roles reflect Heights' emphasis on intergenerational worship: teaching the faith, caring for students and families, helping people serve and making room for music and praise.
A Continuing Temple Mission
Heights remains an intergenerational Baptist church in Temple with a blended Sunday service, age-specific Bible study and a wide network of ministries. Its work ranges from children's lessons and student gatherings to senior fellowship, recovery, meals, donation collection and free shoes for local families. At the center is the church's mission: to exalt the Savior in worship, enable believers in maturity, ministry and missions, and evangelize non-believers to a personal relationship with Jesus.