General Info:
In 1997, a residence on about one acre was located on the north side of Howard Lane about two blocks west of I 35 (1506 West Howard Lane) in Wells Branch. The site had about 30 pecan trees with a wood framed residence. The two bedrooms on the east end were converted into the lobby and a cry room, and the garage, living and dining rooms on the west end were converted into an auditorium that seated approximately 90. The owners had built a den on the north side that served the church as an eating area. The kitchen was retained, a womens restroom was added in the third bedroom, and a new deck was added at the entry. Since the church is outside the city limits, no building permits were required. However, all changes to the impervious cover had be approved by the City. They approved a pervious concrete parking lot on the north side of the property as an experimental material without requiring a detention pond. In 2008 a new roof structure was added to provide a much steeper roof pitch with a metal roof that made the building appear more like a church. The church began on Howard Lane with about 25 members, most who had been with the congregation for years; some drove long distances to continue to be members since there is a great sense of community and loyalty. In recent years the church has grown rapidly, and the attendance each Sunday ranges from 50 to 85 or more. The church had architects and engineers prepare construction documents to include additional parking, remodeled restrooms, and a new auditorium on the east end that would utilize the current lobby and restrooms. The City required a water detention pond to accommodate the increased impervious cover. Mike Robertson, an elder, served as the general contractor. The first services were held Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, 2016, with Paul Collins as the speaker. The former auditorium is used for gatherings and dining, and a baptistery was installed on the west end. The church functions with several lay ministers who draw no salary, and there are no salaried employees. The church contributions are used to support mission work in South Africa and the Philippines, local evangelistic efforts, assistance to needy members, and construction and maintenance of the church plant. The church has three elders (David Fowler, Lin Fowler, and Mike Robertson) and one deacon (Steve Walker). There is an excellent rapport among the members, and many of them enjoy a pot luck lunch together each Sunday at the building. There are many young people and young families who attend regularly that should ensure a long and successful continuation of the congregation.