#you count,
we care

     This church was organized in 1867 in Springfield, Missouri, originally meeting in a building on the southwest corner of Park Central Square.

     In 1872, in conjunction with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a frame structure was built at the corner of Benton Avenue and Water Street, where worship was held for several years.

    In 1884, a lot was purchased at 729 North Washington Avenue, and a brick house of worship was erected. In 1892, an annex was added with a cornerstone. Rev. Steven Frost was the first pastor of this church, known as Second Baptist Church.

    In 1904, the church built a new structure at 729 North Washington Avenue and took the name Washington Avenue Baptist Church. The cornerstone from the former building was placed upside down in the southwest corner of the building.

    Tragedy visited the church on two separate occasions. On Thanksgiving morning, November 30, 1911, fire destroyed the pews, windows, two organs, and most of the pastor’s library. The building was rebuilt, and the pews and windows were duplicated. On February 9, 1984, an arsonist set fire to the church’s annex.

    The congregation moved into its new church home at 1722 North National Avenue on October 8, 2000, debt-free! With the purchase of the new house of worship, the historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church building was restored, preserved, and relocated one block to the north by Drury University. It is currently used as a Diversity Center for the university and community.

    Since moving into this edifice on North National, remodeling and beautification of the sanctuary and grounds were completed, and the name of the church was changed to Turning Point Church in 2014, denoting the opportunity for a turning point in the lives of those who meet Christ here.

    While the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure of churches and businesses around the nation, resulting in a massive loss of life, our church continued to thrive​ by the grace of God, adding new ministries and creating a new Board of Trustees. On Sunday, March 21, 2023, members voted to officially return the church's name to Washington Avenue Baptist Church. That same year, WABC was blessed with a new LED sign.

    Today, under the leadership of Pastor Terrence J. Tate, Washington Avenue Baptist Church continues to seek new ways of serving the Springfield community, meeting people where they are and practicing the motto of "You Count, We Care!