Baywood Church traces its roots back to 1898 when, under the leadership of Mr. O.J. Owen, a small group of devoted Christians began gathering for Sunday School and prayer meetings in an upstairs room above the McKethan Drug Store in downtown Fayetteville, across from the historic Market House. Though humble in beginning, this small fellowship was founded on a deep commitment to prayer, worship, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Around 1903, after the McKethan property was sold, the congregation purchased land at the corner of Person and Broad Streets. The property included a small building formerly used for the Campbellton Sunday School, which became the first Pentecostal Holiness Church in Fayetteville. Early trustees included O.J. Owen, R.B. Humphreys, and Murdock Maxwell, while charter members included Mr. and Mrs. Ed Britt, Mr. and Mrs. Murdock Maxwell, and Mrs. Mary Jones.
As the church continued to grow, the original structure was replaced in 1919 with a new wooden sanctuary. Over the years, additional buildings and ministries were added to accommodate a flourishing congregation. A new brick sanctuary was completed in 1952, followed by educational facilities, fellowship spaces, and parsonages that supported both ministry and community outreach.
The church also played a significant role in denominational leadership and ministry development. In 1944, Mrs. Lila Berry organized the first Woman’s Auxiliary in the Pentecostal Holiness denomination while her husband, Rev. J.W. Berry, served as pastor. Through the years, many members served in conference and denominational leadership positions, while others answered the call into ministry and missions.
Throughout its history, the church became known not only for faithful preaching and worship, but also for the strong Christian testimony of its members within the Fayetteville community. Families were transformed, generations remained connected to the church, and countless lives were impacted through ministry, discipleship, and evangelism.
In 1973, former pastor Rev. J. Floyd Williams was elected General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. During his earlier pastorate, his wife Jean Williams began the Junior Lifeline Program in the church, which later expanded throughout the North Carolina Conference and the denomination.
By the early 1990s, church leadership recognized the need for relocation and future growth. In September 1992, the congregation voted to relocate, and in 1993 the church purchased ten acres at the intersection of Baywood and Murphy Roads. After selling the historic Person Street property in 1994, the congregation temporarily worshiped at the Howard Johnson Convention Center while midweek services were held in members’ homes.
On June 8, 1994, the church officially adopted the name Baywood Pentecostal Holiness Church and was incorporated by the State of North Carolina later that year. Construction of the new sanctuary began in 1995, and on August 27, 1995, the first worship service was held in the new facility. The church dedication service followed on October 22, 1995.
From its beginning as a small prayer gathering in downtown Fayetteville to becoming a vibrant and growing church in the Baywood community, God’s faithfulness has remained constant. What began with a handful of believers has continued through generations of pastors, leaders, families, and faithful members who helped shape the church’s legacy.
Today, Baywood Church continues to build upon that rich heritage with a commitment to worship, discipleship, evangelism, and serving the community. As we look toward the future, we remain grateful for the foundation laid by those who came before us and committed to continuing the mission God has placed before this church — all to His glory.
