Member testimony: “I visited many churches in Fort Worth before deciding to join Gambrell Street Baptist Church. Here I found friendly people who love the Lord and genuinely cared for me and my family. The worship service is not a show; it is authentic and respectful of our Lord. I’ve learned a lot about the Bible and my walk with the Lord as part of this wonderful group of Christians.”
Our church’s history spans over 110 years of ministry in Fort Worth and around the world. Together, we listen to God for an understanding of His will, giving heart, mind, soul, and strength to serve the King of Kings.
Pastor
spivey@gambrellstreet.org
The church began on November 14, 1915, as Seminary Hill Baptist Church, and from that day forward has sought to love God and to love people. Are you looking for a church where your whole family can learn more about the Lord? Gambrell Street Baptist Church is a teaching church with lots of friendly people and great teachers. Our worship services are traditional and authentic. Members are an important part of our worship. TThey participate in congregational singing,
in our choir and handbells, reading scripture and leading in prayer.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, the right hand of the throne of God.
Inaugural meeting of Seminary Hill Baptist Church with 52 charter members
First officers and deacons elected
First Pastor called (W. T. Conner)
Membership in Tarrant Baptist Association
Membership in Southern Baptist Convention
Establishment of church’s first mission, Bolt Steel Works on Hemphill St.
Second pastor called (L. M. Sipes)
Church library established with 425 volumes
Barracks obtained by SWBTS from Camp Bowie for temporary use of seminary and the church
Church purchased 4 lots from SWBTS fronting Gambrell Street
WMU and auxiliaries began to flourish under leadership of Mrs. B. A. Copass
Church held the first Vacation Bible School west of the Mississippi
Third pastor called (Albert Venting)
First indication of a building fund being established
SWBTS gave to the church 3 lots facing Beddell Street making the church property a full half block
Building committee was authorized to engage services of architect and a 3-year campaign was opened
Fourth pastor called (H. G. Williams)
Six room parsonage built on Gambrell east of the church’s property
Cowden Hall completed at SWBTS
Barracks given to Seminary Hill Church and were moved to church’s property with front facing James Street
Baptistry added; organ and piano purchased; orchestra started Membership reached 670
Name of Seminary Hill Baptist Church changed to Gambrell Street Baptist Church
Interim Pastor stayed for 5 years (Jeff Ray)
Church felt impact of the stock market crash and great depression but managed to survive
Sixth pastor called (Perry F. Squyers)
Seventh pastor called (M. M. Barnett)
Economy began to improve Enthusiasm once again began to arise over collecting funds for a new building
which were eventually used for repairs to old building
Eighth pastor called (J. M. Baldwin)
Once again, a building fund established and plans committee put into place
Church had raised nearly enough money to begin building new auditorium
Pearl Harbor happened and War Production Board placed restrictions on new construction; church once again postponed building plans
Membership and monetary gifts dropped due to war
Ninth pastor called (Bernes Selph); encouraged church to continue to save and plan for building in spite of discouragement of the depression
In March, Gambrell Street Baptist Church broke ground for the new sanctuary on the corner of Gambrett Street and James Avenue
Inauguration of Gambrell Street’s new auditorium
Tenth pastor called (Arthur Travis)
Membership reached 965
A portion of old barracks (the Shack) was torn down, and building of a new educational building was begun
New educational building was dedicated
For unknown reason, a halt to growth spurt; Sunday School began to decline
All church staff left at the same time Dr. Travis left
Church called eleventh pastor (Joe Boles)
Gambrell Street Baptist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary
Church presented 50th anniversary pageant (“By My Spirit”) written by Floy Bernard
Church called twelfth pastor (Glenn Edwards)
Teen Center started at Rosemont School
First black dormitory residents from SWBTS became members; joined choir
Church called thirteenth pastor (Lloyd Elder)
First local African American family joined
Spanish mission started
Japanese mission started
Friendship Club for seniors started
Well-baby clinic started
Family ministries program begun
Teen Center continued
The Shack was completely torn down and the education space was remodeled
Sanctuary renovated including the addition of the balcony and pew cushions
Church called fourteenth pastor (Joel Gregory)
Resident membership of 983 with over 500 in Sunday School
Membership grew to 1200
Parking lots around the church paved
House-church ministry was launched beginning with Fellowship House Church
Influx of Laotian refugees led to new mission
Church voted to build 3-story addition to Thornton Hall 65th anniversary celebrated
Resident membership of 1594 with over 1000 in Sunday School
Associate Pastor position added to staff (Bob Beck)
New educational building dedicated and named Maston Hall in honor of
T. B. Maston and Bessie Mae Maston.
Church called fifteenth pastor (John “Jack” Patterson)
Extensive house-church program under way
Aggressive program of ethnic ministries with Japanese, Laotian, Hispanic, and Chinese
Church adopted its first Constitution and Bylaws
Expanded group of Committees and Service Groups put into place
Templo Bautista Emmanuel, an African Mission, was started
Japanese mission constructed its own facility near the main church
Cambodian ministry begun for refugees
Church called sixteenth pastor (Frank Page)
Willow Creek mission established
First Chinese Baptist Church constituted
Church had 5 mission churches, 6 house churches, 10 apartment missions, 2 foreign language missions, and 3 retirement home ministries
Seventy-fifth anniversary celebrated
Church called seventeenth pastor (Clyde Glazener)
Fundamentalist movement in Southern Baptist Convention affected relationship between Gambrell Street and the Seminary Membership declined
Note for building Maston Hall was burned
Maston Hall was refurbished with new carpet and paint Kitchen completely remodeled
Church’s first elevator was installed
Auditorium was completely remodeled
Church offices remodeled
Roof leaks repaired
Pre-school and children’s area updated
Spanish mission, Genesis, was begun
Gambrell’s pastor with longest term of 21 years retired from ministry
Interim Pastor called and after a year agreed to remain as permanent interim (Jim Spivey)
Church completely staffed by interims and part-time personnel
Effort to reach out to seminary students again put into place
Minister of Pastoral Ministry put into place
Thornton Hall reopened and renovated for Genesis mission
Gambrell’s 100th anniversary celebrated with year-long events
Anniversary hymn written and commissioned.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
God loves each and every man, woman, and child. In fact, He has given Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus has provided the only way for us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. We could never earn our way to heaven by our own actions. Instead we must place our faith in Jesus.
Have you ever come to the place in your life where you know for certain that if you die, you will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven?
You can have that assurance. The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Sincerely pray the following prayer as the first step in your Christian walk:
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner and do not deserve to be with you in heaven. Thank you for loving me and dying on the cross to save me from my sins. I accept you as the Lord and Savior of my life. Help me turn away from my sin and to follow you! Amen.
If you prayed this or a similar prayer or have questions concerning becoming a Christian, please call Gambrell Street Baptist Church at (817-926-1785). We would like to speak with you.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Bible Study of all ages
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In Sanctuary - Sundays
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
In Maston Hall - Sundays
Jim and Beverly have been at Gambrell since 2013. Before that, he was a Professor of Christian heritage at Carroll Institute. He directed the Marsh Center for Chaplain Studies, the Doctor of Ministry program, and coursework for students in Russia and China. Before then, he taught at Southwestern Seminary and was dean of its Houston campus. Jim is from an Army family with roots in Alabama, where he and Beverly married after finishing Auburn University. After serving in the Army artillery in Turkey and Oklahoma, Jim entered the ministry and studied at Southwestern Seminary and Oxford University. As an Army chaplain, he ministered in Texas, Oklahoma, the First Gulf War, and at the Pentagon. After 9-11, he helped to direct the Family Assistance Center for families of the Pentagon victims. Beverly is a music educator. She has taught at public and private schools in Oklahoma and England, and Jewish and Catholic schools in Fort Worth. After their first pastorate in England, they returned to Texas, where Jim was interim pastor of several churches before coming to Gambrell Street. Their daughter, Jennifer, is a music therapist and counselor at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. As Christ-followers from an early age, they feel God has called them as a team to share His Good News with all who will listen and to disciple anyone who follows Him. Beverly’s life-verse is Psalm 4:8: “I will both lie down and sleep in peace because you alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” Jim’s is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
Zechariah serves as our Pastoral Care Minister at Gambrell Street Baptist Church, where he faithfully supports individuals and families through every season of life. With a heart for compassion and a gift for spiritual guidance, he walks alongside our members during moments of joy, difficulty, transition, and healing.
He oversees prayer support, hospital visits, counseling referrals, and congregational care programs—ensuring that every person in our church feels seen, valued, and cared for in Christ’s love.
Larry Parker serves as our Administrative Financial Assistant at Gambrell Street Baptist Church. He supports the church’s financial operations by managing records, assisting with budgeting, processing contributions, and ensuring accurate and organized administrative workflows. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence help keep our ministry running smoothly.
Dwayne and Linda Merritt serve as the Building Supervisors at Gambrell Street Baptist Church, faithfully overseeing the care, cleanliness, and maintenance of all church facilities. Their commitment ensures that every ministry, event, and gathering takes place in a safe, welcoming, and well-prepared environment.
Together, they work behind the scenes with dedication and excellence, helping make GSBC a place where people can worship, learn, and fellowship comfortably.
Clyde Glazener serves as Pastor Emeritus of Gambrell Street Baptist Church, a title that reflects his faithful leadership, long-standing dedication, and lasting impact on our church family. His years of pastoral service continue to influence and inspire our congregation, and we honor his wisdom, humility, and devotion to God’s work.
A native of Liberty, Mississippi, Ben Caston is a graduate of William Carey University (1996) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Music (1998) and Doctor of Musical Arts (2005), each with an emphasis in church music and voice. He has completed additional graduate coursework in choral conducting through Westminster Choir College and is a Distinguished Voice Professional through the New York Singing Teachers’ Association. Caston serves as Professor of Voice and Chair of the Performance and Pedagogy Division at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His oratorio performance experience includes Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, Mozart’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Schubert’s Mass in G, Handel’s Messiah, Honneger’s King David, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, Teichler’s The Good Samaritan, and Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music with various choral societies, symphony orchestras, and colleges in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. In 2015 and 2017, Caston performed Handel’s Messiah in Fort Worth’s Bass Hall with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Since 1994 he has served Baptist churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and Texas in music ministry. He and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, Clay and Sydney, and they live in Fort Worth.
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent 11 years working in the IT industry before God called me into His service. Responding to that call, I moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and pursue a Master of Divinity.
I am now continuing my studies by pursuing a ThM in Preaching while also serving at Gambrell Street Baptist Church in the Communications Department.
All that I am today—and all that I will ever become—is solely by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My husband, Kermit, and I have been members of GSBC since 2005. We are both retired educators—Kermit as a high school Art and Photography teacher, and I as a Children’s Librarian and Special Education assistant.
We have lived in Edgecliff Village since 1993. I’m originally from Henderson in East Texas, but I’ve been in the Fort Worth area since 1983. I am a graduate of Baylor University (BA) and the University of North Texas (MLS).
I look forward to serving my Gambrell Street family.
Elias Matos is the Young Adult Minister, Administrative Assistant in the front office, and a Media team member. He is a graduate from Dallas Baptist University and obtained a degree in Bachelors of Business Administration. Currently he is obtaining a MTS degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been attending Gambrell Street for 26 years and is grateful to now be able to serve on staff doing the Lord’s work. His favorite book of the Bible is James. He is the owner of two turtles and lives with three dogs, a Dalmatian/Blue heeler mix, a Chihuahua, and a Husky. When he is not shooting, editing, or working in the office, he enjoys watching the Texas Rangers and Cowboys, as well as different YouTubers talk about Christian topics/issues, music reviews, or allowing the YouTube algorithm to decide for him when he is bored.
A native of Arkansas, I was born on February 14, 1948, in Booneville, Arkansas. My mother loved to tell the story of walking “miles through the snow” to reach the hospital for my arrival—although, as I later learned, it was closer to four blocks! Still, I’m sure it felt like miles at the time.
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in September 1957 and soon became a member of Bailey Hill Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where my faith was nurtured from a young age.
I graduated as part of the first senior class of Southside High School in Fort Smith in 1966. I went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from West Ark Junior College, also in Fort Smith. From there, I attended Arkansas Tech University—proudly becoming an Arkansas Tech Wonder Boy—where I ran Cross Country and Track and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1970.
With a draft lottery number of four, I spent the next two years serving in the United States Army. During my time in the military, I finally said “yes” to the Lord’s call into ministry.
I enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1977 and a Master of Religious Education degree in 1978. While attending seminary, I joined Gambrell Street Baptist Church—an important decision not only spiritually, but personally. It was here that I met Marcey Jo Wardlaw, who is affectionately known as the “better half.” We were married on January 12, 1979.
After seminary, I served as Pastor of Heron Drive Baptist Church in Lake Worth, Texas, for five years. I later spent two years working for the State of Texas auditing nursing homes, followed by a 25-year career with the Internal Revenue Service.
In 2016, I returned to Gambrell Street Baptist Church to serve as Administrator. I consider it a privilege to continue in this role today, sustained by the prayer support, kindness, and grace of our congregation—and above all, by the faithful guidance of the Lord.
Allen Lott has served as the pianist for Gambrell Street Baptist Church since 2011. Allen received his bachelor’s degree in piano from Trinity University in San Antonio and a Ph.D. in musicology from the City University of New York. He has taught music history in the School of Church Music and Worship at Southwestern Baptist Seminary since 1986.
Jennifer Johnson has been a member of Gambrell Street since she was a teenager. This is a home away from home for her – a true church family. She is a Certified Public Accountant that works in the oil and gas industry. For many years, she has served in both the children’s ministry and the youth ministry. The Lord has given her a heart for young people and the desire that all will come to know the Lord. And then to teach them biblical foundations and encourage them to develop a relationship with the Lord so that when they move on to their young adult life, they will stand firm in their faith and not be deceived by the world.
Justin Cordery is our new Minister to Chidren! He brings his wife, Mariah Cordery, and their two children, Lukas and Zoe!
Chris joined Gambrell Street when he moved to Fort Worth in 2019. Since then, he received his BA in Christian Studies from Texas Baptist College, got married to the love of his life, Sierra in June of 2021, and is currently pursuing his MDiv. at Southwestern Seminary.
Joining the staff in February of 2023, Chris is honored to serve the Lord and His people at Gambrell Street. He desires to see families growing in the Lord and discipling others so they may reach their sphere of influence.
If Chris is not at church, you’ll find him spending time with his wife, on the golf course trying to lower his handicap, or watching baseball—specifically the Astros in their pursuit to win another World Series.
I’m George Swan, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Génesis. Our church is a Hispanic,
Spanish-speaking congregation.
My wife, Jackie, and I served as missionaries in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. We are privileged to serve this community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our small congregation consists of Latinos from Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Cuba. We would love for you to worship with us as we praise the Lord and study His Word.
As a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, it is a blessing to be
back close to where I got my pastoral training and preparation.
