The church’s history began May 13, 1946, as Reverend O.D. Hollins recognized the need to organize a church by the leading of God in a community, known as ‘Queen City”, in Lubbock, TX. A gift of $800 was donated by Dr. C.H. Lyons. A lot was purchased, and a building was placed at 2828 Locust Avenue. In appreciation for Dr. Lyons’ generosity, the church was named in his honor. The first building project was completed at a cost of $1900. The Lyons Chapel Baptist Church opened her doors on Sunday, June 15, 1948, with a congregation of seventy-five members. Lyons Chapel began to grow, make rapid progress, and improve the way of life for those in the community. Reverend Hollins resigned from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church to become the full-time pastor.
As a result of the church’s growth in 1955, the church was moved to the back lot, and a new structure was erected. In 1961, the building and lot were sold to the Urban Renewal Agency, and a new lot was purchased at 1704 East 24thand Quirt Avenue (renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd). The new construction was completed in two phases at a cost of $9000. In 1965, a new sanctuary was constructed, with an educational wing and fellowship hall, which is now named in honor of O.D. Hollins. On April 29, 1974, Reverend Hollins was called home after serving as pastor for 28 years.
1974 – 1987
On December 15, 1974, Reverend Dr. Floyd Perry was installed as the new pastor. In 1977, the church’s mortgage was burned. Dr. Perry served as pastor for nine years and resigned in 1983. In August of 1984, Reverend Tom Collins was called to pastor and was installed. In December 1987, Reverend Collins resigned as pastor. The church was without pastor for several months and the membership continued to pray and waited on an answer from the Lord.
1988 – present
With much prayer and consecration, the answer to prayers came in the person of Pastor Wendell D. Davis. He accepted the challenge to pastor in July 1988. Pastor Davis brought with him his wife, Shirley, and their three sons: RyShawn, LaWarren, and Christopher.
Lyons Chapel Baptist Church must “Work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; for the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4 “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13
