WHERE WE CAME FROM

Woodfield Park Baptist Church has been serving the Ft. Jackson area of Columbia, South Carolina for over 50 years, boldly proclaiming the gospel of Christ and fullfilling His "Great Commission" to "go" and "make disciples." With it's close proximity to Ft. Jackson and the fact that the Woodfield Park subdivision was once a primary housing neighborhood for the Army, Woodfield Park has always had a strong military presence that it still proudly embraces. Woodfield Park has a strong international influence springing from the diverse roots that a military community provides, and has had members of multiple races from countries as far away as Japan, Italy, Germany, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Australia, Korea, Vietnam and many others.

Woodfield Park Baptist Church had it's first worship service on June 19, 1960. Originally a church plant of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, Woodfield Park was birthed with 83 people in attendance, including many of those who assisted from Kilbourne Park. The church originally met in a seven-room home on the corner of Woodfield Dr. and Morninglo Lane.  Seven additional lots were later purchased and a chapel was constructed by Mr. John F. Chick. This chapel now bears his name and hosted it's first worship service on March 19, 1961.

The first full-time pastor was Rev. Horace B. Youngblood who began serving on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1961. On March 14, 1962, John Chick added four new rooms to the rear of the chapel to accommodate children's ministries in the church. On September 29, 1963, Woodfield Park was constituted and organized as a Southern Baptist Church and joined the Fairfield Baptist Association(now the Columbia Metro Baptist Association) in the midlands of South Carolina.

The church grew quickly and additional space was needed almost from the beginning. With the leadership of Pastor Youngblood arrangements were made to purchase an 83' x 33' surplus Army chapel from Ft. Jackson. This structure was moved from the base to the site on Morninglo Ln., renovated and extended, and hosted it's first worship service as the main sanctuary on June 13, 1965. The structure is still in use today and can seat approximately 400 people.

In the summer of 1967, Woodfield Park began a mission to reach Hispanics in the area, with Rev. Daniel Ortiz heading the effort. Some additional surplus Army buildings were purchased and renovated to serve this ministry, and were later named in honor of serviceman Terry Quigley, a church member who lost his life in Vietnam. The "Quigley Building" now serves as Woodfield Park's fellowship hall; hosts the nursery and children's and youth activities; and  houses the community food and clothing pantry(Crisis Closet).

On March 9, 1969, Rev. Milton D. Parker was called as pastor. During his tenure a radio and bus ministry were begun, and additional renovations were done to the "Quigley Building" that included a church library. The library was dedicated in memory of Theresa Matherly, a church member who died at the age of 14. Rev. Parker served until August 17, 1975 with the renovations being completed in September of 1976 when Rev. James W. Roberts served as pastor. Rev. Roberts was at Woodfield Park from April 1, 1976-March 25, 1979.

Rev. J. Ed Taylor served as pastor from April 1, 1979-February 17, 1980 but was forced to resign due to health issues. He was followed by Rev. Roger Dalton who served from November 2, 1980-1985. During this time the Child Enrichment Center was established and Rev. Jeff Scott was called to serve as youth pastor.

Rev. Cecil Brunson was called as pastor August 1, 1986 and served until September 19, 1993. He was followed by Rev. Bradford W. Heil from September 25, 1994-July 31, 1996. During this time the Japanese Sunday school class was begun. On August 11, 1996 Rev. Dennis B. Banks was called as pastor and served until May 19, 2002. During Pastor Bank's tenure the Child Enrichment Center was closed and the prayer garden  was constructed and dedicated.

Pastor Banks was followed by interim pastor Rev. J. Brian McKillop who served from June 23, 2002-December 29, 2002. Rev. Bill Oswald was called as pastor on December 22, 2002 before having to step down due to health concerns in December of 2004. Rev. McKillop was once again called upon to serve as interim pastor from March 2005-July 2007. In August 2007 Rev. Bobby Cable was called as pastor and served until August 2009. Rev. Oswald returned in January 2010 as interim pastor and served until July, 2011.

On July 10, 2011, Pastor Jeff Phillips preached his first sermon as the new shepherd of Woodfield Park. Pastor Phillips is an expository preacher who believes in preaching God's word, chapter-by-chapter and verse-by-verse. This webpage has also been established.

Woodfield Park has a proud history of reaching the lost, making disciples and serving others. We believe our future is bright and our mission field is ripe. We are excited about what God is doing and the opportunity we have here to witness to and love others as Jesus loved us. We believe as the bible says, "With God, all things are possible."

Additional Interim Pastors

Rev. James Doughtry
9/29/68-3/2/69

Rev. Gary A. Smoak
9/7/75-3/28/76

Rev. Jesse Hill
2/24/80-7/20/80

Rev. James Jennings
9/7/80-10/26/80

Rev. LaFon Campbell
7/7/85-2/27/86

Rev. Dewey Cockrell
12/12/93-9/25/94