The Reverend A. Frank Williamson and fifteen people met in
a living room at 113 Peace Street in October, 1959, to establish a Bible-believing
church to emphasize three vital truths: Jesus willingly and substitutively died
for each sin of each person; God has chosen to save each person who genuinely repents
of sin and places saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and God enables and allows
each person to freely accept or reject the Savior.
In January, 1960, the congregation rented a facility on Progress
Street. During the following summer, the congregation moved to Brookwood Avenue
and called the Reverend Thomas K. Johnson as pastor.
Growth led the believers to purchase a church building on
the corner of Cumberland and Hillsborough Streets.
After the Reverend Johnson resigned in March, 1962, he was
followed by two interim pastors, the Reverend Clyde Clearman and the Reverend Rashie
Kennedy, before the Reverend L. D. Creech became pastor in October, 1962. During
the following four years, several people came to know Jesus.
Following Pastor Creech’s resignation in August, 1966, the
Reverend Wayne Smith became pastor. With growth and a vision for the future, the
current property facing Ramsey Street was purchased and construction of the auditorium
began. Because of a nearby subdivision, the name of the church was changed from
Brookwood to College Lakes.
In April, 1969, the Reverend Smith was succeeded by the Reverend
Barry Hampton who led the completion of the building project. On November 2, 1969,
a dedication service was held.
Following the resignation of the Reverend Hampton in April,
1972, the Reverend Ralph Osborne became pastor until he retired in July, 1975. During
his three years of service, he provided solid guidance and stability.
On August 11, 1975, the Reverend Bobby Glenn Smith became
pastor. Under his guidance, the church debt was eliminated, College Lakes Church
Day Care Center and College Lakes Christian Academy were founded, adjacent lots
were purchased, the Pope house was purchased, three construction projects were completed,
the Reverend John Timothy Medlin became associate pastor on June 24, 1990, all board
meetings and congregational business meetings were unanimous, and the church saved
$668,000 for expansion. Because of health problems, Pastor Smith retired December
27, 2008, and was established as Pastor Emeritus.
On June 14, 2009, the Reverend John Timothy Medlin was called
as the new pastor.