Watauga Road History
Bishop Kenneth B. Spear’s vision from God was to “go” northward, reach the multitudes of people and share the good news of Jesus Christ. After much prayer and leading by the Holy Spirit, a location for worship was secured thru owner Jim Austin at the Rollerworld skating rink located at 5817 Denton Highway in Haltom City, Texas. On a Monday in December 2005, this unconventional location was transformed for worship from a blustering skating rink into an anointed and blessed sanctuary for our first Monday Night Bible Study. Subsequently on Easter April 16, 2006, the first Sunday morning worship service was held.
First Saint John North was the fruition of Bishop Spear’s vision. During the next three years the FSJ north campus has seen an emergence of worshippers who have been committed to Bishop Spear’s vision. From the setup and breakdown crews who dedicated their time and service to prepare and transform the skating rink for worship, to those who served on the various ministries, to those who gave of their time and were always in place, the commitment to “the vision” never wavered. As a result of perseverance and continual prayer, the congregation at FSJ north continued to grow.
On Monday, December 15, 2008, the Lord’s greatness was revealed when FSJ congregation fellowshipped in a prayer and anointing service in its permanent location at 5825 Watauga Road. The following is a chronicle of the order of worship for that historic night:
– Remarks and opening prayer by Bishop Spears
– Elder Michael Taylor led the congregation in song, “I Love to Praise His Holy Name”
– Bishop read II Chronicles 7 then led the congregation in prayer.
– After prayer, Bishop Spears instructed that each room and all of the door posts in the entire building be prayed over and anointed with oil. He then opened up the service for members to pray and read scripture. While the rest of the sanctuary was being anointed and prayed over, the following members offered up prayers, scriptures and a few comments for the rest of the congregation:
Deacon Hank Robinson
Elder Michael Taylor
Elder Michael McGhee
Minister Adrienne Woods
Deacon Joe Scott
Minister Martin White
Deacon Roland Johnson
Sister Shirley Johnson
– Finally, Bishop Spears instructed everyone to join hands in a circle around the sanctuary, at that time the congregation partook in corporate prayer, which is when each member prays aloud in their own way.
– Afterwards an informal meeting was held to discuss moving and other logistical details in order to have worship services.
Watauga Firsts
First Sunday Morning Worship Service
The First Sunday morning worship held at the new location was on December 21, 2008.
Pre prayer annointing – Led by Elder Jack Miller and a few congregants
Elder David Bell promptly started service at 9:30am
Scriptural Reading – Minister Tracy Edwards, Psalms 16:5
Prayer – Elder Jack Miller
Music Selections led by Elder Michael Taylor
“Come all ye Faithful”
“I Will Bless the Lord”
Announcements – Elder David Bell
Sermonic Musical Selection – “Show Yourself Mighty, Show Yourself Strong”
Bishop Spears made a few comments, then started his sermon from Matthew 6:25-34
First Communion Service
The First Communion Service was held on March 1, 2009.
1st Baby Dedication
Parents Chris and Chloe Sanders dedicated Journey Sanders
Sermon “The Lord in Honor to His Name”
Malachi 1:6-9 and 3:16-18
October 2009
October 26, 2009 Computer lab was installed, consecrated and dedicated
Earlier in the month, projector was installed in the sanctuary.
First Memorial Service
James Bridgeford – November 2009
First Wedding
Aston and Asa Smith were the first couple to be wed at the north campus on January 23rd, 2010
First Baptism Service
The first Baptism Service was held on Sunday November 6, 2011. The candidates for baptism were:
Camera Broadnax
Sierra Rose
Jazmin Rose
Matthew Edwards
First Minister to preach their 1st sermon
Eric Dees became the first Minister in Training to preach his first sermon (“A Spiritual Tune Up”, John 14:15-17) at Watauga on February 19, 2012.
First Youth Choir Performance
The Watauga Youth Choir had its first performance on May 13, 2012. The selection was “He’s a Keeper” by Rodney Bryant.
First Funeral Service
Irving Mack – September 4, 2012