Ryanwood Baptist Church has a long and rich history. Through the years we have had several fine Pastors
and many devoted and good members.
In 1938 the church was renamed Cargill Baptist Church, which included pastors Herschel Harris, A.J. Jones,
G.C. Sansing, J.S. Tipton, and W.A. Harryman. The church moved and was renamed Avenue J Baptist Church in
1946. After W.A. Harryman left in 1947, John Johnston served as pastor until 1948.
Rev. V.Dutton served for two years, until Percy Renick ame to Avenue J Baptist Church in 1951. In 1955
the church was again moved, this time to the corner of Avenue M and Miller Street and renamed
Eastover Baptist Church.
Following Rev. Renick's resignation in the spring of 1967, the church called Rev. Marion Fonville to
be pastor. The church then sold its facilities to the Rising Star Baptist Church and relocated to
Meadowlane Drive. While awaiting the construction of the Sandy Lane building, the church renamed itself
to Ryanwood, after the community, and met temporarily at the local YMCA on Sandy Lane. The first church
service held at the Meadowlane building was in 1974.
In 2009, Ryanwood changed locations again. This time to it's current address. Our hope is that we will
continue to grow and change and develope in the current community.
PRIOR PASTORS:
OUR HISTORY
Ryanwood originated in May of 1926, beginning it's history at 4100 Avenue L, under the direction and
ministry of Rev. L.T. Grantham. At that time it's twenty-one charter members chose the name College Heights
Baptist Church.
1967-1979: Rev. Marion Fonville
1980-1963: Stuart Hunter
1984-1987: Brent Trotter
1988-1989: Denton Fluker
1989-1990: Dr. Tommy Lea, Interim
1989-1990: Dr. Paul Stevens, Interim
1991-1992: Jack Sinclair
1992-1996: Park Robertson
1996-1997: C. A. Johnson, Interim
1997-1999: Tim Watkins
2000-2001: Michael Jordan, Interim
2002-2006: Ewell J. Humphreys
2006-Present: Jimmy Rust
