We are located at
1501 Sunset Avenue
Across from the City Lake
Rocky Mount, NC 27084

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In Rocky Mount in the mid-1950's the thundering trains of the Atlantic Coast Line snaked their way through the middle of our town. The chant of the tobacco auctioneer punctuated the hot summer days. Sunset Avenue was still a two-way street and the western city limits extended only to the Tar River . “Downtown” was still the center of business and the site of the city's churches. Young couples who had come back home after World War II and now had young families sensed a need for churches in the communities where they lived.

Such as the setting when ,on February 20, 1955, a group of fifteen persons met to discuss the need for a Baptist church on what was described as the “western edge” of Rocky Mount. After only six weeks as a mission, Lakeside Baptist Church was constituted on June 5, 1955 with 252 charter members.

The young church acquired a stately home located at the intersection of Sunset, Piedmont and Western Avenue , across from City Lake . The first services in the newly-acquired home were held on April 24, 1955, led by Dr John Kincheloe , retired minister of First Baptist Church . Rev. Clarence E. Godwin, the new Church's first minister, arrived that fall.

In 1956 the church built a temporary sanctuary, dedicated to Dr. Kincheloe, which currently serves as a social hall.

In 1960 the church began construction of a sanctuary, which was dedicated on September 3, 1961. At its significant Sunset Avenue location, the sanctuary has become a Rocky Mount landmark and an inviting Christian witness to the thousands who pass by daily.

Additional property was purchased lot by lot until the entire block was acquired. In 1968 the Youth Building was erected. In 1979 a new educational building, providing facilities for adult education and preschool children, was completed.

Our fortieth year saw several renovations with the creation of a new and enlarged Narthex, the addition of a courtyard and the construction of a music suite for choir and handbells.

The Columbariun and Meditation Garden were completed in 2002. In 2005 a Memorial Garden and fountain were dedicated. Also in 2005 the narthex was refurbished. The Sugg foyer of the Education Building was redecorated in 2007. Each improvement of the church was a gift in memory of members given by family and friends. A dedication of the choir and handbell suite honoring Barbara Bone Batts, a long time leader of the music program, was held in 2007.

In2005, our fiftieth year, forty-eight of our charter members were still living and were members of the church, including two members of the original Board of Deacons. The fiftieth anniversary was celebrated with a series of Vesper Services during the year, a special presentation of Handel's Messiah by our choir, and an organ and vocal recital by our organist, Mark Gansor, and vocalist, Karen Daly. Dr. Gaylord Lehman, second pastor of the church, preached at the Fiftieth Anniversary celebration and several Associate Ministers returned. The church was filled by present members and those who returned to take part in the celebration. After the worship services, everyone enjoyed a wonderful lunch “on the church grounds”.

During its fifty-two year history, Lakeside has been served by three ministers. Rev. Clarence E. Godwin served the church from 1955-1965. Dr. Gaylord Lehman was senior minister from 1966 until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Jody C. Wright has served Lakeside as senior minister since the 1998.

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