About Wayside Baptist Church

Southern Baptist Convention

Wayside Chapel began as a prayer group in July of 1985 and was led by the Pastor and staff of First Baptist Church of Frostproof.
From the beginning the prayer group met in a local residence and gradually became a Prayer Meeting/Bible Study combination. As the Bible Study continued each Tuesday night, a search began for property on which a church building could be constructed. On July 31, 1986, three acres of land was purchased fronting Camp Mack Road from Progressive Homes Inc. Financial resources were donated by many friends, members of FBC of Frostproof, Ridge Baptist Association and the Florida Baptist Convention.
On February 1, 1987 groundbreaking took place to begin the first building. Many friends gave many hours of their time in construction and completion of the facility. The Chapel was completed and ready for her first service on October 4, 1987. A formal dedication on the $200,000 debt-free Chapel was held on November 1, 1987. Pastor Rob Florence was called as the first pastor of Wayside and served until 1991.
Wayside Chapel continued its ministry with the objective of binding together for worship, building up the body of Christ, and boldly proclaiming Christ until Jesus comes again for His church. Wayside Chapel became Wayside Baptist Church by vote of the church on March 18, 1992, and the search began for a new pastor.
On September 6, 1992, by unanimous vote, Pastor B.J. Hudson was called to become the pastor. He began his pastorate on October 4, 1992 as the church celebrated its 5th Anniversary. After serving as pastor of Wayside for 15 years, Pastor B.J. retired on October 7, 2007. In January 2008 Wayside got a new pastor, when Pastor Herb Schlenker came to serve the Lord here in Lake Wales.
Wayside Baptist is a conservative church. We believe the King James Version of the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God and use hymn books because of their doctrinal message.
Although we are a Southern Baptist church, several denominations and non-denominations are represented in our friendly and loving church family. During the winter months, visitors come from over 20 states to enjoy the family atmosphere of Wayside, calling it their church home away from home.
Since October 1992, the church has more than doubled in members. We have baptized 200 plus, and many have joined by letter and/or by statement. We have enlarged the sanctuary, added a baptistery, bought 100 new chairs, and enlarged the fellowship hall. Presently we are expanding the fellowship hall and enlarging the sanctuary again. In 2006 we experienced record growth by both baptism and moving of letters.
In 2007 we purchased a 24x60 modular building, which is used for a fellowship/dining room. We've also added handicapped parking.
We offer Sunday School classes for all ages. Fred Richards teaches the Adults, Mable Wiggins teaches the Ladies, Diane Newcomb teaches the young Ladies and Tim Frenette teaches the Youth and has a Youth fellowship two Saturdays each month. A nursery is provided for all services. We support Missions through a Cooperative Program.
The blessing of our Lord has been evident since the beginning of the first prayer group that envisioned the church.

The song you have been listening to is
"Onward Christian Soldiers