Wheeler Heights Baptist Church
4318 Riggins Mill Road - Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 742-1047
A Church Where All Are Welcome
HISTORY
In 1947, a housing project was begun on Riggins Mill Road. Three members of Cross Keys Baptist Church, upon hearing about this, realized there would be a great need for a church in this area. They began to hold prayer meetings in homes of local families and in September 1947 a mission was born. A lot at 4318 Riggins Mill Road was purchased for the sum of $1.00, followed by the first church building.
During September, the first worship service was held and the people decided to name the mission WHEELER HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH. The subfloor was laid and a few borrowed benches were installed. Two Sunday School classes were begun in October 1947 with twelve persons enrolled. After long hours of prayer and hard work, two classrooms were begun in March 1948 and two more in May.
In 1949, the first full time pastor was employed; the membership had risen to forty-four, and that fall the first Training Union, WMU, and GA programs were began.
The mission was chartered in 1950 with fifty members and entered the Association in November 1950. By 1953, the sanctuary was inadequate and plans to begin a new building were made. Construction began with faith that GOD would meet all needs; $3,000.00 was borrowed to complete the new sanctuary. In 1959 a note burning ceremony was held to celebrate the repayment of the loan.
The church continued to grow. In 1963, an educational building was completed; in 1966, a choir rail and new pews were installed; in 1968, the parking lot was paved; and in 1969, the sanctuary was air conditioned and the lot adjoining the church was purchased.
The Lord continued to bless. A PA system ws installed in April 1974; the pastors study was added in January 1979; a nursing home ministry was started, and a wheelchair ramp was installed.
Many blessings have been poured out on Wheeler Heights Baptist Church through the years.
DIRECTIONS TO TO WHEELER HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH:
The church is located in East Macon on Riggins Mill Road, across from Herbert Smart/Downtown Airport. Emery Highway turns into Riggins Mill Road at the 4-way stop at Ocmulgee East Blvd. Do not turn, but go straight through the 4-way stop. You will drive about 2 miles and Wheeler Heights Baptist Church will be on your left.
Or you take Interstate 16 out of Macon and turn off at Exit 7. Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp, onto Ocmulgee East Blvd. Go to the 3rd caution light (you'll see the Geico buildings), turn right onto Huber Road. Go to the end of Huber Road, about 1/4 mile, and turn left onto Riggins Mill Road. Wheeler Height Baptist Church is located on the right.
