Our History
Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church
In October of 1950, Rev. George (G.H.) Nickerson Sr., his wife Mrs. Pauline Nickerson along with Mrs. Lillie Byrd began conducting prayer meetings and offering bible study in the community for the sick and shut-in. They gathered in a former beer tavern, located at 3221 Airline Drive, where they held their weekly services. Recognizing a need for spiritual guidance in the community, on December 21, 1950, Rev. E. S. Branch, Pastor of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. McKinley Williams Moderator of the Independent District Association, along with 12 members proceeded with the formal organization of the church. They elected Rev. George Nickerson Sr., as the pastor of the newly formed church. The name of the church was suggested by Mrs. Pauline Nickerson and was reflective of the community in which it was born. Bella Vista translated from Spanish means Beautiful Vision. In 1952 the church moved to 803 East 36th Street, purchasing the first lot for $675 and a second lot for $1,000 in 1956. A sanctuary was constructed from a part of the former Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Tabernacle, which was purchased at the City Auction. It had no windows or doors; a small enclosure was built around the piano to protect it. The members along with Pastor Nickerson worked diligently to improve the building and in early 1956 the church was dedicated unencumbered.
Historic Highlights
1968 – 1st Christmas Banquet
1974 – Adopted “The Church That Cares” Mantra
1978 – Built New 2-Story Brick Sanctuary
1986 – Constructed G.H. Nickerson Multipurpose Building
Opened Christian Academy For Kindergarten Through 8th Grade
1994 – Began Annual Summer Enrichment Camp For Youth, Director Rev. Johnny Hawkins
1997 – Hired Full Time Youth Pastor, Rev. Bobby D. Thomas
1998 – Launched Resource For Christian Living Media Ministry & Radio Broadcast
1999 – Entered Cyberspace, 1st Church Website
2001 – Celebrated 50th Year Church Anniversary
2012 – Unanimously Chose Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Abraham, Pastor Emeritus
2013 – Rev. Jacari P. Davis, Voted Senior Pastor-Elect
2018 – Modified Mission Statement: Love God, Build Relationships, Improve Lives
2019 – Catch The Vision Capital Campaign & Campus Renovation Project Initiated
2021 – Ribbon Cutting & Re-entry Of Renovated Sanctuary
Many years have passed since its founding; however, Bella Vista remains a beacon of light in the historic Independence Heights Area. Having served the community through Bible Study, Preaching, Teaching, Prayer Meetings, Sunday School, Weekly Worship, Musicals, Marriage Workshops and Summer Youth Camps, Bella Vista has remained true to its mantra, The Church That Cares.
Senior Pastoral Leadership
1950 – 1965 Rev. George H. Nickerson, Sr.
1966 – 1967 Rev. Paul Nickerson
1967 – 1969 Rev. Leonard C. Kirk
1969 – 2012 Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Abraham, Pastor Emeritus
2014 – Present Rev. Jacari P. Davis
In Memoriam of Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Abraham, Pastor Emeritus
