Former Pastor's

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The story of Parkview Baptist Church began in 1928, when a faithful group of believers organized in Longview, Texas, as Job’s Chapel Church.

From those humble beginnings, God continued to grow and sustain the congregation. Over the years, Job’s Chapel became known as Parkview Baptist Church, carrying forward a commitment to worship, biblical preaching, Christian education, fellowship, and service to the community.

For nearly a century, generations of families have called Parkview home.

Throughout its history, Parkview has been blessed with remarkable continuity in pastoral leadership. Five pastors have helped shepherd the congregation through different generations:

Rev. J. D. McCoy
Rev. Ruso Ray
Rev. John A. Gholston
Rev. J. C. Watkins
Rev. LaDarian D. Brown

Each pastor built upon the work of those who came before, helping Parkview remain faithful to its mission while responding to the needs of each generation.

Rev. John A. Gholston served Parkview for eight years and was part of a distinguished preaching ministry that spanned more than four decades.

In May 1985, Rev. J. C. Watkins was called to serve as pastor of Parkview Missionary Baptist Church.

At that time, the church was located at 805 Washington Street in Longview.

During Rev. Watkins’ pastorate, Parkview experienced an important period of growth and transition. The congregation eventually relocated from Washington Street to its present campus at 2014 South Green Street.

Rev. Watkins continued faithfully serving Parkview through the transition and remained pastor for more than 33 years, until his passing in August 2018.

His long tenure left a lasting imprint upon the spiritual life, ministry, and identity of the Parkview congregation.

In 2019, Parkview entered a new chapter under the leadership of its fifth pastor, Rev. LaDarian D. Brown.

Building upon the foundation established by previous generations, Parkview continues to strengthen its ministries while reaching new generations through worship, Christian education, congregational care, community engagement, outreach, and discipleship.

The church continues to honor its history while embracing the opportunities God has placed before it.

Today, Parkview Baptist Church worships and serves from its campus at 2014 South Green Street in Longview, Texas.

In 2026, Parkview celebrates 98 years of ministry.

From Job’s Chapel to Parkview Baptist Church, from Washington Street to South Green Street, and from one generation to the next, God has remained faithful.

The buildings have changed.
The generations have changed.
The methods of ministry have changed.

But the message remains the same.

Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Gospel is still being proclaimed.
People are still being served.
Disciples are still being made.

And as Parkview approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, we honor those who laid the foundation, celebrate those who continue the work, and look with faith toward the generations yet to come.

For nearly 100 years, God has kept Parkview—and the story is still being written.