Our Story

The church presently known as Everlasting Life Baptist Church (ELBC) began as a mission outreach of a Northeast Oklahoma City congregation in 1984. Without funding or personnel to assist in the new spiritual endeavor, relying on an invisible means of support, Terry N. Wilson and his wife, Carol, began the challenging work of planting a new church in Norman, OK. Securing a meeting room in the Holiday Inn located in Norman on West Lindsey Street for Sunday services, the fledging church began meeting. Evangelism in the community of Norman and the University of Oklahoma campus proceeded on a weekly basis and preceded the Sunday worship services.

The initial worship services saw few people in attendance. On some occasions, Pastor Wilson would deliver his sermon a second time to accommodate those who arrived after the conclusion of the initial preaching of the Word. By the grace of God, more people began to regularly attend and others became members of the church. During these days, a Wednesday night Bible study and prayer meeting were added to the weekly schedule. The Wednesday services were held in the home of James and Jonna Carter. Later, a Sunday evening service was added as well. Ever cognizant that a hotel room and a couple’s home could not permanently serve the church’s needs, a storefront building was rented.

The congregation began meeting at 307 East Main in 1985. This facility provided space for Sunday worship, Sunday school classes, and a pastoral office. In the storefront, many confessed Christ as Lord and Savior and were baptized in a horse trough converted as a baptistery. It was also in 1985 that ELBC became an independent church and was named Everlasting Life Baptist Church with Terry N. Wilson as its founding pastor. Again, the need for a larger and permanent facility was recognized, and a building fund was initiated to purchase a building. 

In March 1990, the congregation moved into the current property located at 925 East Brooks, and Terry N. Wilson became full-time pastor. Building improvements began including the pouring of the parking lot. In the first year of occupancy in the building, Pastor Wilson proposed a plan to pay off the mortgage ahead of schedule. He announced a slogan for the endeavor “Debt Free in ‘93”. By faith in the Lord, the goal was achieved. The year 1995 saw the addition of Bryon Dickens as full-time Minister of Music. The church also shared in the support of missionaries Marva Anderson, Duane and Tammy Pemberton, and James and Cheryl Pridgen.

By the grace of God, Everlasting Life Baptist Church will continue to serve Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria