Washington Avenue Baptist Church

06/22/2026

Sermon Clip: What a great Father's Day message from Senior Pastor Terrence Tate, reminding us that more than material things, a child's salvation is the best inheritance!

Sermon: "Have You Heard About Jesus?"
Scripture: John 1:35-46 ESV

To view the full sermon, visit:
https://historicwashingtonave.com/sermons

06/22/2026

CALLING ALL MEN!

We had such a great response to the Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Event. We are bringing it back in July!

This conversation will be on Friday, July 17th at 6:30 p.m and is for men only! And yes, there will be food! Be sure to bring a friend!

LOCATION:
Washington Avenue Baptist Church (The Wash)
1722 N. National Avenue, Springfield, MO

DATE:
Friday, July 17th

TIME:
6:30 P.M.

FOOD PROVIDED: Yes!

COST: Admission is Free! This is a community event, open to members and non-members of WABC.

06/20/2026

Congratulations 🎈🎉 We love you Pastor Tate!
Springfield NAACP 2026 Black Excellence honoree.

06/20/2026

HAPPENING TODAY!

Senior Pastor Terrence Tate is being recognized as a 2026 Black Excellence honoree by the Springfield NAACP! A special ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 20th, at the Springfield Expo Center (635 E. St. Louis Street, Springfield). The event ends at 4:00 p.m.

Honoring Black Excellence

Congratulations!
Terrence J. Tate was born on January 26, 1983, in Wichita, Kansas. He is the proud son of Bobby Joe and Linda Tate. He has one sister, Alicia Tate- Williams.

In 2011, Terrence was licensed to preach at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Wichita, KS, under the leadership of Pastor Terrell Davis. In this same year, Terrence released a music album entitled, “Don’t You Give Up” which included the most sought out musicians in the Midwest.

After serving as Director of Music for several years at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Tate accepted the Assistant Pastor position at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. In 2015, he was ordained at Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, under the leadership of Pastor E.L. Alexander.

Rev. Tate served there faithfully for three years and used his sense of humor and loving heart to win souls to the kingdom. In 2016, God called him to a new position, as the Youth Pastor, of First Baptist Church in Liberty, MO, under the leadership of Pastor Tony P. Johnson. During his tenure at First Baptist, the youth department increased by over 75% in a one year time span.

In June of 2018, he was called to lead the Turning Point Church/Washington Avenue Baptist Church where he now serves as the Senior Pastor. Pastor Tate holds a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays University in Religious Studies. He also obtained a degree from Slidell Baptist Seminary.

Pastor Tate’s philosophy is built on love and kindness towards all mankind. He believes “having someone there makes a difference.”

Pastor Tate is an active, financial member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Pastor Tate is married to Mrs. Ashanti Carr-Tate; they have three children, Zion, Emmanuel, and Myracle.

You can support by joining us to celebrate him Saturday, June 20th at The Springfield Expo Center

06/17/2026

****UPDATED****

HISTORY REBORN! The African American Experience on Historic Route 66 Exhibit at Benton Avenue AME.

The historic Benton Avenue AME Church on Drury University's campus is hosting a special exhibit detailing the African American experience along Route 66. The exhibit features
archival photos, artifacts, and a video featuring Springfieldians who share their experience on the route during Jim Crow, using the Green Book as their guide.

VIEWING TIMES:
June 25th - August 29th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Benton Avenue AME
830 N. Benton Ave., Springfield
Free to the public
https://www.springfieldmo.org/event/the-mother-road-exhibit%3A-the-african-american-experience-on-historic-route-66/60319/

BACKGROUND ON BENTON AVENUE AME:
Benton Avenue AME Church, now beautifully restored, was once pastored by Reverend Oliver Brown, the lead plaintiff in the Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court case, which ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional. This church is now used as an educational facility at Drury University and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Photo courtesy: Leonard B. Horton, III

06/15/2026

HAPPENING WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 P.M.

On Wednesday, June 17th, Min. Danny Goeking will teach on "The Purpose of Jesus." We will examine the following questions:

"Why did Jesus come?"
"What did He say?"

This is part of our ongoing "Refreshing" interactive Bible study series.

LOCATION:
Washington Avenue Baptist Church (in the Sanctuary)
1722 N. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri

DAY / TIME:
Wednesday, June 17th, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE REFRESHING:
This is an interactive Bible Study session. It will be a classroom-type setting where participants will be encouraged to learn in small groups and ask questions. There will be activities for the youth.

06/15/2026

We're Baaaaaack!!!!

We are SO EXCITED to announce VBS 2026 at The WASH! We have so many fun things planned this year! VBS is Monday, August 3rd - Thursday, August 6th.

Be sure to register EARLY! Registration will close on Wednesday, July 15th. We will fill up fast! And yes, we are planning to bring back our glow party finale!!!

TO REGISTER, VISIT:
https://www.historicwashingtonave.com/vbs

06/15/2026

Sermon Clip:

"The enemy cannot defeat a believer who has learned how to worship in dark places!" Senior Pastor Terrence Tate.

Sermon: "When Praise Precedes The Promise!"
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV
To view the full sermon, visit:
https://www.historicwashingtonave.com/sermons

06/14/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Ka'Tressa Williams and Ms. Neveah Shockley!!!! Both of these outstanding young ladies rededicated their lives to Christ and were baptized.

May God continue to bless you and keep you!