Life & Work with Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church of Independence Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
On May 17, 2026, Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The church’s beginnings date back to October 1950, when Rev. George (G.H.) Nickerson Sr., his wife, Mrs. Pauline Nickerson, and Mrs. Lillie Byrd began holding prayer meetings and Bible study for the sick and shut‑in. These gatherings took place in a former beer tavern at 3221 Airline Drive. What started as a small neighborhood effort formally became a church on December 21, 1950, when the congregation organized and chose the name “Bella Vista,” meaning “Beautiful Vision.”

Bella Vista MBC is now located at 803 E. 36th Street at Cornell, in the heart of historic Independence Heights. After purchasing and dedicating the land and building debt‑free in 1956, the church has continued to grow, adding a multipurpose building, constructing a new sanctuary, acquiring nearby properties for future expansion, and completing a recent half‑million‑dollar renovation.

For 75 years, Bella Vista has remained committed to sharing the good news within the community and beyond. The church has thrived under the leadership of five pastors: founding pastor Rev. George Nickerson, Rev. Paul Nickerson, Rev. Leonard Kirk, Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Abraham (Pastor Emeritus), and current Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Jacari P. Davis.

Bella Vista has long been known for serving its community. Programs have included Praise and Worship services, Bible Study, Bella Vista Christian Academy, Youth Summer Camp, Gospel Explosions, 5th Sunday Night Musicals, Praise in the Parking Lot, Food Bag Distributions, Scholarship Awards, Worship Outside the Walls, school partnerships, civic engagement initiatives, and Community Forums with local officials.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Strong leadership and deep community relationships have helped Bella Vista navigate changes and challenges through the years. Since becoming Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Jacari P. Davis has worked with dedication to meet the needs of the membership, respond to shifting community demographics, and keep the church focused on long‑term goals.

The COVID‑19 pandemic presented one of the most significant challenges. Pastor Davis quickly transitioned the church to online worship, virtual Bible study, and youth programming. He, Congregational Pastor Bobby Thomas, and other leaders remained in close contact with members to ensure no one felt isolated. Bella Vista also partnered with national and local elected officials and the Houston Food Bank to provide drive‑through food distributions and hosted drive‑up COVID‑19 vaccinations. The church celebrated its graduating seniors with a drive‑through parade during this difficult season.

Houston’s repeated natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, and the unprecedented multi‑day winter freeze, also deeply affected the community. Each time, Bella Vista responded by providing clothing, water, cleaning supplies, food, and a safe place for residents to access necessary resources.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 1974, Bella Vista adopted the mantra “The Church That Cares,” and continues to demonstrate this through its spiritual and practical support of individuals and families. The church works to help youth and adults strengthen their relationship with God through Bible‑based teaching, and encourages members to invest in what matters most. Bella Vista remains firmly rooted in its mission: Loving God, Building Relationships, and Improving Lives.

This 75th Anniversary year is being celebrated under the theme Rooted in Learning, Living, and Lifting. Events include:

– January: Weekly revivals with Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Dr. Andre Lewis, Rev. Chris Wesley, and Dr. Marcus Cosby
– February: African American History Month, themed Better Together, with guests from Texas Southern University and Marshall High School, weekly presentations, an afternoon program presented by the Worship Arts Ministry on February 22 at 4 p.m., and a soul food dinner
– March 29: Palm Sunday with Friends featuring some of Houston’s premier gospel artists
– April 19: Praise in the Parking Lot, an outdoor worship experience including food trucks and fellowship
– May 17: The 75th Anniversary Worship Service at 10 a.m.

Everyone is invited to join in this milestone celebration.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Bella Vista MBC is an intergenerational church that welcomes people of all ages and stages of life. Whether attending in person or online, individuals are encouraged to become part of a caring community that values service and spiritual growth. Members are invited to use their gifts to make a difference, and anyone seeking to live out the principles of Learning, Living, and Lifting will find a place here.

The church also welcomes community partnerships. Individuals or organizations offering educational resources, training, sponsorships, or financial support are encouraged to connect with us.

Join Us in Person

Sundays

– 8:45 a.m. – Sunday School
– 10:00 a.m. – Worship Service & Act 2 Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sundays)

Tuesdays

– 7:14 a.m. – Prayer Call (Dial‑in: 302-202-1108 | Code: 490580#)
– 7:00 p.m. – Prayer Meeting & Power For Life Bible Study (Streamed Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook & YouTube)

For more opportunities to connect, visit BVMBC.org.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://BVMBC.ORG
• Instagram: Bellavistambc
• Facebook: Bella VistaMBC
• Youtube: @BellaVistaMBC
• Yelp: Email: Kpriester@Bellavistambc.org