Our fore bearers, who once toiled here and worked their soul's salvation  had a vision from God.  This vision started when our fore bearers, by faith, had prayer meetings in the homes of Sister Lena Taylor, Sally Bridgewaters, and brothers Isaac Ferguson, Jerry Minor and William Gurely.  The attendance grew too large to meet in homes so larger quarters were sought.  These five persons, who were members of Lampton Baptist Church, Reverend J.M. Williams, Pastor asked for their letters of dismissal, and then united with Antioch Baptist Church, Rev. G. F. Watson, Pastor. 

In January, 1915, they held their first meeting in a rented hall call "Bell Taps".  It was situated over a blacksmith shop, on Jefferson between Preston and Jackson streets.  The hall and blacksmith shop had once been a fire department.  The people that had joined Antioch Baptist Church brought their letters from Antioch to form a mission.  

-Rev. H.C. Woolfork fathered the mission which became C.C. Bates Memorial Baptist Church. 1915

-Rev. R. P. Whiteside was the first elected Pastor of the C.C. Bates Memorial Baptist Church where he served faithfully for 19 years. 1915-1935

-December 1917 ground was broken for Bates Memorial Baptist Church located at 619 East Lampton Street.  May 1918 the cornerstone was laid.

-Rev. G. S. Yates acted as Pastor after the passing of Rev. Whiteside for 1 year. 1934-1935

-Rev. H. L. Buckman  was the successor to Pastor Whitseside and served proudly for 2 years. 1936-1938

-Rev. J.M. Brown served as acting Pastor for one year. 1938

-Rev. E. M. Elmore provided faithful, steadfast and loyal service for 39 years. 1939-1978

-Rev. W. B. Davis was elected to assistant pastor to aid Rev. Elmore. 1977-1978

-Rev. R. L. Bobo, Sr. provided dynamic leadership and unwavering service. 1978-1986

-Dr. F. Bruce Williams was elected Pastor in August 1986.  In April 1993 Bates Memorial Baptist Church located at 619 E. Lampton Street burned down after undergoing $30,000 in renovations.  Determined to continue services in spite of the fire, that evening worship services was held at 1228 South Jackson Street where Bates Memorial worshipped and eventually purchased the building, which after the move to 620 East Lampton in May 2004, houses the Bates Community Development Corporation providing multiple community services to all areas of Louisville. 

April 2000 the church located at 619 East Lampton Street was renovated and is now the site of the Children's Church and many other ministries use it as a multi-purpose facility.

Since Dr. Williams installation the church has grown exponentially and continues to flourish and be a blessing in the community providing sound teachings and life changing Biblical principals. May 2004 Bates Memorial Baptist Church entered into its new multi-million dollar facility located at 620 East Lampton Street, has 3 worship services on Sunday and 2 midweek services on Wednesday.  The Lord continues to bless the church proving that with God all things are possible.  1986-