Bartimaeus Baptist Temple has ministered to people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers since 1959. It was first a mission of North Dallas Church and then a mission of First Urbandale Church.
In 1977 the congregation moved to its present location , a small white frame building at 6929 Day Street in Southeast Dallas. it was founded by Pastor Don Whitmore, who was disabled with Parkinson’s disease, which caused trembling in his body. Yet he and his wife Anna Ruth were outgoing and his disability gave them an understanding for working with people with all types of disabilities in their congregation.
after his passing, Don’s son David Whitmore and his wife Priscilla continued the mission at Bartimaeus Baptist Temple, named Bartimaeus after a biblical figure who sought out Jesus and was healed. Pastor David saw his Lord on May 21, 2018. The church is now led by Larry Thacker Jr. Larry and his wife, Linda, joined the church in June of 2008. He served as associate pastor from August of 2010 until shortly after Pastor David’s passing.
Statement of Faith
We believe in the one true God, who made Himself known to Moses as Yahweh. Because of Adam’s sin, we are all born sinful and cannot by our own effort bridge the gap between us and our creator that is caused by that sin.
We believe that God sent his only son, Jesus, to restore us to relationship with Him. We believe that he died on a cross, was raised after three days, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. By His blood we have been redeemed.
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; distinct and yet one God. We believe that His Holy Spirit is given to all who have invited Him to be lord of their lives. We believe that the Bible is without error and inspired by the Holy Spirit working through its authors. It is the written word of God, therefore anything that contradicts it must be considered untrue. These are basics of the christian faith.
Our Mission
We also believe that God has given our church a mission to reach and to strengthen those facing the additional challenges of disability. All of humanity is created in the image of God. All of humanity is created for a purpose. Created in His image, our fulfillment is found when we come to know Him and share His heart. Within our limitations we do the things that He does. This includes people with disabilities.
Our desire is to be both a safe haven and a launchpad. We want to be a church where people come and feel accepted and valued. We want to be a church that equips them to go out and accomplish their unique mission from the Lord. If you have breath, you have a purpose on this earth.
Accommodations
Currently our accommodations include wheelchair accessibility to the building and restrooms and access to the service presentations in alternative formats including braille for those who cannot see the overhead. We provide a bus with a wheelchair lift to those within a reasonable distance from the church and do our best to provide transportation by other means to anyone else who may need it.
Orientation
Our building is on the northwest corner of Jim Miller Road and Day Street. The nearest DART bus stops are at Military Parkway to the north and Scyene Road to the south. Part of the route lacks sidewalks. The building runs south to north with a wing at the north that extends east toward the parking lot. People usually enter through doors into this wing. The doors face south and there is a wheelchair ramp leading up to them as well as a flight of three steps. The parking lot extends most of the length of the property along Jim Miller and has entrances from Jim Miller and Day Street. There is a public sidewalk at this intersection and another walk along the western border of the lot. Drivers park facing west and have a tendency to block this sidewalk by parking too far forward. Another walk extends from the parking lot along the south side of the north wing to where it meets the sanctuary. As you move toward this inside corner, you will encounter the steps to the right and the side of the wheelchair ramp in front of you. You may turn right and go up the three steps or follow the sidewalk to the left until you come to the lower end of the ramp, then follow the ramp back up to the doors. The entry door is directly opposite the top of the ramp.
Approaching from Day Street
A walk leads from Day street to the sanctuary doors at the south end of the building, but this entrance is rarely used and may be locked. Some ride service or paratransit drivers may drop off passengers at this walk. When you encounter steps, turn right and proceed past the corner of the building and then turn left. There is shrubbery along the side of the building to your left until you reach the wheelchair ramp. At this point you may move left and continue up the ramp or proceed straight until you encounter the three steps. The entry door faces south and is at the top of the ramp, slightly to the left if you came up the steps. See below for a description of the inside layout.
Inside the Building
Assuming you have entered as described above, you will be in a small foryer facing the fellowship hall entrance. The sanctuary door is behind you and to the left. To enter the sanctuary, turn left and then left again at the door. You will enter the sanctuary at the northeast corner. On your right will be the platform where the piano sits. Proceeding straight will take you to the leftmost end of the pews.
Restrooms are on the north end of the fellowship hall. Starting from the point where you came in and following the right hand wall past a cork board and the church office door, go through the doors to the fellowship hall, turn rightand follow the wall to the entry way to the restrooms. You will enter a small open space. The door in the wall in front of you is a closet. The ladies’ room will be immediately to your right. Turn left for the men’s room. Be aware that things are often moved around inside the fellowship hall and there may be obstacles along the walls.