Welcome Baptist Church was founded by Rev. L.P. Thomas and a small band of members during the Thanksgiving weekend of 1952. The members of this group wanted to give the community of Harlem McBride; now known as Oakland Park a place to worship where they could feel free and welcomed to serve the Lord. Sister Hattie Grant was one of the members of this small group who suggested the name “Welcome Baptist.” The group agreed and planted their once small church.