The church has been historically progressive, promoting civil rights, the ordination of women, and LGBTQ inclusivity.

[1] On March 4, 1923, a formal organizational meeting was held, where 126 people pledged themselves to the covenant of the church and elected deacons from the neighborhood's residents: J.S.

[1] Two church members purchased land on the corner of Watts Street and Urban Avenue, and the congregation charged J.T.

[1] Johnson used blue granite from Waynesville, North Carolina, and designed the church in the Gothic Revival style.

Howard Weeks was appointed as the first pastor of Watts Street Baptist Church in September 1923.

[5] Watts Street Baptist Church faced criticism for ordaining a woman.

[5][5] Dolores Atkins became the first woman member of the church's diaconate in 1966, followed by Beth Upchurch.