Wicker Memorial Baptist Church began as a Sunday School Class made up of the area residents who met on Sunday mornings from home to home.

In 1944, under the pastorate of the late Reverend W. W. Williams, the Church was organized and named Sweet Bethel. This name was changed to Wicker Memorial, in honor of Deacon Thomas Wicker, who gave the church the land on which to build a House of Worship.

The first services of the new Church were held in a gas station building until we outgrew that building. A tent was then purchased and services were held there. Soon thereafter, the cellar of the new Church was scooped out with horses by the men of the Church and other men in the community. While the men labored, the women of the Church served cold lemonade and sandwiches to the workers.

Under the pastorate of the next Reverend Williams, the basement and sub floor was constructed and church services were moved inside.

In 1951, the late Reverend Milton T. Austin was called as pastor and served faithfully for nine years until the Lord called him home from labor to reward. Under his leadership many members were added and the former edifice was erected. Wicker became known as the Church in the heart of the community with the community in its heart.

In 1961, the late Reverend Calvin S. Wood was called as pastor and assumed his pastoral duties in June of that year. He "ran the race that was set before him" for twenty-two years until January 11, 1983 when God said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".

Under the pastorate of Reverend Wood the Church continued to prosper and climbed to higher heights and deeper depths. With a great move of the Holy Spirit, God began to call forth ministers under his leadership. Some have passed, one has since retired (Reverend John Braswell); and one one is still pastoring (Reverend George Huntley)

In 1970, the present edifice was built. In 1973, it was presented debt free. Reverend Wood labored tirelessly as preacher, teacher, pastor and friend to all for twenty-two years. He was known as a "preacher's teacher" and ten preachers "sat at his feet" and learned early lessons which prepared them for leadership positions. We cherish the memory of the Reverend Calvin S. Wood and his wife Reverend Corrine Wood.

In the period following the death of Reverend Wood, Reverend James Neal (one of the ten) graciously took over and presided as acting pastor. From August 1984 until February 1989, Reverend Robert Caddell, D. D. served as pastor.

On February 18, 1990, Reverend Arlene C. Thomas was installed as pastor. Prior to officially being installed as pastor she was interim pastor for fourteen months. Reverend Thomas became the first Black woman to pastor a Baptist Church in Monmouth County. Under her leadership, against all odds but with the help of God, the Church grew in every respect as "the Lord added daily such as should be saved" including one who served as associate minister, Minister Mattie Fern.

In May 1997, Reverend Joseph L. Pickett, guided by the Lord accepted to preside as interim pastor due to the illness of Pastor Thomas. He served the Church in many capacities before being installed as Pastor on March 22, 1998. Minister Mattie Fern, a former member, was an invaluable aid to the pastor and an asset to the congregation. Sister Brenda Bellamy and brother Kenny Duncan, also former members, were licensed to preach under the leadership of Pastor Pickett.

Under Pastor Pickett's leadership, the Lord is continuing to bless us and add new members. Reverend Pickett celebrated his ninth Pastoral Anniversary in March 2007.

Our Mission is to glorify God, win souls and be a living testimony; focusing on our outreach ministries.

Our Vision it to proclaim God's love, purpose and will through His word; thereby winning the lost through Evangelism, discipleship and fellowship.

We are moving to Texas!! Road!!

Wicker Memorial has begun the necessary steps required to prepare for the construction of our new edifice which will be located on Texas Road in Morganville, NJ. The new edifice will seat 500 worshippers and provide ample space for church and community related activities. Fundraising activities are ongoing to help fund the construction project. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Charmaine Williams.