Our Church History
Humble Beginnings
On February 23, 1942, a group of Christian folks gathered at the home of Douglas Scarbrough, McDonald, Ohio, to pay him a visit on his brithday. A short service of praise, prayer and Bible study took place and it was resolved that this group have weekly cottage prayer meetings in each of the different interested homes.
The interest grew and the need became greater for a place of Christian fellowship. On the evening of May 16, 1942, some twenty-two brothers and sisters in the Lord, met at the home of George Pullin in Girard, Ohio. This was another time of praise, prayer and Bible study when the subject of an organized group was brought up and straightway the "Evansville Prayer Group" was formed with officers being elected to lead them.
A New Name
Another meeting of prime importance was held on June 3, 1942, when the subject of a place of worship was discussed. As a result of this meeting Jesse Roberson, Edwin Harshman and George Pullin made a visit to the Weathersfield Township School Board to make arrangements to use the Evansville School for a meeting place. Before this visit, these three men, while parked in the Harshman barn, held a prayer meeting asking God to open doors and lead a way to "worship Him." Truly this prayer has been answered in a marvelous way.
On June 6, 1942 another meeting was held at the home of Bosky Davis in Mineral Ridge, Ohio, and definite steps were taken to secure the Evansville School for a meeting place. On June 7, 1942 the first meeting was held in the school with Brother George Pullin breaking God's Word to some thirty-seven that had gathered. Week by week God's hand of blessing was seen in the progress of the "Evansville Prayer Group." Then on June 6, 1943 a new name was adopted, "The Evansville Baptist Church." Things were progressing above all expectations in the school until the boiler exploded and they were forced to vacate.
A New Place of Worship
The hearts of some had been burdened for the purchase of the "Old Store" building on the corner of Salt Springs Road and Ohltown-McDonald Road. While arrangements were being made, the home of Mrs. Celesta Williams of Ohltown-McDonald Road was opened to them and for several months they met there.
By a venture of faith, being unable to rent the "Old Store," they stepped forth and purchased this building and worked long and hard to clean, fix and paint it for a place of worship. Soon they were able to move into it and God continued to work in their midst, even to the erasing of the indebtedness. Attendance grew in spite of the fact that one would roast in the summer and freeze in the winter. Then the basement was prepared for the ever-expanding Sunday School. After each rain they would wade through water to reach their class rooms, but God was mightily working.
A New Building
Often they were hampered and harassed by inadequate facilities, so much so that they realized that they must either build a bigger and better place of worship or stop growing. Blueprints were drawn and they turned to the banks for financial assistance, but the banks were hesitant. Every avenue was explored and ways and means were sought to realize a better place of worship.
Then the church ventured another great step of faith. In August 1953, machinery was moved in and the present house of worship began to materialize. Sunday, June 6, 1954 was another banner day, for these people who had so ventured by faith in God, moved from the "Old Store" building that had so long been their church to the "New" House of Worship.
The Years of Plenty
Evansville Baptist Church has had many wonderful pastor's over the years. Such men as Pastor Loomis and Pastor Conrad led the church through some the greatest years of growth this church had seen. Through the years of their tenure, we saw dozens of people saved, baptized, and added to the church.
God blessed this church to take on many projects in the church. New brick, carpet, a Sunday School addition, the parking lot, and an entry way are just a few items that were accomplished throughout these years of plenty.
The Years of Difficulty
We have had our share of difficult times as a church, just as any church that has been around as long as we. God has been faithful in taking care of us through the years. The past 20 years have been a journey of difficulty for this church, yet God has shown himself truly gracious to us.
A New Beginning
The year 2023 brought a new beginning to Evansville. After a period of 7 years without a Pastor, God led Pastor Andrew Harris, and his family, to our church. God has worked wonders in our church, and been so gracious to us. God has allowed us to see many things take place in this church over the past year and a half.
New Ministries Added
Through the addition of the Bus Ministry, God has shown His hand at work in a mighty way. We have seen countless children, and adults, accept christ as their savior. We have seen many lives changed through the affects of this ministry.
Really, the Bus Ministry has changed our church forever. With a goal of reaching the unreached people of our community, we have continually seen God bless in areas all over the church. We have seen growth in all areas of the church over the past year.
Remodeling Projects
Many areas of this church (built in 1954) have been in a state of disrepair for many years. The past year has brought the opportunity to remodel, repair, and replace many outdated areas of the church. A new nursery was our first major remodel. Since then we have had the opportunity to overhaul our HVAC system, remodel our men's bathroom, resurface our parking lot, add a security system, add a cross to the front of the church, and update lighting around the building.
Our Future
We believe that our church's best days are not behind us. The days of people being saved through soul-winning, community outreach, and good old-fashioned Bible preaching are not over. We believe that God has brought this church back from the dead "For such a time as this". People need God more now that every before. Our nation is dying, and our people are dying with it.
Our goal as a church is to reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no better purpose for a church to exist than this. Our Pastor, and our people, are determined to follow God's leading as we seek to reach the next generation with the gospel. Our church is now a vibrant "house of worship" that is active in evangelism (both local, and worldwide). God is not done with this "Lighthouse on the Corner"!