History:

On February 22, 1938, a handful of believers gathered at the home of Mrs. and Mrs. Charles Barker, 315 Daisy Avenue, Berea, for prayer and fellowship.  Supplications were made to God that He should guide them in the opening of a fundamental Baptist testimony in Berea.  God answered their prayers.  After several weeks of Bible studies led by Rev. Henry Cruver, a Sunday school was begun in an abandoned chapel on Grayton Road, just south of the airport.  Nineteen people gathered for their first meeting in which Mr. Charles Barker was elected superintendent and Mrs. Don Burke chosen as the superintendent of the primary department.  Four classes were formed.  On the following Sunday afternoon, the first worship service was held with Rev. Cruver bringing the message.

The new work prospered and it soon became apparent that a duly organized church should be established.  A constitution was drawn up and articles of faith were adopted and subscribed to by twenty-five charter members on November 16, 1938.  The "first fruits" of God's work were manifested when three made known their desire to follow Christ in baptism on December 11.

Rev. Cruver continued to serve as interim missionary/pastor even while pastoring the First Baptist Church of LaGrange, but the rapid growth of this baby church soon warranted the services of a full time pastor.  In April, 1939, an "open pulpit" was declared and on December 10, 1939, the church extended a call to Rev. George G. Nika.

Highlights of these early days include:  the purchase of the property, admission to the Hebron Association of Independent Baptists, the first regular missionary support (Bob Rodgers at $5.00 per month), one hundred in Sunday School on May 19, 1940, street meetings on the "triangle" in Berea, the opening of "The Gospel Center" in the heart of Berea and purchasing of a parsonage.

Rev. Nika resigned on November 24, 1946 and the church then extended a call to Rev. Earl V. Willetts on April 28, 1947.  Pastor Willetts served faithfully as Pastor for twenty-four years retiring in March, 1971.  Under his leadership, the church completed three building programs.  The first one was started in 1948 with the purchase of the West Street property.  Our present auditorium was occupied in April, 1966.  During the close of Pastor Willetts' ministry, Robert Tilburt served as an Assistant Pastor with emphasis on youth.

Rev. Roy Gibbs became Pastor at Berea in April, 1971 following in faithfulness for six years.  During this time period, Roger Salomon was called as Director of Christian Education.

Pastor Derwin Hauser was called as Pastor in June, 1978 and continued his service here until December, 1983.  Both Tom Hamilton and Kenneth Spink were called as Youth Pastors during Pastor Hauser's ministry.

Rev. Kenneth J. Spink began his ministry at Berea Baptist on November 15, 1982 as the Youth Pastor.  After Pastor Hauser left, the church extended a call to Pastor Spink to become Senior Pastor on February 29, 1984.  Associate Pastors serving with Pastor Spink include: David Blackstone, 1985-1989 (youth), Rev. T. Fred Hussey, 1988-1991 (seniors), Thomas A. Graef, 1989-1994 (youth), Rev. Vernon A. Jones, 1993-1997  (Crisis Contact Coordinator), John Guenther, 1994-2002 (Planned Contact Coordinator), Kevin W. Conner, 1996-1999 (Youth), Rev. Evan Gough, 2001-2003, (Seniors), Jeremy Workman, 2000-2008 (Youth), Rev. William Mosher 2008-  (Seniors).

Evidence of God's working through His people is seen in the hundreds of souls who have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Believers have been edified through the faithful teaching of the Word.  Also, there have been many whom God has called out into the ministry from our church.  The final results of God's work will be revealed only in eternity.