In December of 1852 a group of Christ followers felt God was leading them to develop a “gospel church” in Barry County. They invited nearby churches to assist them in organizing “a baptist church in gospel order.” Upon establishing a doctrinal statement and covenant, the church began to meet in a small school house near Pine Lake.
In May of 1858, it was “Resolved that the name of this church be changed to that of Orangeville . . .” and that “the village of Orangeville be the center meeting place.” In February 1859, it was agreed that the church would construct a meeting house, and though the Civil War delayed this project, by October of 1866 the project was completed “for the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars.” On October 31 the new meeting house was dedicated.
Through decades of joys and sorrows, births and deaths, peace and world war, economic crisis and spiritual awakening, the church continued to meet to worship Jesus Christ and to serve one another and their community. In the 1950’s the basement was dug and the building was expanded to include a second story and indoor plumbing. In the 1980’s the church gave generously, so that a building with an auditorium, kitchen, classrooms and fellowship hall could be in service by December, 1988. This greatly increased our ability to minister week by week in worship, youth ministries, community outreach, funerals and weddings.
During the past decade our members have worked diligently to put together, vote on, and implement a Ministry Action Plan. This plan has included bringing on additional pastors, making renovations to the building and grounds, and expanding our Biblical counseling center. We also added small groups that meet during the week, where people carry out the many “one another” commands in the New Testament. We are seeking to love our community in tangible ways and offer the hope and salvation found only in Jesus Christ.
Our mission statement: We are a community whose aim is to believe in Christ, belong to Christ, become like Christ, and build through Christ, as we behold Christ together.
Truly, Orangeville Baptist Church has had a long and amazing story. We invite you to be a part of this journey with us. “For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
