First Baptist Church of Garrettsville

Answer to prayer, the early years:

     1968 - Baptist summer ministries survey to determine if there is interest for starting a new church.

    1969 - Reverend James Smith and Sam Dees continue to visit with people in the area.

     July 27, 1969 - First Sunday worship held in the American Legion Hall. Reverend Bill Murray was the temporary pastor. Austin Village Baptist Church of Warren was the mother church of the new mission called First Baptist. Gordon Sayers and his family continue the work. Thursday night prayer and bible study begin.

    June 6, 1970 - Reverend Marlin Williams from Florida arrives to become the first full time pastor of the Garrettsville Mission. Seven acres of land was purchased just outside city limits between Garrettsville and Hiram.

    July 30, 1972 - First Baptist Chapel was formally constituted.

    The building years: Reverend Nuel Peoples served as pastor from 1971 to 1980. He started the building campaign. Construction on our present building began in 1973. In October 1975 the church was dedicated.

     Ordinations:  Reverend Thomas Barker 1979

                 Reverend Rick Mixelberger 1987

                 Reverend David Ray, 1995

     Reverend Willie Ailstock, Pastor 1981-1987

     Reverend Derek Williams, Pastor 1987-1999

     Pastor David Gray 1999 to present