History

Charleston only had 850 residents when Mrs. Mary Guthrie moved to town. Because of her efforts and the help of the Bloomfield Association, a man from Paris, and another from Danville, Illinois, the Charleston Baptist Church was established with eleven charter members in August 1850. They met in rented portions of the Presbyterian Church and later the Christian Church.

In 1857, the congregation moved into their newly constructed building at 4th and Monroe and Mr. G.W. Riley was their first minister. The church continued through the years with times of great spiritual revival and other times when, but for the grace of God, prayers and sacrifices; it would have had to close it's doors.

In October, 1910, the Baptists purchased the property and furnishings of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 7th and Harrison Street. With the depression, it was a struggle to pay the $4,360, but during the 1940's and 50's, the church was growing in attendance, community and missions service.

A parsonage was purchased in 1953 and in 1956 a free gift of a large home was accepted. It was moved across the street to be used for religious services. It contained a nursery, Pastor's office, three classrooms and a large conference room.

Up until this time, there had been 38 different ministers, many of them staying only six months to a year. Reverend Dean Dolash came in 1960 and stayed 14 years, longer than any previous pastor. Twenty-three persons were baptized and became members in his first year, mostly younger couples who are still members as we enter the new millennium.

Even before Rev. Dolash left, members were talking of building a new church because of parking problems and need for more space. A building plan was designed and the congregation, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Hanrahan, moved into the first phase, a sanctuary and Sunday Schools rooms, on February 14, 1982. The structure was built on a large acreage at 2800 South University Drive and had ample parking. Rev. Weller, from England, came and stayed until after the dedication. He was followed by Rev. David Anderson, Rev. Al Brown and Rev. Leonard Lewis, with interim pastors filling in when needed. Rev. Pat Murphy became our pastor in April, 1998.

In October, 1998, a feasibility committee was formed to consider building a new education wing. In April, 1999, the congregation voted to proceed and on May 16th, more than $180,000 was pledged for the project. The 7,100 square foot addition was dedicated on April 2, 2000 and the $405,000 cost was nearly paid at that time. The facility included 5 new classrooms, a choir room, two nurseries (infants and toddlers) a large kitchen and a Fellowship Hall that would seat more than 200 people. Dorothy Monts, church organist and member since 1926, was Chairperson for the project. John Hayward (Construction) and Tom Woodall (Finance) joined eight others on the unified and successful Building Committee who recognized that "Bricks and mortar don't make a church. With the right spirit, we will use this new building to teach, encourage, evangelize and fellowship with God's people".