Our History
The Warrensburg Baptist Mission held the first services June 6, 1965, in the two-story house at 409 N.
Mithell which had been purchased for $10,000 from Mr. Harry Werling by the First Baptist Church to
start a Mission. The Rev. C. J. Ford preached the first Sunday, with 36 in Sunday School and the morning
services: 28 in Training Union and 37 in the evening service; with 2 additions. Supply preachers were
used until the first pastor, Rev. Raymond Knox, was called to begin serving on August 1, 1965.
July 6, 1966, First Church authorized the construction of a 40’x80’ basement, not to exceed $10,000.
The basement was built in 1967 with the first services being held in it on October 1, 1967.
The First Church setup a building committee in 1969 with Lynn Harmon as the Chairman along with
members: William Hensley, Cloyd Forman, Wayne Bales, and Dale Westerhold. A contract was let to
Bolchers and Heinsoth of Cole Camp on December 10, 1969, in the amount of $55,527. The architect
was Sammons and Buller of Sedalia. The first services were held in the sanctuary on October 11, 1970
with 85 in Sunday School and 112 in the morning service; 55 in church training and 63 in the evening
service; with 7 additions. A dedication service for the newly named Grover Park Baptist Chapel was
held on October 25, 1970. The Rev. Frank E. Myers brought the afternoon message.
Pictured is the groundbreaking service on June 6, 1976, with Pastor Pete Hill (far right) looking on. After
numerous delays, the project was completed in 1980 with a dedication under the current at the time
pastor Dennis Ball.
In each step along the way, in the growth of the Mission that became the church we have today, the
message has remained the same. If we are obedient to God’s guidance, he will bless us. It is not lost on
us as a church body that we build not only for the current need, but also for those who are yet to come.
Fulfilling our mission “To Know Christ and Make Him Known”.