History
Pastor Lewis Turner 1974 – 1982
In November 1974, twelve Christians assembled together to start an Independent Baptist church with Pastor Lewis Turner. Bible Baptist Church began meeting in the home of Dan & Teddi DeBias in New Port Richey, FL. Five months later, we obtained a store front on US 19, where the church held services for the next six months.
Dan & Teddi DeBias
In 1975, the Lord provided the means to purchase 8 acres of land on Cecelia Drive along with two double wide trailers where the church continued to grow. Soon thereafter, a building program was started with bonds sold to build a church auditorium. Through the Lord’s blessings and His people’s sacrifices, the new church building was completed in September 1977.
Pastor John Reinholt 1983 – 2012
In January 1983, Pastor John Reinholt was called as the new pastor as he and his wife Polly moved from Michigan where he pastored for 16 years. Through his leadership, Bible Baptist Church was able to pay off the building bonds and was soon debt free.
Pastor John & Polly Reinholt 1994
As the church continued to grow, Pastor Reinholt saw the need for a new building to hold Sunday School classes along with a fellowship hall. In 1986, the membership gave unto the Lord as they worked hard to complete construction on the fellowship building without going into debt.
Ushers 1980’s Randy Hogan, Ernie Lucadano, Joe Frencl, and Ron Zoland
With a vision of continued outreach, Pastor Reinholt led the church to break ground on the Lillian Ogden Christian Life Center in July 2005. The church decided to name the building in honor of Lillian Ogden who made a large sacrificial donation to the Lord and moreover whose life exemplifies the love of Christ. The building will be equipped with a regulation size basketball court, classrooms, as well as a kitchen and dining area.
Children’s Christmas Program 1980’s
In 2009, Bible Baptist Church sent out Walt Griffith, Jr. as a missionary to Haiti where he is continuing the ministry of founding missionary George Baker who was also sent out of our church. Bible Baptist Mission to Haiti has started 69 churches and continues to train men through Heritage Baptist Bible Institute in Port au Prince.
Having served the Lord faithfully for 46 years of pastoring, Pastor Reinhold went home to be with the Lord in November 2012. His influence is ever present today as he set an example of steadfastness in earnestly contending for the faith as he did not waver in his stand for the King James Bible and the doctrines contained within.
With a dedication to continue following Christ in reaching our community and world with the Gospel, Bible Baptist Church called Pastor Matt Stidham in February 2013 as their third pastor.
With a reminder of our past accomplishments for our Lord, we continue to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
Round Up Revival with Evangelist Kevin Walker Family
