Our Story
MAJOR EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES
Reedy Creek Baptist Church (formerly Palm Beach Baptist Church)
· 1928 – Land purchased on 9th Ave, Palm Beach and first church building constructed.
· 1953-1957 – Pastor Norm Weston was appointed pastor of the Tugun, Palm Beach, Coolangatta - Tweed-Heads churches.
· 1957-1965 – Palm Beach served by series of pastors including; Pastor Hohnke, Rev. Robert Paulsen and Pastor Holsworth.
· 1965 – No pastor was appointed, but in great Baptist style, the church was overseen by Deaconess McMahon.
· 1960’s – Difficult days for Palm Beach as closure of the church was threatened. Palm Beach was greatly assisted by Tugun church in the early 60’s especially through the efforts of lay member Geoffrey Ardill who helped bring in significant numbers of people to secure the survival of Palm Beach Church.
· 1969 – A pivotal year in the life of the church as the original building was demolished and a new brick building was constructed. It was also during this time that the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Ashton Lehmann (2 yrs) with support from the Baptist Union.
· 1971-1979 – Rev. Arthur Hooker became the first fully-supported pastor of Palm Beach.
· 1970’s – As Palm Beach continued to grow the church purchased a house next door on 9th Ave and added two blocks for parking.
· 1977-1984 – Palm Beach formed part of the Southern Gold Coast Baptist Church with several other sister churches in the area and appointed Ron Frankland as Pastor
· 1981 – Palm Beach initiated the purchase of properties in Mudgeeraba for future Baptist church. This site was later exchanged with the Baptist Union for a ten-acre site at Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek.
· 1980-1981 – Two houses were purchased on the Gold Coast Highway along with extensions made to the main auditorium and youth, school and preschool facilities.
· 1982 – Southern Gold Coast Christian Community School (later known as Hillcrest Christian College) commenced classes on the church premises.
· 1983 – Four allotments, including a residence and shop on the Gold Coast Highway and 10th Ave were purchased to accommodate for further growth.
· 1985 – Ron Frankland commenced as Senior Pastor at Palm Beach.
· 1986 – Southern Gold Coast Christian Community School relocated to present Bridgman Drive location and name was changed to Hillcrest Christian College.
· 1990-1998 – Drew Kelso served as Senior Pastor.
· 1991 – Additional 10 acres at Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek were purchased in conjunction with Hillcrest Christian College.
· 1998-2007 – Rev. Stephen Bagi served as Senior Pastor
· 2000- Property at Palm Beach was sold and property at 2 Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek was purchased (along with frontage onto Gemdale Road). Construction on present building commenced.
· 2001 – Palm Beach Baptist relocated to new location and changed name to Reedy Creek Baptist Church. Officially dedicated and opened new facilities on 21st July.
· 1986-present – Church has been served by a number of Associate and Interim Pastors and other key ministry staff including; Ian Malins, Steve Bagi, Lynton Allan, Peter Holley, Norm Weston, Wes Jessop, Stuart Cran, Andrew Fisher, Mick Cross, Tony Woods, Haylee Freudigmann and John Hopping (since 2002).
· 2008 – Rev. Dr. Rich Peterson, from the United States, inducted as Senior Pastor.