History

 

Keystone Baptist Church

Founded April 2, 1972
Chartered March 25, 1973

Keystone Baptist Church, located at 212 Fleetwood Drive, started as a mission of College Hill Baptist Church.  It was the desire of Reverend J. J. Bowman, Pastor of College Hill, and some of its members to provide a place of worship in an area that was without a nearby church before College Hill celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The location was narrowed down to two locations. One was on Graves Mill Road and the other on Fleetwood Drive. College Hill took an option on seven acres of land on Fleetwood Drive.  College Hill opposite side of the road and just below the present church property. The option was for 21,00.  College Hill decided not to purchase this property and the option was dropped.  Several months later, the present church property consisting of 21.5 acres of land, a five-room house and other builds was put up for auction and College Hill was able to purchase it for 21,000.

During July and August of 1969 College Hill held the Sunday evening service on the lawn.  Sunday School was held in the little house on a trial basis for a period of one year starting in October 1969.  Also during the summer months the property was used for youth activities, picnics, and Vacation Bible School.  The Sunday Evening Service was held on the lawn, weather permitting instead of at College Hill.  Near the end of the trial period it was decided that a full-time church program was needed to meet the needs of the growing community.. Plans to start a full-time mission began.

Plans were drawn for a chapel to be erected on the property known as Keystone Chapel on Fleetwood Drive.  On Easter Sunday, April 2, 1972, the first service was held in the new sanctuary of Keystone Chapel, and a full church program was started.  Sunday School was held at 9:45 A.M. with the morning worship service at 11:00 A.M.  The first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. John C. Loving.  The mid-week service was a Family Night Service held on Thursday evenings with a covered dish supper at 6:30 P.M., followed by a prayer meeting at 7:30 P.M.