Garden Heights Baptist Church began as a mission.
In July,1958 the Sights Committee of the City Missions Committee of
the East St. Louis Baptist Association met to discuss the possibility
of using the then known “Brown Cow Drive-Inn” on Mascoutah Road as a mission
site. After much discussion and surveys, Pastor L.R. Strother and
Sterling Baptist Church led the way to sponsor the Mission known as "Garden
Heights Baptist Chapel". On Sunday morning October 25, 1958 the first
service was held with H.B. Gibson leading the services. There were
nineteen in Sunday School and twenty-four in worship.
On Sunday, May 5, 1963 at a special called meeting by Rev. Roy Field,
Pastor of Sterling Baptist Church, Garden Heights Southern Baptist Mission
was constituted as Garden Heights Baptist Church with unanimous vote.
The Rev. Dale Brown was called as Pastor. April 22, 1964, Rev.
Williams T. Williams was called as Pastor. On February 10, 1965
Rev. Kenneth Reed was called to Pastor Garden Heights. Bro. Reed
went to the Lord on May 10, 1986. On July 6,1986, Bro.Terry E.
Crownover was called as Pastor.
Garden Heights continues to reach new goals for the Lord. In the
past, we have built a new sanctuary, added a new building to our education
property, remodeled our nursery and pre-school departments, added a
beautiful church steeple, and other major projects. But our future
is brighter than ever. New goals are being set, planned and reached
under the adopted “Long Range Planning” guide. The potential for
growth is high with respect to community expansion, Scott AFB Joint Use,
and the blessing of God.
Garden Heights is a Southern Baptist Church and works with other Southern
Baptist Churches, the Metro-East Baptist Association, the Illinois Baptist
Association and the Southern Baptist Convention. Our Church supports
the Co-Operative Program and Various Mission Projects.
We are proud of our heritage both as a Church and as the People of God.
We are appreciative of the many military families we have enjoyed through
the years. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!