What began as a small gathering in the living room of one of those families soon became a reality. In February of 1974, the growing congregation moved into the basement of the Farmers Bank building in Bellville, Ohio. As the Lord continued to bless, the church experienced further growth and relocated several times before finding a permanent home at the corner of State Route 13 and Vanderbilt Road.

In September of 1974, ground was broken for the church’s first building, which was completed and dedicated just twelve months and six days later. As the ministry continued to grow, a second building was constructed in 1984 and officially dedicated on January 8, 1985.

From its earliest days, Peoples Baptist Church has remained committed to being an independent, fundamental, Baptist church. Through God’s blessings, the church now enjoys 17 acres of property and wonderful facilities where families can gather to worship, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord together.

On April 14, 2024, Pastor Chris Spencer began serving as the pastor of Peoples Baptist Church, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the church’s history.

Since that time, the Lord has continued to bless Peoples Baptist Church in remarkable ways. We have witnessed His faithfulness, experienced His provision, and rejoiced as He continues to work in the hearts and lives of people. With a renewed vision for reaching our community, strengthening families, and making a difference for eternity, we are excited about what God is doing in and through our church.

Under Pastor Spencer’s leadership, our desire remains to build upon the foundation of biblical truth established more than five decades ago, while faithfully embracing the opportunities God has placed before us today.

We recognize that everything good that has happened at Peoples Baptist Church is a testimony to the goodness and grace of God. The story of our church has never been about one person, one pastor, or one generation. It has always been about a faithful God working through ordinary people who are willing to serve Him.

More than 50 years have passed since those first eight people gathered with a vision, but the purpose of Peoples Baptist Church remains unchanged. While much has changed in our world since 1974, the Word of God has not changed, nor has the mission of the local church.

Our desire is still to glorify God, faithfully preach His Word, reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and help believers grow in their walk with the Lord.

Throughout our history, we have experienced seasons of both blessings and challenges, but through it all, God has remained faithful. We are grateful for those who came before us, for the families who faithfully serve today, and for the opportunity to continue the work that began so many years ago.

We thank God for our past, rejoice in what He is doing in the present, and look forward with faith to what He has in store for the future.