Our History...
In the summer of 1984 Rev. Dan Chapman and his family moved from their ministry in Chetwynd, B. C. to start a church plant in their home in Sardis. The first service was held in September 1984 and on October 7, 1984 services were moved to Sardis Elementary School on Manuel Road. Twelve were present. Sunday School classes were held for all ages and the first Christmas program was held on Sunday December 23, 1984.
Many of the ministry groups began during 1985. The first men’s breakfast was held, the first Sunday School picnic was held, a youth group was started, and a ladies Bible Study group began. Sunday morning service attendance averaged about 45. The first VBS was held in three back yards with approximately 42 kids attending.
A Property Acquisition Fund was started with a gift of $1,000. The Thanksgiving Offering goal was set for $5,000. Over $9,000 was given for the property and building fund.
In 1987 our first baptismal service was held at Aldergrove Baptist. On March 8, 1987 at an Organizational Service, three Deacons were elected, and the Statement of Faith and Rules & By-laws of the church were accepted. A month later, on April 4, the Recognition Council of the Lower Mainland Churches met with our congregation for the recognition of Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church as a full member of the B.C. Fellowship Baptist Churches.
In 1988 a Property & Building Committee was formed. In April the church voted to purchase 3 acres plus a house at 45187 Wells Road. Meanwhile, the church moved in June from Sardis Elementary School to a small rented church facility on Vedder Road.
In April 1989 ground was broken on the new church property. By May the footings were poured and on June 5th, the 6 Day Building Project began. The following was written in the BC Fellowship paper:
"THE SIX DAY VOLUNTEER BUILD PROJECT"
June 5th - 10th were exciting days for Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church. A wood framed building was raised from foundation to finished roof in six days. We had been planning the "Six Day Volunteer Build Project" for several months. Some 25 volunteers came during the week for the construction of the building, along with many of our congregation who worked behind the scenes to provide bed and breakfast for the out-of-town guests, and lunch and supper for the entire crew. The volunteers came from several of our churches in B.C. to spend a week helping us. During this week, the small church building we presently meet in became the dining hall for the evening meal, while we worked ten hours each day to complete the task. The new building is 8184 sq. ft. in size, with an auditorium seating capacity of 280. The materials were brought on to the site as we needed them and one of our own members served as supervisor of construction. Our building committee worked to co-ordinate the project, carefully planning each step and then seeing each one to completion. The spirit of the crew as we worked together was something special from the Lord. The whole tenor of the project was evident in our church when we gathered with joy to celebrate on Sunday June 11th in the new building to give thanks and to praise to our God for doing such great things for us and through us. About 80 people shared in the service and the meal afterwards. It was an unforgettable day and week in the life of our church.
At the Annual Business Meeting of 1990 the Church committed to complete and occupy the building by Easter and voted to go off the Home Mission’s Grant. On Sunday April 15th 1990, the first service was held in the new and present building.
Since then Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church has enjoyed the ministry of many volunteers who have poured endless hours into ministry and service. As well, we have been blessed by the ministry of many who have served faithfully in pastoral roles:
- 1991 - 1993 Pastor Grant & Kathy McMillan served as associate pastor.
- 1993 - 1996 Colin & Wendy van der Kuur served as student interns working with youth and college & career groups.
- 1995 Pastor Dan Chapman resigned January 15, 1995 as senior pastor to assume the role of Director of church planting for F.E.B.C. Pastor Don Merrett joined us as interim pastor.
- 1996 - 2000 Pastor Steve and Dee Johnson served as Senior Pastor.
- 1997 Pastor Jonathan and Jill Luesink was hired as student intern in May. Since August of that year Jonathan has served in youth and music ministries as an assistant pastor.
- 2000 - 2002 Jim Peetoom and Dan Goldsmith served as interim pastors.
- 2002 - On August 1, Dr. David and Emily Lee began their current ministry with us as Senior Pastor.
- 2004 - In August, Pastor Rod and Anne Heppell joined us as Pastor of Community Life and Care
Today we celebrate and give God the thanks for His work at Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church. We eagerly anticipate his future blessings as we look to accommodate an ever expanding family and ministry.
