Our History

Our Story Of God’s Faithfulness

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Can you still remember when you first learned John 3:16? From our earliest days, the mission of Faith Baptist Church has always been to share this simple message with the people in our community.

50th Anniversary – History of Faith Baptist Church video

Humble Beginnings: 1965–1967

When we get to Heaven, we’ll meet a number of saints who could tell us about the first time they learned John 3:16—not from a classroom in a beautiful building, but in a little house on B street, on the west side of Greenville in Poe Mill Village.

In 1965, God laid this community on the heart of a young youth pastor, Blair Bridle, and the youth group of Boulevard Baptist Church. The small group of teenagers began outreach in the neighborhood, and their efforts soon grew into a weekly Bible club for children, which they named Club 3:16. The club grew quickly, expanding to including teens, parents, and other adults, and soon Pastor Bridle was looking for more room to meet their needs.

In 1966, Boulevard Baptist Church purchased a piece of property from Poe Manufacturing for $1 and erected a 50′ x 50′ metal building. They named this new ministry the Poe Mill Mission under the leadership of Rev. Al Thornton. 

In 1967, the Mission became an independent church, changed its name, and Faith Baptist Church was born. 

Serving in Poe Mill: 1967–1977

The fledgling church grew steadily under Pastor Thornton’s leadership until 1971. Following his wife’s death, Pastor Thornton resigned and the church called Rev. Max Kaster, a Navy veteran and Bob Jones University graduate, to be their new pastor. 

On October 7th, 1975, the Faith Baptist Church officially incorporated. Shortly after, God called Rev. Kaster to Indiana, and the church experienced some setbacks, ultimately dwindling to a small congregation of about 40 people.

In 1977, FBC reached out to another veteran and BJU preacher boy, John Vaughn, about candidating to be the next pastor. God gave John and Brenda Vaughn a heart for the needs of the church, and in October of 1977, Pastor Vaughn accepted the call to come as pastor.

Fiery Trials and New Ministries: 1978–1992

Under Pastor Vaughn’s ministry, FBC began to revive and the congregation slowly grew. But in May of 1978 the Lord brought the Vaughns and Faith Baptist Church through a fiery trial that would forever shape the church’s history.

On Saturday evening, May 20th, the Lord ordained a terrible house fire in the Vaughns’ home which threatened the life of both Brenda and two-year old Becky. The next several years were consumed with critical care for Becky and Brenda as doctors watched them both miraculously survive and slowly recover.

The little congregation of forty grew dramatically in the few years that followed as God worked in and through the Vaughns, turning the tragedy of the fire into a catalyst for experiencing God’s care and grace.

Within a short time, so many people were attending FBC that the little 50’ x 50’ building couldn’t hold them.

In 1981, they moved into a former Winn-Dixie grocery store on Old Buncombe Road to accommodate the growing church family. During this time, the Lord also used FBC to begin two sister ministries:

Hidden Treasure Christian School (HTCS)—In 1981 as a result of the significant handicaps Becky sustained during the fire, the church started Hidden Treasure Christian School with two students, one teacher, and a handful of volunteers. Today, HTCS, is a thriving school for children with special needs in the Greenville area.

Iglesia Bautista de la Fe—To reach the growing Hispanic community in Greenville, God used Faith to plant Iglesia Bautista de la Fe under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Franco. By God’s grace, after nearly thirty years, Iglesia Bautista de la Fe continues as a thriving Spanish church in Greenville and is being used of God to strengthen its own people and missionaries around the world.

Growing in God’s Grace: 1992–2007

As FBC continued to thrive, the congregation once again outgrew their location and needed a new place to meet. In 1992, they purchased 36 acres of land on West Lee Road and launched their first building project. 

In April of 1994, Faith Baptist Church officially moved into its current home.

Over the next ten years, God used Pastor Vaughn’s testimony to minister to people all across the country and around the world. He also expanded the church’s ministry through a number of key opportunities:

Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International (FBFI)—Pastor Vaughn worked closely with FBFI (now Foundations Baptist Fellowship International) and served in leadership roles. For a time, Faith Baptist Church housed the home office of FBFI as well as the Frontline Magazine publication. 

The American and South Carolina Associations of Christian Schools—Pastor Vaughn served as the president of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools (SCACS) from 1988-2005. He also held leadership roles with the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS).

Frontline Clubs—To help the next generation learn to “love and live the Bible,” the leadership at FBC developed and launched Frontline Clubs, a children’s program that now serves churches across the country and around the world.

In 2007, Pastor Vaughn retired from FBC after thirty years of faithful ministry. 

Renewed Vision: 2008–2022

In October 2008, the Lord brought John and Susan Monroe and their family to Faith to candidate for the role of senior pastor. In November, FBC officially called Pastor Monroe. 

On January 18th, 2009, the Monroes said goodbye to their church family in Florida and became a part of their new family at Faith Baptist. He served faithfully at Faith Baptist through July of 2022.

Under Pastor Monroe’s leadership, FBC continued to grow and develop new ministries, including Freedom That Lasts and Faith Counseling Institute.

Today, John 3:16 still motivates the pastors and people at FBC to reach lost souls in this community. We praise the Lord for more than five decades of His faithfulness and saving grace at Faith Baptist Church.

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