Forty-five souls gathered. A tin-topped tabernacle held their first Easthaven Baptist Church service. Sawdust floors and a simple wooden platform. That was July 1947. The Hamilton Street Mission began. Members of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven joined Reverend Martin Sanders and Travis Ramsey. This humble beginning marked the birth of Easthaven.
Easthaven Baptist Church quickly grew. It became the fastest-growing church in the state. A concrete block building replaced the tabernacle. Volunteer hands built it. The church’s growth was remarkable.
Easthaven’s story continued. On December 28 1952 they held their first service as a self-supported church. Ben Wactor Clyde Coker Sr Bryon Entrican E C Lambert Benton Burt and Paul Wilson became the first ordained deacons. These men laid the foundation for future generations of leaders.
In 1958 Easthaven moved to a new building. It was on Highway 84 East. A beautiful new sanctuary opened on October 5 1958. This marked a significant milestone in the church’s development. The congregation celebrated their new home.
The church expanded its reach. A part-time radio ministry began in the early 1960s. It broadened in 2007 to include online video broadcasts. This brought Easthaven’s services to a wider audience.
Easthaven’s ministries grew. In 1969 a kindergarten program started. An educational building was added as the church continued to grow. A bus ministry joined in 1972. A prayer room was completed in 1974. A deaf ministry started in December 1979. These additions enriched the church’s community involvement.
In 1988 the sanctuary expanded. It now seated 600 people. The need for even more space became evident. Twenty-nine acres of land were purchased near I-55. A building program started. Easthaven’s ambition was remarkable.
A “Challenge to Crossover” building campaign began in 1996. The goal was to build debt-free. A five-phase facility plan was created. The vision was expansive. It involved a separate educational facility and a larger worship center. A school was part of the long-term plan.
Easthaven stands today. A 47000 square foot facility. It has a worship capacity of 700 and education capacity of 600. A fellowship hall holds 500. A choir loft and a practice room are available. The first service in the new facility was on January 4 1998. Dedication followed on May 3 1998.
Easthaven Baptist Church stands as a testament. A testament to faith perseverance and growth. It continues to serve its community. It strives to spread its message of hope. The church’s journey is an inspiring story of devotion.