Peniel Church

A ripple of excitement, like a whispered prayer, ran through the crowd gathered before Peniel Baptist Church. This isn’t just any church. Peniel Baptist Church holds a special place in history, intertwined with the life of one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century: Billy Graham. The very ground we stand on near Peniel Baptist Church witnessed a pivotal moment in his life. It was in Silver Lake, close by, that a young Billy Graham was baptized on December 4, 1938. Peniel itself ordained him to evangelistic ministry just a few months later, on January 14, 1939. Imagine the weight of that moment, the promise held in the air as a young man dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. Peniel Baptist Church wasn’t always known by this name. Originally called the Peniel Lighthouse, the church was constituted in July of 1852. It wasn’t until May of 1871 that the name “Peniel Baptist Church” was officially adopted, inspired by the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32:30). The church we see today, the sanctuary and education building, was dedicated much later, on February 20, 1967. Even the older church building, now known as The Chapel, found a new home, relocated a year after the sanctuary was built. Peniel Baptist Church has always been more than just a place of worship. It’s a place of learning and growth. In August 1971, the Peniel Baptist Academy Day Care Center and Kindergarten was established. The church continued to expand its educational outreach. In 1982, a dedicated Academy school building opened, providing Christian education for preschool through 12th grade. The commitment to education didn’t stop there. On October 12, 2008, a new high school building was dedicated, designed with the future in mind. The building allows for the addition of a family life center. Peniel Baptist Church’s mission is to “Exalt the Savior, Equip Believers, and Evangelize the Lost!” It strives to be a beacon of faith, much like the lighthouse it was once called.