Daily Bible Verse
Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. - Isaiah 40:26
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About PLBC
In August, 1967, two families shared a vision of starting a Baptist Church in the town of Prior Lake. Together, the Darrell Carons and the Alan Millers contacted the Minnesota Baptist Convention about their vision for a Bible-believing church. Dr. Arthur Allen, Executive Secretary, arranged for an assistant pastor from Plymouth Baptist Church to meet with these two families. Rev. Ken Proffitt, met with them in September to discuss doctrinal positions and a possibility of starting a Bible Study. Four days later the first Bible Study was held. By the end of the month visitors were coming to these meetings. This encouraged Rev. Proffitt to arrange for the use of the Hospitality room at the State Bank where they started meeting in October. The first Sunday there were twenty-two in Sunday School, plus five first time guests for the Morning Service. The same week a business meeting was held in which the group organized as a fellowship, and the name Prior lake Baptist Church was chosen. In November, a constitution committee was elected to draw up a constitution. This constitution was adopted on December 10 when the group of five families voted to organize as a church with nineteen charter members. Six days later on December 16, 1967, ten articles of incorporation were signed. Ken Proffitt was called as the first Pastor. A week later the church voted to affiliate with the Minnesota Baptist Convention through the Twin City Association. The first three deacons elected were Allen Miller, Darrell Caron, and Ken Harris. The last was a student at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, who among others from the college, came to help with the church.
In March, 1968, the young church stepped forward in faith to purchase six and one-half acres of land from the Ray Bang family. Mr. Bill Engen provided a substantial loan in order to make this possible. In April a recognition council recommended the church for full association with the Minnesota Baptist Convention. Attendance at the services continued to average in the twenties. Several Pillsbury Bible College students came to teach Sunday School classes and visit homes in the community. Throughout the month of April, work on the parsonage progressed rapidly. By the first week in May, 1968, Pastor Proffitt moved his family into the new structure. Another major step was taken when the church finished the daylight basement of the parsonage as a meeting place. This room was ready by the first Sunday in June so the church would no longer need to meet at the State Bank. A garage was begun in November, 1969, with provision for an adjacent room that could be used for additional Sunday School space.
In July of 1971, Pastor Proffitt resigned. A call was extended to David Peterson in September. He accepted the call and became the church's second Pastor. In January of 1974, Pastor Peterson resigned as he felt he needed to return to full-time Seminary to complete his training. Dr. Allen of the Minnesota Baptist Convention was contacted for a list of pastoral candidates. Dr. Allen provided some names and also mentioned that personal friend from Colorado might be interested. After the deacons consulted, it was decided to contact Pastor Arthur Coats. He and his wife, Virginia, visited the church the first Sunday in March. On March 10, 1974, a call was extended to Pastor Coats who accepted and came by the end of March.
Plans for a new church building had been considered since the previous fall. Increased attendance in Sunday School, plus the start of an AWANA program made it necessary for additional temporary space. The room in the garage was winterized. Also, a small classroom building was brought in by Chromy Construction Company. In June, 1975, just over a year after Pastor Coats came, the first church structure was under construction. This 40' by 66' building was completed and dedicated in September, 1975. Increasing attendance in 1976 necessitated plans for yet another new addition. Groundbreaking began in May, 1977, for a 24' by 46' multipurpose assembly room/classroom. Members did almost all of the work. It was dedicated in November.
In 1978 church members responded to the vision of Christian Education and voted to start a Christian school in the fall. Pastor Coats attended special training in Accelerated Christian Education. Teachers and monitors were selected and trained. The Prior Lake Christian School opened in September, 1978, with a total of thirty-two students from kindergarten through grade twelve. The following year in August, 1979, Pastor Loren Steven was called as Associate Pastor and Principal of the school. When school enrollment increased, two modular building were purchased and moved onto the church property in 1980, where they were completely renovated by church members. The ministry of Pastor Coats continued until January, 1981. During his seven year ministry the church grew to eighty-five members.
Later in 1981, the church voted to call Pastor Gilbert Seddon. Dr. Seddon had pastored churches in New Prague, Detroit Lakes and New Ulm. He and his wife, Pat, and their family arrived in July. Pastor Seddon was also committed to Christian education. He continued and enhanced the legacy Pastor Coats had begun. In June, 1983, Pastor Daniel Todd was called to join the staff as Pastor of Visitation. Also that year an addition was made to the modular buildings-a covered walkway was built between them. In 1984, the church grew by twenty-eight members. The School grew as well and Pastor Rand Settell was called as Associate Pastor and Principal. In 1986, Roger Byrd was called to be the Principal of Prior Lake Christian School. He and his family moved here from Little Falls in July of 1986. His wife, Bonnie, became the church and school secretary.
The church parsonage and garage were sold to members Paul and Judi Anderson in March, 1989. Proceeds from the sale made it possible to buy a church van, copy machine, and to blacktop the church parking lot. The church's indebtedness was also significantly reduced. A new church garage was built in 1990. Pastor Seddon resigned in October, 1993 after serving here for twelve years.
The church voted in 1994 to extend a call to Pastor Ronald Groschel, who was serving at Fourth Baptist Church in Minneapolis. He accepted the call and came with his wife, Vicki, and their family in May, 1994. In August, 1994, the church called Pastor Kevin Zakariasen to serve as Youth Pastor and Music Director, as well as teach in the Christian school.
In 1997, the Growing in Grace Stewardship Campaign helped lay a solid financial foundation for a new building program. Architectural plans were submitted to the city. An Anniversary Celebration was held on November 15th and 16th, 1997, to commemorate thirty years of God's blessing on this ministry. In 1998 an exciting and total remodeling of the existing church building took place. Additions of a large sanctuary/multipurpose room and classroom wing were part of this project. We have seen the Lord's Hand in providing for the financial needs of His Work. The church is now poised to step forward in faith carrying out Jesus' Great Commission into the 21st Century.
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