GBC History
Rev. Bill Mummert, and his close friend, Evangelist Ron Susek,
Pictured to the left is the Garage where the first GBC Church Service was held by Rev. Bill (pictured on right).
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 28, 2009.
Rev. Bill and wife, Christine Mummert breaking ground for the new GBC Church at Fairview Road.
1982
In August of 1982 at the North American Baptist Triennial Conference held in Niagara Falls, New York, the vision to begin a church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was birthed in the heart of Reverend Bill Mummert. His close friend, Evangelist Ron Susek, was a great encouragement to him as he began this church planting process. They spent much time in prayer together and watched this vision became a reality. At this time, good friends of Pastor Bill and Chris, Norm and Lyla Diede, supported the new ministry financially so Pastor Bill could spend all his time building the church. He began holding Bible studies on Tuesday evenings at the Lamp Post Restaurant, which was located across the street from Gettysburg College.
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The decision was made to call the group Gettysburg Baptist Church. The Lord richly blessed the church planting ministry. The first worship service was held on December 5, 1982 in the YWCA building on Lincoln Square with an attendance of 29 people.
1987
On June 30, 1987, property was purchased at 60 North Fifth Street in Gettysburg. After renovating the small garage on the property, the first worship service was held on October 11.
1991
By 1991 the congregation outgrew the little building. In February of that year GBC began renting the Seventh Day Adventist building for Sunday morning worship services.
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Continuing to pursue the burden the Lord had placed upon his heart for the town of Gettysburg, Pastor Bill and Chris began to build relationships with the students at Gettysburg College. During this time, he was appointed staff worker of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. The group later changed to Disciple-makers. He ministered to students at the college for 29 years.
2001
Growth continued steadily over the next ten years, and early in 2001 the church purchased thirty-eight acres of land on Fairview Road along Route 15 in Gettysburg.
2002
In July of 2002, the first phase of the building was completed, and the first service was held on July 21.
2009
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 28, 2009 at Fairview Road.
Present Day
This ministry is truly the Lord’s work as it was initiated by Him almost 40 years ago and continues into the present by His sustaining power. Through the power of God, many have come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, grown in their faith and serve Him in various capacities within our church and the church worldwide.
