History

A Brief Church History

On November 26, 1973, five couples along with Rev. Albert Stover gathered at the home of Terry Kreger for a Bible study and to discuss the possibility of starting a new church in the Iron River area. The group agreed to continue meeting each Monday evening.

During those early weeks, they reached out to Hiawatha Baptist Missions for guidance in establishing the church. On Monday, December 17, following Bible study at the Stovers’ home, the group held a business meeting where they elected officers and officially chose the name Lakeland Baptist Fellowship.

The first officers were: Superintendent – Terry Kreger; Assistant Sunday School Superintendent – Paul Pierce; Sunday School Secretary – Linda Kreger; Treasurer – Linda Wiseley; and Secretary – Helen Oberlin.

A full schedule of services began on Wednesday, January 2, 1974, with a Bible study and prayer meeting at the Wiseley home. The first Sunday services—Sunday School, Morning Worship, and Evening Service—were held there on January 6. These gatherings continued in the Wiseley home until a church building could be rented. When Pastor Stover or guest speakers were unavailable, the men of the Fellowship faithfully filled the pulpit.

Construction of the new church building began in the summer of 1983 with the assistance of Continental Baptist Missions builders and many dedicated volunteers. The first Sunday service was held in the lower level on December 11 of that year.

The Lord has graciously provided for the needs of the congregation, and today the building stands as a place dedicated to His glory—a place where the Gospel is preached, the Word is taught, souls are saved, and believers are strengthened in their faith.

The Lord has graciously provided for the needs of the congregation, and today the building stands as a place dedicated to His glory—a place where the Gospel is preached, the Word is taught, souls are saved, and believers are strengthened in their faith.