How it all started...
Ashley Baptist Church was founded in 1848 by pioneers carving their homesteads out the unsettled wilderness of West Michigan. Members met in a log cabin that also served as the community town hall, post office, and school house. In 1863, during the Civil War, the congregation erected a white chapel on the corner of Ashley and 10 Mile Road. In 2003 the church relocated to a new facility on M44 in Otisco Township, where it currently meets. Much has changed over the years, but Ashley Baptist Church is still doing what it was founded to do – honor God by meeting people’s spiritual needs through the teaching and the preaching of the Word of God.
Historical Timeline
1848 – Members originally formed what was then called the First Baptist Church of Oakfield Township.
1863 – During the dark days of the Civil War, a chapel was erected on 10 Mile Road.
1956 – The church’s name was changed to Ashley Baptist Church in tribute to one of the church’s founding members.
1974 – By congregational vote, the church became independent of any denominational association.
1994 – David A. Oliver left the ministry of vocational evangelism to follow the Lord’s leading and became the senior pastor of Ashley Baptist Church.
1998 – The church joined the Independent Fundamental Baptist Fellowship of Michigan.
2003 – After two years construction, the congregation relocated to the current facility on M-44.
2013 – Called our current associate pastor, Pastor Gib Brown.
2014 – Construction on the fellowship hall was completed.
To read an article by Pastor Oliver on one of the church's founders, Sheldon Ashley, click here.
Historical Timeline
1848 – Members originally formed what was then called the First Baptist Church of Oakfield Township.
1863 – During the dark days of the Civil War, a chapel was erected on 10 Mile Road.
1956 – The church’s name was changed to Ashley Baptist Church in tribute to one of the church’s founding members.
1974 – By congregational vote, the church became independent of any denominational association.
1994 – David A. Oliver left the ministry of vocational evangelism to follow the Lord’s leading and became the senior pastor of Ashley Baptist Church.
1998 – The church joined the Independent Fundamental Baptist Fellowship of Michigan.
2003 – After two years construction, the congregation relocated to the current facility on M-44.
2013 – Called our current associate pastor, Pastor Gib Brown.
2014 – Construction on the fellowship hall was completed.
To read an article by Pastor Oliver on one of the church's founders, Sheldon Ashley, click here.
Expanding the vision...
In 2001, we broke ground and started construction on the Auditorium and Educational wing. Construction was completed in 2003 with the help of many missionary builders and volunteers from across the state and our local congregation. God gave us a beautiful building to use for His glory!
Where we are headed...
With a growing congregation and a need for an indoor space for fellowship and youth events, construction of a Fellowship Hall was started and completed in 2014. The facility upgrades over the years have helped us stay true to our mission of glorifying God by making and maturing disciples for Him. Our desire is that Ashley Baptist Church will be able to carry out that mission until He returns.
