The church was formally incorporated January, 1982.  Known as God’s Baptist Temple, the church began in a storefront in the Price Hill area of Cincinnati.  Hard work and a passion for winning people to Christ resulted in many decisions for Christ.  Dr. Tom Hall was called as pastor to a struggling group of people, September, 1988 (Lucille Richardson, Mike Spillman,  Larry Eversole, Claudia Tucker were in that first service of Brother Hall).  Once again this small congregation began to rebuild and share the Gospel and God began to put back together His church. God began to bring people to work and help in the ministry: Norman & Pat Patterson in music; Gary & Sonya Messer worked in the Sunday School; Jim & Kathy Jones & family and Joyce and Fred Wright worked on remodeling and singing in the services; Jerry & Shirley Trooper in finances; John & Marilyn Filgis in teaching; Donna Sena and Sharon & Norman Patterson Jr were  in children’s ministries, to name a few. To accommodate the growth the church moved to a storefront next door and the church continued to grow.  A building fund was begun and a search for property initiated.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin McCulley, Bus Director took the pastor to see the satellite location of Landmark Baptist Temple in Delhi Twp was vacant and unused for about three years.  The satellite was located on a main thoroughfare on nearly five acres of land.  Dr. John Rawlings encouraged the church to go and use their facilities to see if it “fit.”  By God’s grace we began services on this property, September, 1989.  Growth came immediately and in such a way that it was evident that God had given this opportunity.  A special Christmas offering for the down payment of the property was received exceeding the goal of $25,000.  Subsequently a loan was procured and the church became owner of the property, March, 1990.

 

The focus of the church had to be in keeping the mortgage paid and reaching people which necessitated Pastor Hall remaining in his insurance business and living in Middletown, Ohio.  Slowly but surely God has built a congregation and July, 1997 Dr. Hall was able to become the full time pastor.

 

The focus of Harvest Baptist Church today remains the same: “To honor and exalt Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”  We seek to spread the message of forgiveness and assurance of heaven through local evangelism, world missions, and strong relationship with Christ in our work and homes, and families.