The Early Years: As West Olympia Baptist Chapel

West Olympia Baptist Chapel began as a Home Bible Study in the home of Linda Long, a member of First Baptist Church of Lacey.

On April 13, 1979 at 10:00 ,Charles Joyner ; church starter and pastor of East Lakes Baptist Chapel in Lacey, conducted that first Bible Study.

On Feb. 20, 1980 Bro. Joyner began a Royal Ambassadors (R.A.) chapter for Crusaders .

The first Sunday School (S.S.) and Worship Service was held March 9, 1980 in the library of McLane Elementary School. There were 27 in S.S. and 23 in Worship. On March 23,1980 the chapel moved to the McLane Grange Hall on Delphi Rd.

In June 1980, the Youth Choir of Grace Temple Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas conducted a Mission Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the homes and yards of Linda Long and Jenna McBride on Greenridge Loop in Evergreen Shores. About 40 children and preschoolers were reached.

West Olympia Baptist Chapel was the first Mission of First Baptist Church of Yelm which makes First Baptist of Lacey a grandmother. There was a fine working relationship between West Olympia and First Baptist of Yelm from the very beginning. The first Missions Committee was made up of Ralph and Lucretia Turner and Jeanne Bauer. After a few months Tom and Miriam Barringer were added and also two couples from the Chapel. Norm and Sherry Eberle, and Rocky and Terry Smith. First Baptist provided one or 2 S.S. teachers for the first nine months. In Feb. 1981 all classes were taught by West Olympia members.

The Church Grows

Growth was slow but sure. The first Sunday attendance included several visitors and others who did not become "regulars". But that first Sunday Norm and Sherry and Rocky and Terry joined the fellowship. Bro. Charles Joyner baptized Norm and Rocky that night. He had baptized Sherry and Terry several years earlier at 44th Avenue in Mountlake Terrace. These two couples became the nucleus of West Olympia Baptist Chapel.

In July 1980, Bro. and Mrs. Joyner held two Backyard Bible Clubs. About 40 children were reached.

In August 1980, a good Mission VBS was conducted with the help of Rheva Munday from East Lakes and Dave Musser from First Baptist Yelm, and a busload of equipment from First Baptist. The First Baptist bus was used and about 55 were enrolled.

By the end of September 1980 there were 8 resident members. S.S. enrollment was 26 and there were 11 boys in RA's. Mrs. Joyner began a Girls in Action (G.A.) group in October 1980.

In September 1980, Angelo Platoni gave West Olympia a beautiful piano in memory of his wife, Deanna. Deanna had been a faithful member of First Baptist and was taking lessons from Mrs. Wilma Creel.

By April 1981, there were 18 members with 45 enrolled in S.S. Average attendance was 25 in March 1981. Record attendances were set in S.S. and Worship on March 1 with 35 and 36 in attendance respectively.

On April 2, 1981, C.O. Creel, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Yelm accepted the Pulpit Committee's call to become Pastor of West Olympia Baptist Chapel on May 1.

New Location

West Olympia Baptist purchased land in 1984 on the corner of 2nd Street and McKenzie Road.

In 1985 Land Dedication Services were held on this spot. Guest Speakers at the dedication were Dr. David Holden, Director of Missions; Charles Jolly, Sr., Church Extension Director; and Don Kimbough, Pastor ,First Baptist Church of Yelm.

In 1986, construction began. Trees had to be cut and sold. Land needed to be cleared and leveled. Most all of the work was done by members of the church and friends.

In July 1987, we were blessed with help from the Brotherhood from Oklahoma for two weeks and from Texas for one week. The first Wednesday Night Bible Study was held in the framed up structure with one of those groups.

Many more months of work was needed with C.O. and the members doing that work. Special friends donated time, money, and skills to complete this building. This congregation donated time and services in excess of 4000 man hours.

We serve a community of several thousand families within an 8 mile radius.

A Revival date of October 30, 1988 created a burning desire to get our building completed and moved in. With an all-out effort the job was accomplished. We got moved in and held our first S.S. and Worship Service on October 30, 1988. Don Davis conducted that first Worship Service as the beginning of Revival week, while our own pastor C.O. Creel fulfilled duties in Tennessee for World Missions Conference.

That week we added our first new member, Eileen Gonzales by transfer of letter.

In February 1989 we saw 7 baptized in one service. Then 11 more came into fellowship by baptism plus 10 by transfer of letter.

Growth has continued to be strong and steady. Sunday School classes began to increase and more workers were added.

Building dedication services were held Sept. 10, 1989.

Pastor Cecil Sims; Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention (NWBC) brought the message in the morning. Pastor Bob Flegal, Director of Church Programs and Ministries for the NWBC presented Study Course Diplomas to several workers who had finished their study courses. Pastor Bill Peters, Executive Director of NW Center Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary brought the message for the Dedication Service in the afternoon. Dr. David Holden brought the Dedicatory Prayer. C.O. Creel led a Dedication Responsive Reading.

October 30, 1989 was set as PEAK Sunday and a goal of 60 was set for high attendance. We had 62 in S.S. and about 70 in Worship Service.

To God be the Glory, Praise His Holy Name!

submitted by Nancy Koehler, member