Church History

In the spring of 1950 Rev. and Mrs. Phillip McKee, moved to New Castle with the goal of establishing an Independent Baptist Church.   Over the next several months Brother McKee worked at Chrysler Corporation, saved money, and made plans toward starting a church.  On May 20, 1951 the first service was held in the McKee's home at 1470 Whittier Lane.  On October 28, 1951 the organizational services were held at 1371 Whittier Lane in their recently constructed first Church Building. Under his leadership the church grew to be a strong independent Baptist Church.  Brother McKee pastored Whittier Lane Baptist Church until his home-going in April of 1976.
  Reverend Frank Wood was called as our Pastor in May of 1976, and he and his wife, Wanda, have faithfully served the church these many years. Under Pastor Wood’s leadership the church has grown spiritually and numerically.  Since 1986 we have remodeled and enlarged our auditorium, built a gymnasium/fellowship hall, and added several Sunday School class rooms. We have grown from one adult Sunday School class to four adult classes while maintaining our graded Sunday School from the nursery through Senior High Teens. Pastor Wood retired from pastoring on March 10th, 2019 and was given the title of Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Doug Keppel became the Pastor of Whittier Lane Baptist Church on Sunday, March 17th, 2019 and is currently serving faithfully in that role.

  Brother Frank Wood, Jr joined our staff in 2010 as our youth and music director.  He and his wife, Danielle, work with one of our adults Sunday School Classes, and the Lord has used them to elevate the music program in our church. 

Brother Tyler Hooper joined our staff as an intern in 2020 and became full time staff in 2021 as our youth pastor. He and his wife, Samantha, work with the teenagers and in all of our children's ministries. 
 

A few years ago our theme for the year was “The Best Is Yet To Come”.  Since that time the church has grown and experienced some great blessings, and we still believe that the Best Is Yet To Come!!