The History of First Baptist Church of Goose Creek

Where It All Began

The church began in a one-room business, Turner’s Barber Shop, where twelve dedicated believers gathered with a vision for an active Southern Baptist Church in the Goose Creek community. This mission was sponsored by Charleston Heights Baptist Church in January 1957 under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Lloyd Doyle served as the first pastor until July 1961. On October 18, 1959, the church was officially constituted as Pineview Baptist Church with 86 charter members. Then, on February 8, 1960, the church was formally recognized as an independent congregation—a fully established church with its own membership and governance.

An old black and white photo of a small wooden building, possibly a barn or shed, with a pitched roof and a small rectangular opening near the top. There are tall trees in the background and a tent-like structure to the right.
A large brick building with a metal section on top, small trees and bushes in front, and a grassy area with a road in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Early Properties and Buildings

  • 1959: E. W. (Jack) Etling donated the first property; additional property purchased from Ralph Browder.

  • 1967: L. Browder donated land for a two-story education building, completed and dedicated in October 1968, which also housed a Daycare Program.

  • 1984: Churchyard and youth playground property purchased from the Beasley Family.

  • 1997: Additional property purchased from Marion D. Hare.

A black and white photo of a house with a front porch and a pathway leading to the entrance.

Leadership and Growth

  • Rev. David Thomas (October 1961 – February 1966) established the Kindergarten in September 1963, with Mrs. Laura Anderson as Director and Mrs. Nadine Infinger as the first teacher.

  • The first person licensed to preach was Ronald Lee Collier, Sr.

  • On November 24, 1963, the church name was changed to First Baptist Church of Goose Creek.

  • Rev. Charles B. Littleton (June 1966 – November 1968) started Children’s Church and completed the Pastorium (since sold).

  • Rev. David Stone, Vice President of The Baptist College of Charleston (now Charleston Southern University), served as interim pastor on three occasions.

A church with a brick exterior, large stained glass windows, and a tall white steeple with a cross, situated on a grassy lawn.

1970s Sanctuary and Missions

  • Rev. Johnny L. Caldwell (July 1969 – 1978) led the congregation through significant growth:

    • Goose Creek Baptist Mission, later Gethsemane Baptist Church, was established in March 1971.

    • The current sanctuary was completed and dedicated on July 2, 1972.

  • Rev. James Herron served from 1978 – 1982.

  • Rev. Chester H. “Sonny” Holmes, Jr. (1982 – 1985) oversaw construction and dedication of the Fellowship/Educational Building on October 7, 1984.