Links

In 1952 approximately 50 people began meeting together as there was a common interest and commitment to support American Baptist missions. This group met monthly in homes to share their dreams and to discuss mission as well as invite missionaries who were on home assignment to share their experiences. Emerald Baptist Church was formed in 1954 as an American Baptist Church. On may 2nd of that year , the first worship service was held at Roosevelt Junior High School.

In 1956 property was purchased on 19th & Patterson streets where the congregation continues its ministry today.

Charles Moore 1954-1961

James Merlin 1962-1969

Marvin Friesen 1969-1982

Jack Kiekel 1970-1979

Harley Hunt 1983-1985

Thomas Kramer 1987-1990

Richard Roy 1991-1997

Don Cowell 1998-2002

Anthony Doheny 2003 - present

Former Pastors

Over the years the church has experienced plateau and decline and recently the congregation has taken a hard look at its purpose and viability of existence. It has become clear that the mission of the church is to exist for its non members. That is to say, Emerald finds it’s mission in reaching out to the community and “joining hands” with existing organizations to help share the Gospel in tangible and meaningful ways. We desire to be relevant in our ever changing culture. We are becoming more interested in exploring and rediscovering what it means to be Jesus’ sent people - seeking the needs of our neighbor over own own. We believe that mission is more about all of God’s people being involved rather than an activity where certain people are sent. We gather for worship, encouragement, teaching, discipleship and seeking God’s presence as we go out into the world. We strive to be a healing community where people carry each other’s burdens and help restore gently. We are in no way perfect but we seek to serve God’s Kingdom by being the “salt and light” in our community.

We believe it is important for the church to be actively involved in the community it finds itself.

The Collegiate Christian Fellowship meets here on this campus. You can find them at

http://www.ccfeugene.com/.

Also the Eugene Chinese Christian Church also meets here on the campus http://www.eugeneintls.org/ecc/.

Here are some of the other organizations that we have either been involved with or believe in what they do. As time moves on this will be a growing list.