Our History

Since 1964

A Church Built on the Word

We are a Scripture-following Baptist Church — just minutes south of Dayton. We seek to honor and glorify God by offering Biblical preaching, teaching, and discipleship. You are invited to worship with us any Sunday that is convenient for you. Getting to know the people of EBC is the best way to get to know this church. For details about what we believe, see our Doctrinal Statement.

The Founding

In 1964, a fledging church was started in Centerville, OH under the authority of the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Lebanon, Ohio. The new church adopted the name Emmanuel Baptist Church of Centerville, Ohio. According to church records, 20 people covenanted together to form this new body of Christ. The first meeting place was the township hall located on Main Street (Rt. 48) just north of Franklin Street.

In the church's initiation, a brother named Byron McCreary served as the first Pastor. His tenure was short; in November, 1965 a Pastoral call was extended to and accepted by Brother Wilton Mills, who had been the Pastor of the mother church. He would remain as pastor for just over a year, resigning in April, 1967.

In June, 1967, a call was extended to Brother Robert Williams to become the third pastor of the church.

Building and Growth

In April, 1968, plans for a new building were presented and approved. Five acres of property had been purchased for about $5,000 on West Centerville Road. In May, Mr. C.D. Harmon was selected as the builder. Bonds were sold to secure the $58,000 needed to build the building. In October of that year the church moved into her new facilities.

In September of 1971, Brother Williams resigned as pastor. Brother Howard Carter was then called to the Pastorate and served until September, 1976. Pastor Carter is credited for the solid doctrinal foundation this church continues to hold to this day. The indebtedness against the property was also retired during his ministry.

Pastor Messer's Ministry

Pastor Darrell Messer came to this church in November of 1976.

In April of 2000, the church unanimously voted to sell the property on Miamisburg Centerville Road and to relocate so our expanding ministry needs might be better served.

Our last service in the old building was June 30, 2001. From July 2001 through August 2003, we met at Ridgeville Christian Schools. During this time, 10 acres were purchased and the 18,000 square foot building in which we now worship was built.

Recent Leadership

In August of 2021, Pastor Messer indicated his plans to retire in June of 2023, so the Deacons began a Pastoral search. In November of 2022, the church voted to call Pastor Greg Winn as Lead Pastor. In January of 2023, Pastor Messer began serving as an Associate Pastor under Pastor Greg through his retirement in June of 2023.

In October of 2023, the church voted unanimously for Pastor Messer to continue to serve as Pastor Emeritus.