In January 1957, a group of nine dedicated Christians met in prayer seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit to start a new local church that was doctrinally solid.  Dr. Irving Penbrerthy, pastor of Cedar Avenue Baptist Church in Fresno and Dr. Bob Johnson of Western Baptist Bible College in El Cerrito, met to discuss the process of beginning a church in Madera. After filing the legal paperwork, the church began on April 7, 1957.  The nine people rented a building at 735 North “H” Street, where services began.  The first pastor called was Rev. Lyndell Kuns.

 

In the early 1960’s a larger facility was needed as the congregation grew. Property in the Parkwood subdivision on the corner of Stanford Ave. and Watt St. was purchased, and soon an auditorium and education building were built. Forward to 1978 when the church began a Christian school. Continued growth in both the church and school meant that larger facilities were needed, and in 1981, the present property was purchased. On this new property the church offices and the Fellowship Hall were built, while the auditorium building was moved to its present location.

 

As time passed, changes took place, with the closure of the Christian school in 2000. As with many churches, people move away, and pass away, but the ministry and doctrine of Madera Baptist Church has remained faithful to the Word of God.

 

On April 7, 2025, we will celebrate sixty-eight years of ministry in Madera. In retrospect, we continue to be grateful to all the pastors and members who have served here, staying true to biblical worship, while giving and serving sacrificially to proclaim the Word of God in this community.  Our present pastor, Peter Austel, Sr. was called to the ministry in 2002, and continues to shepherd the flock with solid Bible teaching