Summary of the History of Amherst Baptist Church
Provided below is a summary of the history of Amherst Baptist Church that was published in May 2004 by the Pastor Search Committee that served during that time.
Pastor Walter Heilig (1957-1962)
The church began as a Bible study (Erie Chapel) of transplanted Southern Baptists in the 1950's. It was the third church in the Frontier Baptist Association and fourth in the New York Convention. In 1962 the original sanctuary was built with volunteer labor. Amherst was the first construction of a Southern Baptist church in the Northeast. Attendance was about 50.
Pastor Curtis Porter (1964-1985)
In 1969, the church added a two-story education wing and began a nursery school. By 1975, the church moved to two morning services. In 1980-81, the "Miracle Sanctuary" was built and so called because it was funded without a mortgage and God made Himself known in many ways during the process. When Pastor Porter resigned in 1985, church attendance/membership was 382/600. Baptisms for the last 8 years averaged about 50. The church had also assisted in the starting of 6 other churches: Rochester, Orchard Park, Sheridan Park, Fillmore Ave., North Tonawanda, and Lockport.
Pastor David Walker (July 1986 - January 1991)
During this time there were several stages of division among the leadership. As each leader left other families followed. By January 1990, the attendance was about 100 (197 members) and there were financial difficulties. In January 1991, pastor Dave resigned. Attendance was about 25 adults (membership 60).
Pastor Terry Robertson (August 1992 - August 2003)
The years of 1992-1997 can be described as years of restoration and healing. Attendance/membership increased to 192/204. At the same time the church took over the sponsorship of a new work, Wheatfield Bible Fellowship. In 1998, the FAITH visitation and outreach program was begun. By 2001, attendance/membership was 330/301. In August of 2003, when Pastor Terry resigned attendance/membership was 428/392, plus 75 attending the Russian Service. Sunday school enrollment was 405 with attendance at 235. Baptisms averaged 30 for the last 3 years. Total giving was $485,807 and 20% was given to missions.
Pastor Neil Boron (November 2005 - January 2008)
Pastor Neil came on staff as an Assistant Pastor in 1999 and remained in that position during the search for a Senior Pastor. In November of 2005, when he was installed as Sr. Pastor, attendance/membership was 398/330. About one year later, in August of 2006 attendance/membership was 436/365; Bible Study enrollment was 410 with average Bible Study attendance 281; and 31 people were baptized. Total giving was $561,079 with $125,299 going to missions. Pastor Neil has appointed three elders to assist in spiritual oversight of the church. The church sent out 2 short term mission teams (17 to Mexico and 21 to The Dominican Republic). ABC also launched a Special Needs Ministry called "Bridge of Love" that is designed to encourage and assist a growing number of families at Church (and in the community) that have been affected by Disabilities. An Orphan and Adoption Ministry is planning to launch in November of 2006. The Church is presently taking steps to upgrade the sanctuary and other facilities for the next 50 years of ministry.
Pastor Neil came on staff as an Assistant Pastor in 1999 and remained in that position during the search for a Senior Pastor. In November of 2005, when he was installed as Sr. Pastor, attendance/membership was 398/330. About one year later, in August of 2006 attendance/membership was 436/365; Bible Study enrollment was 410 with average Bible Study attendance 281; and 31 people were baptized. Total giving was $561,079 with $125,299 going to missions. Pastor Neil has appointed three elders to assist in spiritual oversight of the church. The church sent out 2 short term mission teams (17 to Mexico and 21 to The Dominican Republic). ABC also launched a Special Needs Ministry called "Bridge of Love" that is designed to encourage and assist a growing number of families at Church (and in the community) that have been affected by Disabilities. An Orphan and Adoption Ministry is planning to launch in November of 2006. The Church is presently taking steps to upgrade the sanctuary and other facilities for the next 50 years of ministry.
Pastor Dale R. Suel (January 2009 - Present)