God's work though
Portage Avenue Baptist Church

Portage Avenue Baptist Church is the result of the merge of Grace Baptist Church of Portage and Miller Baptist Church of Gary on January 17, 1973.

Grace Baptist Church was organized on February 22, 1961, by Rev. Paul Vincent, who served under the Conservative Baptist Mission Society. Meetings began as Bible classes in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Erland Hallowell; first services were held in the Community Building at Portage. The present property was purchased in 1961 for $6100 and a parsonage-chapel was completed in September 1961 for the cost of $15,896. Rev. Vincent was succeeded by Pastor Lon Springer and Pastor R. H. Hunt. The present sanctuary was constructed under Rev. Hunt and dedicated on March 31, 1968 under Rev. Roger Clifford. Rev. Edward Simons served as Interim Pastor in 1969 thru 1970, leading the Church to affiliate with the Calumet, Indiana, and General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. He was followed by Rev. Philip Douglas who served as Missionary-Pastor under Baptist Mid-Missions until 1973.

Miller Baptist Church began as a Mission Sunday School in the Miller area of Gary under the direction of Brother Raymond Coon, followed by Wilbur Hodge and Brother Edward L. Simons. Under Brother Simons' leadership, the work was organized as a Baptist Church in 1951 and moved into a store building on Lake Street. At this time the church voted to affiliate with the Calumet Fellowship, Indiana Fellowship, and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Once the property on Grand Boulevard was purchased, the chapel-parsonage was constructed in 1954 thru 1955 and dedicated September 30, 1956. Rev. Rosco Smith served as pastor from 1964-1966, followed by Rev. Gerald Titus, Missionary-Pastor under Baptist Mid-Missions until 1969, and Rev. Ron O'Bryon from 1970 until the merger of Miller Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church on January 17, 1973.

Pastor Ron O'Bryon led the united congregation of Portage Avenue Baptist Church until September 1973, and Rev. James W. Grimes, Jr. was called as Missionary Pastor through Baptist Mid-Missions in June 1974 and served until 1977. The Miller Building was purchased in March of 1977 by the New Bible Baptist Church. In July 1977, Rev. Joe Gerard was called to pastor and served until February, 1986. During this time a nursing home ministry was started which continues to this day, and a new 280 seat auditorium was added and dedicated to the Lord on April 14, 1985.

In September of that same year Portage Avenue Baptist School was started as a preschool; grades K-6 were added gradually until 1990. The school was discontinued in 1993. In November of 1986 Rev. Roy Fishburn became our pastor and served until August 1989. On January 14, 1990, Rev. Joe Gerard returned here by vote of the church. Joe Gerard resigned in May, 1994. At that time Rick Oliver was voted on as Interim Pastor. On Sept. 22, 1996 he was called as Pastor by vote of the church. Pastor Bob Blair serves as his assistant.

Our Word of Life ministry began in 2001 with the elementary program; the teen program was added in 2005. Pastor Rick Oliver became full-time Pastor in 2003 when he retired from US Steel. We thank the Lord for our Pastor and each one who had a part in this ministry.

Some planted, some watered; but God gave the increase.

Truly, "The Lord hath done great things for us: where of we are glad." Psalm 126:3