Our Story

1949

Sunday School Establishment

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (MPBC) began as a Sunday School in Applecross (now Ardross), hosted by Arthur and Dorothy Henderson.

1953

Sunday School Moves

The Sunday School moved to Mount Pleasant State School, marking the beginning of its transition to a church fellowship.

1957

Land Purchased

Land was purchased on the corner of Rogerson Road and Darnell Avenue to build a church hall for the growing Sunday School.

1959

Formal Recognition

The church was formally recognised as a Baptist Church, initially named Mount Pleasant and Brentwood Church.

1960

New Foundation Laid

The foundation stone for the new building was laid on December 11, with the plaque unveiled by Arthur Henderson.

1961

Hall Opens

MPBC Hall was opened on July 22, marking a significant milestone for the church.

1962

First Pastor

Bob Clark was appointed as the first full-time pastor, formalising services and initiating community events like Church Camp and Christmas Carols.

1964

New Pastors

Garth Eichhorn became the next Home Mission Pastor, followed by Fred Stone in 1966.

1968

New Leadership

Arthur and Jayne Payne took leadership, emphasising prayer and community outreach. Dawn Stevens (Griffiths) became the first missionary to train from MPBC.

1970

Weekly Bulletin

Pastor Chris Newhouse arrived, emphasising prayer and Bible study. Boys and Girls Brigade and a weekly bulletin were introduced.

1972

First Missionaries Sent

Fred Stone returned as the first non-Home Mission pastor, with growing attendance and Sunday School. The church’s first missionary couple, David and Dawn Griffiths, went to Bangladesh.

1976

Building Expanded

A building extension was planned and completed with volunteer labour, making MPBC the largest Baptist Church in WA. A freer worship style and pastoral counselling were introduced.

1978

New Ministry Ideas

Fred Stone returned from study leave with new ideas, including team ministry, marriage enrichment courses, and listening to the Holy Spirit for service guidance.

1978

Church Engagement Grows

The church aimed to involve the fellowship more in various ministries. John Smith joined as a second pastor.

1982

Graham Mabury Joins

Graham Mabury joined, expanding the church’s welfare and counselling efforts through the Nightline radio programme.

1984

Focus on Fellowship

Eric Holland joined, focusing on visitation and fellowship development.

1985

Building Expansion Completed

A major building project was completed, expanding the church facilities.

1986

Membership at 206

Membership rose to 206, and the church became involved in ministry in South Lake.

1987

Leadership Changes

Fred Stone and Eric Holland moved on, and Jennifer Turner joined as a student pastor, later becoming an Assistant Pastor.

1991

Youth Outreach Expands

Membership and community involvement grew, with an expansion of home groups and youth outreach led by student pastor Steve Izett.

1992

Frank Smith Inducted

Frank Smith was inducted as Senior Pastor, focusing on developing purpose and mission statements.

1994

Michael Lush Appointed Pastor for Families

Michael Lush became the first Pastor for Children and Families.

1996

Carey Baptist Founded

MPBC initiated the development of Carey Baptist Community Church in Canning Vale, with Steve Izett as the first pastor.

1996

Nick Scott Joins

Nick Scott joined to lead the pastoral ministries and worship team.

1997

MPBC Supports Mosman Park Baptist

MPBC members helped sustain Mosman Park Baptist Church.

1999

40th Anniversary

MPBC celebrated its 40th anniversary. Frank Smith and Rob Cain left the pastoral team.

2001

Alpha Begins, AMP Youth Launched

David Field appointed as Church Administrator; first Alpha courses run; ‘A Vision for the Future’ guidelines introduced; Marriage Enrichment seminars reintroduced; support for school chaplaincy in Melville area began; Colin Waddell joined as Pastor for Youth and Young Adults; Amp Youth formed.

2002

Relocation to Winthrop

Purchase of a vacant block at 497 Marmion Street; Darnell Avenue sold; temporary relocation to Winthrop Baptist College Auditorium; Ministry of Helps established.

2005

College Development Begins

Church Administration restructured with a new constitution and governance Board; Ian Warrilow became Executive Director of Ministries; development of Mount Pleasant Baptist Community College began.

2006

Mount Pleasant College Opens

Mount Pleasant College opened with Schools of Christian Studies, Leadership, and Creative Arts.

2008

MPBC Moves to Marmion Street

MPBC moved into the new facility at 497 Marmion Street; Graham Mabury shifted focus to wider church and community.

2011

Nick Scott appointed Senior Pastor

2014

Office Block Built to Unite Staff

A single storey office block was built to unify the Church and College staff.

2015

Coolbellup Campus Launched

Launch of a new campus at Coolbellup Baptist Church under Peter Christofides.