The community of Holiday Park began in 1958-1959 as the O'Blocks developed the area just north of our church. At the time of this community's development, Union Baptist Church in Arnold, PA was seeking God's leadership about a good area in which to mother a new church. By late October 1959, permission had been granted to UBC to use the old Olive Reformed Church on Ridge Road for Sunday afternoon services.
Pastor Dale Chaddock of UBC preached in Holiday Park as well as at the Arnold church. Sunday A.M. services began in the spring of 1960. The church was incorporated on June 1, 1960 as an affiliate of the North American Baptist Conference. Pastor Chaddock became the first full-time minister. He and his family lived in part of the church facility which was built on this site in late1960 and early 1961. They lived in what would be our nursery today. Larry and Bess Talmage are the only charter members still with us.
The North American Baptist Conference supported the church until 1970. Also, Union Baptist Church and Temple Baptist Church of Pittsburgh contributed support.
Pastor Chaddock continued until 1965 when he went on staff at Youth Guidance, Inc. Pastor George Engle was called as pastor and stayed until 1971.
Pastor Lester Hirst came and the church entered the body life model of ministry. A model for mission support, Faith-Promise Giving, was initiated which continues until the present. Due to the growth which came, a new building was started. A 30 inch snowfall destroyed the inadequately designed structure before it was occupied. No doubt, this event struck a blow to the spirit and momentum of the church. The church continued to minister as it worked its way through the legalities of the felled building.
When Pastor Hirst left in 1980, the church merged with Calvary Baptist Church of Penn Hills. An associate member of our church and missionary to Poland, Bill Malick, was called to pastor this merged church.
As growth continued in the 1980's a new facility was needed. The church occupied our present new worship center in early 1989. The former worship center was converted into classroom space. At about this time recession impacted the community and the church in a great way. Many people were laid off or transferred, and the church began a gradual decline.
In late 1991, Pastor Malick resigned and an eight month search for a new pastor began. In July of 1992, the church asked Dr. Myles Beck to become the new pastor.
Pastor Jeff Miller accepted the calling on April 5, 2009 to become our new pastor.
