The well-known Christian author, Henry Blackaby, wrote, “find where God is working and join Him.” The simple truth of that has come to describe our ministry at Gallup Hill.
In 1966, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Groton, Connecticut, felt that it was God's will to sponsor a new Southern Baptist Church project in Ledyard, CT. They were deeply concerned for the spiritual needs of the "Highlands" community in Ledyard. An initial written request by Pleasant Valley to rent the Cider Hill School (now the Gallup Hill Elementary School) for the purpose of establishing a mission was turned down by the Ledyard Board of Education. A short time later, Pastor Jim Schneider personally appeared before the Board and permission was granted. He conducted the organizational service of the Ledyard Baptist Chapel on November 13, 1966, in the Cider Hill School.
Mr. Warren Brewer, a layman in the Navy, became the first pastor of the Ledyard Baptist Chapel. He conducted the first Sunday service on November 20, 1966, with 21 people attending. He served as pastor until he was transferred to a new Navy assignment. Pastor Schneider then conducted the services during the normal Sunday school time and continued to lead worship at Pleasant Valley as well.
In September of 1968, Dan Sheffield was sent to the Ledyard area by the Home Mission Board to serve as pastor. His ministry was divided between Ledyard and the inner city of New London. When Dan Sheffield's two years of service were completed, the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church voted to call Pastor George E. Head, of Smithville, Arkansas, to serve as the first full-time pastor of the Chapel in September 1970.
The church was officially constituted as the Gallup Hill Baptist Church in January 1972 with 45 charter members. Nine acres of land were purchased and a parsonage was built. The basement of the parsonage was used for several years as the primary meeting place for smaller worship services, Bible study, prayer meetings, and social events. The Gallup Hill School continued to be used for morning worship.
In May of 1980, a groundbreaking service was conducted and construction began on a church building. Through the help of volunteer construction teams, mostly from the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, the present building was occupied March 1, 1981, after a total of 15 years of meeting in the Gallup Hill School.
Because of continued growth and the desire to expand the ministry, in August of 2001, the ground was broken again for a new multi-purpose building. This new building allows for further growth and greater ministry to the community.
We have witnessed the workings and blessings of God in our midst. As a result, we have a shared desire to follow after Christ and to be a place that gives Life.
For the people who gather at Gallup Hill each weekend, our times of worship, study of the Word, and fellowship are an important part of the Christian journey. It is here that we find connection with one another and experience the joy of growing in our faith and worshiping together.
As you explore our website, there are several things you should know. First, we are a group of people who embrace the many faces and races of our community for Christ. Second, we are eager to get to know more about you and what’s been going on in your life. And third, we constantly pray for God to send us new people who are on a spiritual search. We would love to have you come and visit us. Thank you for visiting our website, and I thank you in advance for coming to visit us!
