The Baptists first started meeting in Hāwera almost 100 years ago. The first regular fellowship meetings began in May 1921 on a monthly basis. The arrival of the first pastor, Rev. Ernest Goring, in February 1923, marks the formal establishment of the church in the town.
The church purchased the present site (corner of Argyle and Surrey Streets) in 1923. Following years of fundraising the congregation had sufficient funds to erect a church in 1928.
The foundation stone the new church was laid on 20 June 1928 by the Rev. F.E. Harry of Wellington. The local pastor at the time was the Rev. R.L. Fursdon. The church was officially opened on 15 August 1928 and much praise was given to the builder (including a brass plaque in the entrance), Mr A.C. Stewart of Dunedin.
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