Our History
In September 1992, following an invitation by the Baptist Union
of Queensland to commence a new church in the Bridgeman Downs area,
the Ashgrove Baptist Church set aside five couples to form the
basis of a new fellowship, including Peter and Maree Sweetman, an
Associate Pastor of Ashgrove Church.
Morning church services began on September 11, 1992 at the
Aspley Australian Rules Football Club and a number of small groups
and ministries developed.
In October 1993 a property was purchased consisting of 2.25
acres of land and a double storey brick home suitable both for a
manse and ministry centre. Two years after the commencement of the
work the church was constituted as a member of the Baptist Family
of Churches with over 60 members.
Towards the end of 1996, the church moved into the auditorium of
the Albany Creek High School. This provided ample space and
facilities for the further development of ministries including the
commencement of an evening service in 1999. Prayer and
planning continued concerning the vision of constructing a home in
the heart of Bridgeman Downs.
After a further five years of prayer and ministry, in May 2001
the Ministry Centre was opened at 379 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman
Downs. The centre consists of a 500 seat, air conditioned
auditorium.
Developments to the property continued in order to cater for the
expanding community and ministries. In April 2003 the ongoing
growth necessitated the introduction of a second morning
service.
Responding to a call from God to "make room" for more, a
neighbouring property was purchased in 2004 with the vision of
extending the facilities at Bridgeman.
The call also led to a commitment to establish more
congregations. In 2005 another five services commenced. One of
these congregations, known as 'dhiiyaan', focused on reaching the
northside Indigenous community.
At the beginning of 2007 another congregation, named 'The Grove
Community Church', was planted in the rapidly developing community
of Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron.
With ten congregations ministering to many people in different
life situations and hundreds of children and young people attending
church activities every week, the need became crucial for more
physical room.
In September 2007 another God-given plan came to fulfillment
with the opening of the Young People's Ministry Centre. The
expanded facilities, consisting of a youth auditorium, three
meeting rooms, a playtime centre, commercial kitchen and undercover
café area, opened up new and exciting opportunities to keep
blessing others.
The journey continues...