What We Believe Staff Home The History of Evangel Baptist Church

Evangel Baptist Church traces its history to 1890, when five Swedish immigrants gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lindbolm on Fox Street in Youngstown. These five formed what originally was called the Swedish Baptist Church, and for three decades it would reach out primarily to Swedish immigrants in the area. The church’s focus, location and name all would change during its first 100 years, but its mission remained constant: to spread the Gospel, to make disciples and to faithfully serve God. Below are some the important dates in the church’s history: Nov. 16, 1890 — Five Swedish immigrants meet in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lindbolm on Fox Street in Youngstown. This is the beginning of the Swedish Baptist Church. For the next 30 years, the primary emphasis is on reaching out to Swedish immigrants in the Youngstown area. 1900 — With church membership at 38, the congregation meets in a hall at East and Federal streets under the Rev. J.P. Westerberg, who was called as the church’s first pastor a year earlier. 1904 — A church building is dedicated in February on lots purchased three years earlier on Woodland Avenue near Market Street. Seven years later, the $4,000 mortgage is paid off. 1922 — As a parsonage is built at Warren Avenue and Warrant Court, change is in the wind. The church’s younger members request additional English services. The following year, the church agrees to have every other Sunday evening service in English, but Swedish services will remain the norm for another decade. 1927 — With plans to build a new facility on four lots purchased at Vermont and Howard avenues, the congregation votes to change the church’s name to the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. Three years later, though, the Great Depression forces the building plans to be scrapped. 1933 — Since it never built on Vermont Avenue, the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church decides another name change is order and votes to become Evangel Baptist. The language issue also comes to a head and, when the Rev. Nygren threatens to resign unless services are conducted in English, the church votes to comply. Only Wednesday evening prayer services remain in Swedish. 1947 — After disposing of the Vermont Avenue property 10 years earlier, the church purchases lots at the corner of Southern Boulevard and Stanton Avenue, its present site. Ground is broken two years later. 1952 — After spending two years in the basement of its new worship site, the congregation finally occupies the sanctuary. Two years later, the north addition is built, adding 10 rooms to the church. 1955 — Membership reaches 346, with 227 having been added since 1950. A year later, though, 70 members would leave with Pastor Sherman to form Boardman Baptist Church. Other such exits would take place in 1979, and in 1991. 1960 — The south wing is built on lots purchased a year earlier. 1975 — Ground is broken for church expansion. The congregation meets in the Market Street Elementary School while the addition of a lobby, offices and balcony is completed. The sanctuary is remodeled as well, as are the fellowship hall and kitchen. The new facilities are dedicated on Nov. 14, 1976. 1989 — Mortgages on the church and the 396 Brookfield Avenue parsonage, bought in 1953, are paid off. 1990 — On the church’s 100th anniversary, only 10 percent of its members are of Swedish descent, as opposed to 93 percent 50 years earlier. 1997 — A handicapped-access elevator is added to the church’s back entrance. 2002 — The Rev. Randy Brunko is called as senior pastor. 2005 — The church newsletter begins to be delivered via email, and a new Web site is under construction.