Fred & Joyce Palmer came to the town of LaGrange in 1975, sponsored by Baptist World Mission. They began holding services on June 1st of that year. As people joined them, the small congregation moved into the old Church of God building at the corner of Lafayette and High Streets (present location of the library).

In 1977, Pastor Phil and Althea Tharp moved to LaGrange and was called to be LaGrange Baptist Church’s first full-time pastor. 

In the early 80’s, Mrs. Tharp was diagnosed with brain cancer. Pastor Tharp continued to minister while attending to the needs of his ill wife. Mrs. Tharp’s health declined to the point that she needed Pastor Tharp’s undivided attention. This led to his resigning as pastor in 1984 and moving to Illinois where his wife could be with her family for her remaining days.

In 1984, the church called Richard Stepp as pastor. He served as pastor until 1987 when cancer forced him to resign. During his short tenure as pastor, Joe and Elaine Moreno were saved through the faithful witness of Mrs. Sandy Curtis. The Morenos were discipled, and helped extensively in the church’s youth program before they left for college.

In 1987, the church called Dean Adkins as pastor. During his 

time as pastor, the Town of LaGrange condemned the old church building in town, which made re-location necessary. During hospital visitation one day, Pastor Adkins witnessed to a man named Harry Keasey, who accepted Christ as Savior. Mr. Keasey came to church, saw the need of a building, and completely paid for a new building to be built, completely furnished, with a paved driveway, along with other expenses. The new building was dedicated on Easter Sunday, May 14, 1995, just weeks prior to the church’s 20th anniversary. Mr. Keasey’s desire was to be the first person baptized in the new building, a wish that was fulfilled just a few weeks before his passing in August 1995.

In September 1998, Mr. Adkins resigned, and the church invited Jeff Farnham as pastor.  Pastor José Moreno and Pastor Mat Dvorachek, who now pastor their own churches, served alongside him as assistant pastors of LaGrange Baptist.

Pastor Farnham immediately endeavored to restore the church’s testimony in LaGrange, a mission that he carried through the 21 years he served as pastor. 

In August 2019, Pastor Farnham announced that he would be resigning from the pastorate to enter full time evangelism. In October 2019, the church called Thurston Jones, currently serving as assistant to Pastor Farnham, to be the next pastor. 

We are thankful for God’s blessing upon LaGrange Baptist Church, now celebrating 50 years since its birth on June 1. 1975. We give God the glory for His constant supply of our needs and His faithfulness to touch hearts with the Gospel.