The history of Castleview Baptist Church

For over one hundred years - from the close of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twenty-first, the fellowship that is now Castleview Baptist Church has striven to be true to Jesus Christ, and to proclaim His message to all. During that time, our congregation has had three names and met in three locations across the city of Indianapolis, yet the one unifying feature has always been its unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

THIRTY-FIRST STREET FUNDAMENTALIST BAPTIST CHURCH

A tiny fellowship of fourteen people formed a "mission station" in May of 1897 on the near northwest side of Indianapolis. Those fourteen believers became the nucleus of what would soon become a dynamic congregation. A new building was begun on West 31st Street and dedicated in 1901. A Sunday School building and gymnasium was added in 1922. Six pastors served in the early years. In 1935, Robert D. McCarthy was called as pastor and served for 18 years, and began what was to be a golden era in the history of 31st Street. The church emphasized Bible study, prayer and soul winning. As a result, hundreds of people were saved through dynamic ministry. Many young missionaries from the congregation were sent throughout the world.

DEVINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH

Around 1950, the need to move to a new site became apparent. Land was donated at 46th Street and Arlington Avenue, and a new church name and location came into being. Devington Baptist Church was dedicated in December, 1957. Donald J. Kouwe was called as pastor in 1959 and served for 25 years. Devington became renowned for its excellent Bible teaching ministry, and God continued to bless the church, as evidenced by the addition of a Sunday School building to the facility and the necessity of holding three Sunday morning services.

CASTLEVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

Continued growth in the 1970's and the need for additional space resulted in relocation and development of a 25 acre campus in the Castleton area. Castleview Baptist Church, at 86th Street and Hague Road, was dedicated in December, 1978. Music and worship, Christian education, and youth ministry were given special emphasis; missions, as always, were an integral part of the church. The church supports over 40 full-time missionaries, as well as a number of other mission agencies. Donald M. Geiger was called as senior pastor in 1988 and served for nine years. Under his leadership, strategic outreach to our community was implemented through the addition of sports ministries. Extensive sports fields were developed on our campus, and a Family Life Center was added in 1995. This large multiuse building features enough room for three basketball courts or banquet seating for 700. Max Anders was called as senior pastor in January, 1999 and served for seven years. In July of 2004 the worship auditorium was destroyed by arson. The building project which ensued resulted in a completely rebuilt and enlarged worship auditorium, enlarged narthex, covered drop off in the front of the church, new library and office space, a new 3600 square foot youth center and many other church renovations. In December 2006 we celebrated our first service in the newly renovated sanctuary. Eric Bancroft was called as senior pastor in March, 2008. The Castleview fellowship continues today as a vibrant community of believers dedicated to serving God by serving people - and we look forward eagerly to continuing this service as we begin the twenty-first century.