A Brief History of Hagerstown Bible Church

    It started as a dream in the minds and hearts of some believers who were
    serious about carrying out our Lord’s great commission in Hagerstown,
    Maryland. The Maryland and Virginia Eldership of the Churches of God in North America
    appointed Rev. F. H. Snavely to begin a mission work in Hagerstown in anticipation of
    establishing a church. The year was 1925. The occasion was the annual meeting of the
    Eldership in Westminister, Maryland. A house and vacant lot were purchased in 1926
    on our present site. Evangelistic services were conducted in a tent from July to October
    on that lot by Dr. Stough, Rev. Snavely and Evangelist J. H. Gonso.
    The church was organized with 47 charter members after the evangelistic services ended
    in October. The church held services in a rented room at the corner of North and Locust
    Streets for two years and three months while the sanctuary was being built.  Our
    auditorium was dedicated on March 17, 1929.

    Over the years the physical structure was enlarged. The Christian Education
    building was added and enlarged. The basement was finished into Sunday School
    rooms.  A new stone parsonage was built and dedicated on October 28, 1951.

    Rev. Carbaugh led the church out of the Church of God denomination in 1966
    because of liberal tendencies within the organization. The Church’s name was
    changed to Hagerstown Bible Church at that time to reflect our stance upon the
    Bible.

    An arson fire greatly damaged the building in September 1969. But the people responded
    marvelously. Many gave their tithes in advance to help cover the repair cost a larger and
    improved building was the result.

    The ministry was also expanded over the years. Rev. Gerald Carbaugh carried
    on a radio ministry for 30 years. The missions program was enlarged.  The
    Christian Day School, Grace Academy, was added in 1983 to provide alternative
    Christian Education. The Crisis Pregnancy Center (now known as the
    (Hagerstown Area Pregnancy Center)  was begun in 1984 to rescue babies and
    mothers from the horror of abortion.

    But the real success of Hagerstown Bible Church is the people. Over 15 young people
    have been sent into the ministry. People have sacrificed in prayer and service and
    giving to help the Church through crisis.  Hundreds of people have trusted in Christ as
    their Savior here over the years. Scores have had their lives changed because of this
    ministry. Many more were given the instruction and hope they needed to live pure lives
    that are free from the corruption of the world. God has been at work in this ministry.
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Copyright 2009     Hagerstown Bible Church, 203 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740    Phone: 301-733-3936