Our History

What is the history of the Willow?

Willow Creek Baptist Church began as a daughter work of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie. For a number of years some of the surplus funds in the mission budget were set aside for this satellite ministry. As Emmanuel grew under the ministry of Pastor Gordon Reeve, the Long Range planning Committee examined areas that needed a new ministry. Their recommendation was to start a daughter work in Midhurst, a small but growing community five miles from Emmanuel.

This proposal for new work in Midhurst was enthusiastically welcomed by many of the Emmanuel members living in Vespra Township and the area. After a summer of home bible studies, several planning meetings, and much prayer, Willow Creek Baptist Church held its first service on October 7, 1984 in Forest Hill Public School. Pastor Reeve, along with several other deacons, shared in responsibilities until April 1985 when Pastor Dan Shurr was called to oversee and establish this young church.

In October 1986, this young congregation was recognized as a church and accepted into the fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada.

A land search committee spent many hours seeking a suitable site on which to build. The beautiful property that was selected was owned by the Frankcom family, long-time residents of Midhurst. The process of rezoning and an Ontario Municipal Board hearing made this a long and exacting ordeal. Mr. Walter Adair took on the task of negotiating this process as a full-time job. God answered our prayers, and we stood together on Thanksgiving Sunday, 1990, as we dedicated our property to God and officially broke ground. On October 4, 1992, the current building was dedicated to supporting the ongoing ministry of the church.