History of Avondale
Avondale is an independent Baptist church. It began with four families who moved from Hodge, Missouri to Avondale, Missouri. In the 1930's, Rev. Alfred Spain served as Pastor for twenty-nine years, with Dr. G. Christian Weiss serving as interim pastor for one year of that period.
When Brother Spain retired, he was succeeded by Rev. Olen N. Baxter, who began his ministry here October 1, 1965. Brother Baxter continued to serve as Senior Pastor until his retirement in 1995. At his retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus and continued to serve the church as Sunday School Teacher. He also became director of the Senior Ministry which has met at the church on Tuesday mornings for over 30 years.
Rev. W. Nathan Baxter served as the next Senior Pastor from October 1995 until February, 2002. He is a nephew of Olen Baxter.
From February, 2002 until June of 2003, the deacon board filled the pulpit with various ministers and missionaries. A search of committee was formed and after months of of seeking God's direction, Pastor Jerry Breese was called as the pastor and began serving on June 1, 2003.
The church occupies approximately three acres of land located at 2501 NE Parvin Road in Kansas City, MO. The building is approximately 19,000 square feet and was constructed in 1970.
The church is governed by a Board of Deacons together with the Senior Pastor. They oversee the spiritual welfare of the congregation and supervise the upkeep of properties and financial matters of the church according to the church constitution. Financial decisions on all matters of importance are brought before the congregation for a majority vote. The church is entirely debt free.
Our purpose is to bring glory to God by joining Him in making and developing people into fully devoted followers of Christ.