Blakehurst Baptist Church was founded on July 4th 1965 by the South Carlton Baptist Church who had a vision to reach the newer community around the Blakehurst area, and so relocated their fellowship. At first, the congregation met at the Senior Citizen Centre at Allawah. In September 1967 a new chapel was opened at the present site which included Blake’s Cottage. The cottage was originally the home of Mr. Blake for whom Blakehurst is named. This was the church’s first “manse”, then used as rooms for Sunday School and youth group meetings.

Rev Craig Skinner led the church from 1966-68 when Rev John Farr commenced his 25 years of leadership which concluded upon his retirement in 1994. During that time the church grew to a point where a new auditorium was required for Sunday services. Using the original sandstone from Blake’s Cottage as a feature, a new auditorium was opened in July 1978.

Following the retirement of Rev. John Farr, Rev Gary Speckman, who had been serving as Associate Pastor, served as Pastor until the end of 1996.

Rev Rod Benson become the Pastor in March 1998 and Andrew Yule joined the Pastoral Team as Student Pastor in February 2001 and became Associate Pastor in February 2004.

Rev Grae McWhirter commenced as Senior Pastor in November 2002.

Blakehurst Baptist Church has a rich history of placing a priority on communicating the life-changing truths of the Bible, sharing the Good News of Jesus with the community and supporting this work in Australia and around the world. Many people have been sent from the church to study at Theological Colleges, serve as missionaries, pastors, lecturers and in other full time ministries around Australia and overseas. Meanwhile, because of the love the church has had for the people in the local community, there have been many ministries which have been launched to serve and reach those around about us. These have included Playtime groups for Pre-schoolers and their carers, Craft classes, English classes, Aerobics classes, mid-week children’s and youth groups, sporting teams and senior’s groups. This rich heritage is still evident as the church, now ministering in the 21st Century, enters a new phase of growth and impact in our local community.