The North Beach Baptist Church 

Like most churches, North Beach Baptist Church commenced through the vision of a small number of Christians with a desire to reach the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In 1952, John and Beryl Bergin commenced a Sunday School in the local cinema, the Seaview Theatre. Eight children attended the first day which soon grew to over sixty. Church services began a year later in 1953. Preachers came to assist from the then Osborne Park Baptist Church, Maylands and Mt Hawthorn Churches. In these times, North Beach was an outlying community of Perth; many old-timers recall they travelled there along the ‘plank roads’, for family beachside holidays. 

Outreach was, and has remained, a characteristic of the church. In 1956 a beach mission was held. This involved setting up a power generator and large screen in the sand hills and showing a film each night, followed by a brief message. A document in the archives states, ‘being right in the middle of a heat-wave, it was a huge success’. 

The church was constituted in 1962 with 15 foundation members. Because the picture theatre was demolished, services were held on the open verandah of the North Beach Primary School. It was hard work for the small group as everything required for the services - chairs, musical instruments etc - had to be carted to and from the school each Sunday.  

Growth was slow but steady during the 1960’s but accelerated in the ‘70’s, with the booming growth of the northern coastal suburbs providing opportunity for outreach and evangelism. A larger hall was added to accommodate greater numbers and the Craigie Baptist Church was planted in 1977 with 19 members going out from North Beach. 

The ‘80’s were exciting years. A third building in which to hold the services was added to the two halls. This was built by faith, meaning that building proceeded only as funds were given. It was opened, built and furnished debt-free, less than two years after commencement. Construction was never delayed through lack of funds. Another church was planted (1985), this time at Kingsley, with 21 members transferring from North Beach.  

It seemed that with two halls plus a worship centre, the development of the site was complete. This however was only a temporary thought. In 1993 the two properties adjacent to the site were purchased for further development. The two original halls were demolished, making way for a large auditorium for worship, a youth hall, classrooms, childcare areas and administration centre; a development costing well over $1 million.  

The church continues to have an evangelistic outreach and emphasis. As we look back over the years, we give thanks to God for all that He has done. We acknowledge the work of many faithful pastors and hundreds of people with vision, dedication and commitment to the cause of Christ. 

Lawrie Parkinson

September 2006