Our Church

The 17th of July 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of Tom Price Baptist Church, which became affiliated with the Baptist Churches of WA, as a fellowship in 1979. The church changed from a fellowship to become a church with 14 members on the 30th of September 1989.

In the same year, the church moved into a house at 87 Oleander Street. Peter and Val Faulkner were pastoring at the time.  The house, that was eventually converted and expanded on and where we still meet today, was sold to the church by Hamersley Iron. At the time of purchase there was a belief that the church should be in the centre of town.

The legacy of that day was a church serving Jesus as a community into the wider community of Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

Pastor Arthur Payne, at the opening of the church in 1989, said "many clubs will come and go from this town but one thing will remain; and that is God's church"

40 years on we are still here. The church has been made up of many church and non-church backgrounds. At times Tom Price Baptist Church has been the only evangelical church in town, as a result, although we are baptist many different church backgrounds are represented. Most have moved to Tom Price for work, but the church has empowered people to serve, try new ministries and make lasting friendships. We have had periods with pastors like David and Shirley Dean, and other times when the church was completely run by volunteers. There were times when the church ran services in Paraburdoo and had an indigenous congregation. Ministries come and go as we have given opportunities for people to use their talents. 

We are asking what will be our legacy for the congregation over the next 40 years. How will we serve Jesus in the wider community of Tom Price and Paraburdoo? I wonder will you join us as we discover together?

Tamara’s Story

What being a member of Tom Price Baptist Church means to me- One of the first things I did when I got to town was to check out and record the times and dates for church events, which was easily accessible on a board outside the church. It was a busy time for the church with a lot of members away due to school holidays but I felt like I was walking in to see family and that I belonged instantly. It was a instant friendship base for my kids, husband and I. Due to my circumstances I haven't been able to contribute to the church as I would like, but when I can I enjoy providing food for fellowship after the church service and during "Know Your Bible" womens group. And I am really looking forward to participating in the weekly Bible Study Night, Games Night and Music Practice when the kids are older. I enjoy helping out in whatever capacity I can whether it is waking up early to construct stages for community events or just attending Fun Friday's to talk with parents of participating kids. Much like with most families we all have commitments, so it is hard to catch up outside of all the church events 5 times a week and the community events we personally attend 5 times a week. However everyone will always make time for you, changing their schedules if necessary to support you or catch up. When we had an emergency- my husband on the floor in excruciating pain whilst putting our daughter down for a nap and the ambulance taking a long time, it soon becomes clear the tv wont suffice. I called Pastor Gavin knowing that due to his job he will probably be able to find someone to watch my kids quicker and easier and from a bigger pool than me. Thankfully he was over within a few minutes, before the ambulance (we were a lox priority) and had the situation under control allowing me to support my husband during his most painful and scary experience of his life, knowing my kids were being supported by Gavin through a scary time making the experience less traumatic and witnessing less of the situation. It was an amazing relief when we are so far from family and established friends/friends without kid to have the support from Pastor Gavin and the church and have someone/something to count on. The church, Alana and Gavin are amazing and make you feel right at home.