Open Door Baptist Chapel was started as a result of prayer, following a summer of Backyard Bible Clubs. A missions group from Lincolnton, NC, came to Colliers, where they held several Backyard Bible Clubs. The people of Colliers wanted to continue the Bible Clubs and have worship services, but there was no place to meet.
They began to pray that if God wanted them to have a witness in that area, He would provide a place. A trailer that had been a mobile chapel in Wheeling became available. However, there was no place to put the trailer.
The people prayed. A place opened up in a trailer park – an ideal location and the only place that would work. Eleven people began services in January 1982 and John Hayes became the full-time pastor. Two years later, a bigger meeting place was needed.
The people prayed about property. Open Door Baptist Church in Morehead, NC gave money to purchase property. Now we needed a building.
The people prayed specifically for a building. Smoke Rise Baptist Church of Stone Mountain, GA sent a group of volunteers to start construction on the building. Smoke Rise also gave money to purchase materials and then even made payments on the building. Many other churches helped by sending money, chairs, carpet, and pews.
On August 18, 1985, Open Door Chapel was constituted into a church.
Open Door continues to rely on prayer, just as it did in its early days. Since Larry Garrison took over as Pastor in February 2004, he has led the church to pray for each other and for the church body. Each Wednesday evening, members gather to pray for specific needs, most often at the request of individuals in the church or community.
We have numerous opportunities for people to enjoy at Open Door today. In addition to quality teaching and worship, we are involved in missions, youth activities, and family events. Church isn’t always about scripture and sermons. Sometimes church is about fun and fellowship. Won’t you join us?