Our Story

Pleasant Dale Baptist Church began with humble roots and a faithful vision. In 1946, a small group of Christians, led by Rev. Vander Robinson, gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Crimininger with a desire to worship the Lord and share the Gospel. By 1947, the growing congregation had built its first church—a simple 24-by-40-foot block building. From those early days of wood floors, backless benches, and a simple place of worship, God continued to bless and grow Pleasant Dale. A new sanctuary was built in 1953, followed through the years by educational space, a gym and Family Life Center, and eventually a new Worship Center in 2021 under the leadership of Dr. Jessie Adams. Yet the story of Pleasant Dale has never been about buildings, it is about people faithfully following Jesus, sharing His Word, and reaching the lost for Christ. What began with a small group of believers nearly eight decades ago continues today as each generation carries forward the same mission: to know Christ, make Him known, and glorify God in all we do. 

At Pleasant Dale Baptist Church, Expanding the Vision means looking beyond the walls of our church and embracing the mission Jesus has given us. We are committed to sharing the truth of God’s Word, strengthening and equipping our church family, and carrying the love and hope of Jesus Christ into our community and around the world. Through worship, discipleship, outreach, missions, and service, our desire is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching people where they are and pointing them to Him. Lancaster is our Jerusalem, and Acts 1:8 is our mission: to be His witnesses here at home and to the ends of the earth. 

At Pleasant Dale Baptist Church, we are looking to the future with one purpose: to glorify God and make Jesus known. We are committed to raising up the next generation to know Christ, stand firmly on His Word, and carry His mission forward. Our prayer is that every person we reach will come to know Jesus as Savior,to seek Him, receive His forgiveness, turn from sin through repentance, and live a life devoted to Him. We want every ministry, every act of service, and every life we touch to point people toward Jesus and the hope of eternity with Him. As we move forward together, our desire is simple: that lives are changed, souls are saved, the next generation is equipped, and everything we do brings honor and glory to His name.