In 1957, led by Dr. A.C. Queen, Temple Baptist Church in Champaign saw the need for a church in northwest Champaign. In October, services were begun in the Community Room of the Garden Hills Elementary School with 37 people present. In June, 1960, a groundbreaking service was held for a building to house the Garden Hills Baptist Chapel. In August, 1960, services were held in the unfinished building with Rev. Beecham Robinson serving as part-time pastor.

Rev. A.F. Tuck was called in September of 1960 as the first full-time pastor. The mission grew under his leadership and God's blessing and guidance. It became financially self-supporting within 18 months. On May 6, 1962, the mission was constituted as the Garden Hills Baptist Church with 106 charter members.

Within a year, GHBC has outgrown the building, and more space was needed. In the summer of 1963, planning began on a two-story educational building with an auditorium seating 200. The first service in the new facility was held on March 1, 1964.

The indebtedness on the first two buildings was paid off in 1978, and was celebrated at the Annual Thanksgiving Supper that year.

The church called Rev. Normal L. Langston as pastor in August, 1979, and he served until August, 1983. Rev. Kenneth O. Willoughby was called in August, 1984, and served as pastor unti May, 1987.

In September, 1988, Rev. M. Harold Roberts became our pastor. Under his leadership, the church selected a building committee. Construction of a new worship center begain in October, 1989. Many volunteers from the church and the East Central Illinois Baptist Association, plus teams from Oklahoma and Mississippi, turned plans into reality. On Easter Sunday, 1990, a sunrise service was held on the concrete slab of the new Worship Center. The first service in the completed Worship Center was held on December 16, 1990. On May 26, 1991, we dedicated our new building, including office and music space, to the glory of God.

The beautiful stained glass window above the baptistry was designed and donated by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Shelton in memory of his parents, Russell and Mildred Shelton, who were charter members and served many years at Garden Hills Baptist Church.

In May, 1996, Pastor Roberts retired from the full-time pastorate.

Rev Stephen W. Diehl became our Senior Pastor on June 8, 1997.

Rev. Steven D. Hronec became our first full-time Associate Pastor on September 15, 2004. Assoc. Pastor Steve served Garden Hills through May 27, 2007, after which he accepted a call to the First Baptist Church of Livingston, TN.

With an enthusiastic commitment to preach the Word of God, and connect our community with Christ, our pastors are leading Garden Hills Baptist Church to consider new areas of ministry, and to increase our impact for Christ in our community and around the world.