A Baptist Church in Katherine began in 1966 as a partnership between the Baptist Church in Darwin and the Aboriginal Inland Mission, with the church revitalised in 1988.
In 1987, the Baptist Union of the Northern Territory (BUNT) turned to the International Mission Board (IMB) for help as they could not find an Australian Baptist pastor for the Church in Katherine at this time.
In America, Gary and Lily Stone were in the process of appointment with the IMB. They believed God was calling them to work in the Outback of Australia, specifically in the Northern Territory. Accordingly, the IMB approved their appointment and in March 1988, their visas were granted, and they were on their way to Australia.
The IMB agreed to provide a salary for the Stones and the Baptist Union of the Northern Territory provided the manse.
On April 4th, 1988 the first Bible Study was held in the manse. With God's provision, this little church began to grow quickly and "it was obvious to all that the Lord had His hand on this group".
During this time, Gary Stone visited the Warlpiri Camp in Katherine. The Warlpiri leader, Louis Lewis, warmly welcomed the new Baptist missionary and today the ongoing relationship with the Katherine Warlpiri Baptist Church is important to us. Our desire is to encourage our Indigenous brothers and sisters as we serve God together here in Katherine.
Katherine Baptist Church was formally constituted on November 6th, 1988.
Gary reports, “The constitution of the church was a lovely occasion! Around 100+ people attended, and BUNT recognised the Katherine Baptist Church as a sister church in the Union.”
In 1991, the first full-time Australian pastor for this church was called and appointed. After their faithful service in Australia, Gary and Lily Stone transferred to Guatemala to serve God there.
Today, the people of Katherine Baptist Church continue to faithfully spread the message about Jesus in the Katherine community and its surrounding region.
Welcome to all who would love to be part of God's continuing work in the Australian Outback.