Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists (KNCSB)

KC church celebrates building dedication

Haven Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan., celebrated the dedication of its new building on Sunday, Jan. 18. Development in the area around the Kansas Speedway opened the door for the church to relocate from its former site on Parallel Parkway. The church believes the new location is the first step for God developing it into “A City on a Hill,” based on Matthew 5:14.

Haven Baptist Church used to be a quiet country church on the far western edge of Kansas City, Kan. But that was before a new neighbor moved in across the street.

That neighbor was the Kansas Speedway, which spawned an explosion of development in the area.

Haven’s location on Parallel Parkway was a prime target for developers. So the church decided to sell the property, relocate and construct a new building. In February 2006, the church purchased 16 acres at 3430 Hutton Rd., about 2 miles northwest of the old location.

On Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, the church dedicated its new building on Hutton Road. The 20,000-square-foot facility sports a prominent steeple, making it easily visible from Interstate 435.

“We stand here, not because of what God has done recently, but because of what God has done through the years,” Pastor Don Andrews said as the dedication service began.

Among those attending were former pastors Louis Turk and Cole Cochran. Turk was the founding pastor and served from March 1951 to October 1952. Cochran served from June 1990 to March 2000 and is now pastor of Vista Baptist Church in Olathe. Andrews, the current pastor, came in July 2001.

The service also paid tribute to the late Cecil Smallwood, Haven’s long-time pastor. He served from 1955 to 1989.

Donnie Simpson acknowledged the difficulties Haven had to go through in order to see the new building become a reality.

“You had to go through times when God had to do His work,” said Simpson, who is director of missions in Kansas City, Kan., Baptist Association.

Steve Dighton delivered the dedication message. He is pastor of nearby Lenexa Baptist Church and immediate past president of KNCSB.

Dighton encouraged the church to “stay the course” and do what God expects them to do as a congregation.

• Visit Haven’s Web site