Pantano Baptist Church: Our History
Pantano Baptist Church began with four dedicated families meeting in a home to worship. Richard Shearer became the first pastor in May of 1963. The mission expanded, and the church was formally named Pantano Baptist Church in July of 1965. Aubrey Russel served as pastor from July, 1965 until May, 1968.
In 1972, our first building was constructed… a 4,308 square foot chapel that included a sanctuary and several Sunday School classrooms.
In 1972, our first building was constructed… a 4,308 square foot chapel that included a sanctuary and several Sunday School classrooms.
In 1988, under Pastor James Haggard, as our church continued to grow and prosper, a new sanctuary, a church office, and an education building were all added to the existing structure.
In 1988, under Pastor James Haggard, as our church continued to grow and prosper, a new sanctuary, a church office, and an education building were all added to the existing structure.
|
|
|
The old sanctuary building was remodeled, outfitted with a kitchen, and now serves as our fellowship hall, where it is used to host fellowship events, Bible studies, meetings, and other activities. With these additions, Pantano Baptist Church took its present shape as a complex of four buildings, with a paved parking lot that could accommodate 80+ vehicles, and plenty of undeveloped space that could be used for outdoor events and overflow parking.
The old sanctuary building was remodeled, outfitted with a kitchen, and now serves as our fellowship hall, where it is used to host fellowship events, Bible studies, meetings, and other activities. With these additions, Pantano Baptist Church took its present shape as a complex of four buildings, with a paved parking lot that could accommodate 80+ vehicles, and plenty of undeveloped space that could be used for outdoor events and overflow parking.
The old sanctuary building was remodeled, outfitted with a kitchen, and now serves as our fellowship hall, where it is used to host fellowship events, Bible studies, meetings, and other activities. With these additions, Pantano Baptist Church took its present shape as a complex of four buildings, with a paved parking lot that could accommodate 80+ vehicles, and plenty of undeveloped space that could be used for outdoor events and overflow parking.
In 1996, Glen Foster became our pastor. Destined to become the longest-serving pastor in our church's history, Glen brought a unique set of musical skills to our church as an accomplished singer, songwriter, and an expert guitar and banjo player. Sunday services under Glen's direction included traditional hymns as well as lively country gospel songs... many of which Glen composed himself. Glen was also the author of the church newsletter, aptly titled "Glen's Pen". His wife, Debbie, was very supportive of all church activities, and she was personally involved in many of them.
|
|
In 2015, Pantano Baptist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary. The highlight of the 50th anniversary service was the attendance of Marge Bouse, who with her husband Clarence, had been instrumental in founding our church more than 50 years earlier.
In 2019, the church Constitution and By-laws underwent a major revision, and they are openly displayed on the church website in the spirit of openness and transparency.
In 2019, the church Constitution and By-laws underwent a major revision, and they are openly displayed on the church website in the spirit of openness and transparency.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic made it too risky to gather as a group, Sunday services were held on-line and could be accessed remotely via ZOOM and YouTube. To this day, ZOOM and YouTube access are still available for those that cannot attend our Sunday services.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic made it too risky to gather as a group, Sunday services were held on-line and could be accessed remotely via ZOOM and YouTube. To this day, ZOOM and YouTube access are still available for those that cannot attend our Sunday services.
After 26 years of service, Glenn Foster retired in 2022, after successfully leading our church through the Covid-19 pandemic and restoring normalcy to our congregation. His wife Debbie had been directly involved in various church programs and activities, and a great source of help to Glen.
Although retired as our Pastor, Glen is still very much active in the Co-operative Baptist Fellowship organization, to which our church is affiliated. Glen still publishes the CBF West Newsletter and regularly emails it to our church members. Glen and Debbie still live in Tucson and occasionally show up at our church, always willing to help when needed, so they still remain very much in touch.
Although retired as our Pastor, Glen is still very much active in the Co-operative Baptist Fellowship organization, to which our church is affiliated. Glen still publishes the CBF West Newsletter and regularly emails it to our church members. Glen and Debbie still live in Tucson and occasionally show up at our church, always willing to help when needed, so they still remain very much in touch.
Adam and Amber Nash relocated here from Albuquerque, New Mexico and succeeded the Fosters in May of 2022, bringing with them a surge of energy and a vision of how to help our church successfully navigate the troubled waters of today's society.
Adam has brought his own style of leadership to our church, and his sermons are personal and thought-provoking. Amber is heavily involved in the church activities in many different capacities, and they make a great, spirited team!
Adam has brought his own style of leadership to our church, and his sermons are personal and thought-provoking. Amber is heavily involved in the church activities in many different capacities, and they make a great, spirited team!
Today, in 2025, we find our church in sound financial and physical condition, with a dedicated membership and many activities and opportunities for a church of our size. We may not be among the biggest church in Tucson, but we always try our best to keep God’s word and help others in need… in our church, in our community, and around the world!
We look forward to having you join us in developing our walk with Jesus, and ministering to those that we encounter.