Lighthouse Baptist Church History

In the Summer of 2000 Ken and Jeri Butler began looking for God’s direction in their lives concerning where He would want to build a church. God directed them to plant a church in Los Banos, California.

Ambassador Baptist Church of Fresno, California worked with the Butlers to establish Lighthouse Baptist Church of Los Banos in September of 2001.

With the help of Baptist Church Planting Ministries preparations were made to publicize the establishment of the church in Los Banos. Also with the help of churches from Marina, Modesto, Hollister, and Fresno, almost every house in Los Banos was given a packet of information concerning the beginning of the church.

From September 9-13, 2001 a special week of evening meetings was held to show the community what the church was all about.

Ken and Jeri Butler, Ken and Amy Butler, Dave and Martha Chakerian, Damon and Sherry Covalt with their children, Jessica, Danyell, and Damon.  

First Sunday Service--September 16, 2001

On September 16, 2001 Lighthouse Baptist Church held its first Sunday Services at Los Banos Elementary School with Ken Butler, Sr. as pastor and Ken Butler, Jr. as assistant Pastor.

In December of 2001 the church charter was signed by ten members at the New Year’s Eve service.

 Henry Miller School Cafeteria

The church moved from Los Banos Elementary school to the Merced County Spring Fair Grounds until May 2002.  From there the church began meeting at the cafeteria of Henry Miller School.

On September 1, God allowed the church to lease their first building at 932 “I” street in Los Banos. The building was previously the local Department of Motor Vehicles.  Church members and friends gave equipment and supplies in abundance for the needs of the new building.

The church’s first workday to get the building ready for its first service was held on September 7, 2002.

Church Chairs and Equipment Ready to Transport

The current membership as of January 2007 is 45.