Historical Snapshot of
Briarcliff Baptist Church

Dr. Glenn Waldrop 1958-1976
Dr. Waldrop was the first pastor of Briarcliff Baptist Church. He helped to start the congregation, which began in a local school. Under his leadership, a Chapel and later, because of growth, a new Sanctuary as well as an Education Building were built. He also led the congregation to develop a wide range of ministries which are mentioned below.

• A strong Music program that encompassed all ages was started and expanded.

• Mission and Outreach initiatives were very intentionally brought into being Sponsored a refugee family from Cuba and began conversational English classes.

• Developed a strong Youth program and later added a Youth Minister to the staff.

• Church Kindergarten organized in 1960 and in 1966 a Director of Preschool and Children's Ministries was added to the staff.

• Sunday School continued to grow and created a need for more classes.

Throughout Dr. Waldrop's 18-year tenure, Activities, Christian Education, Missions, and Community Outreach continued to develop and grow. In 1976, Dr. Waldrop resigned to accept a position at a church in South Carolina. Later, he returned to Briarcliff Baptist Church in retirement and is now serving as Pastor Emeritus.

Dr. Paul Baxter 1977-1983
Dr. Baxter followed Dr. Waldrop and became Briarcliff's second pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation continued to grow. He also expanded existing ministries. Because of growth, he led the church to break ground for a third building project a new Sanctuary. During his time, he emphasized community outreach, Visitation, Christian Education, and Missions. Like his predecessor, he encouraged the church to develop new ministries, which are listed below.

• U.S. 2 Missionaries and an Apartment Ministry was developed and implemented.

• The church sponsored a refugee family from Vietnam.

• The church sponsored a Spanish Ministry, which held services in Briarcliff's fellowship hall until 1983.

• Established full service Day Care Center as a Ministry to working mothers.

• Youth activities grew and were expanded Tutoring program for underprivileged.

• Youth Choir Mission Trip to New England and Vermont in 1982 and 1983.

• Sport Activities developed in order to encourage Christian Fellowship.

• Briarcliff Players organized Musical and Drama Ministry.

• Led the church to sponsor the Kings Bridge Retirement project in 1981.

During Dr. Baxter's tenure, the missions and ministries of Briarcliff Baptist Church continued to flourish. In 1983, Dr. Baxter resigned to accept a position at another church.

Dr. Frank Wells 1984-1988
Like his predecessors, Dr. Wells maintained and expanded the existing ministries. During his pastorate, he greatly enriched the Music Program when he led the congregation to Call Steve Coldiron as our Minister of Music. Steve served Briarcliff Baptist Church faithfully until the early part of 2001. Besides bringing Steve Coldiron on staff, Dr. Wells encouraged the congregation to think outside the box and to develop new missions and ministries. These efforts are listed below.

• Church sponsored refugee family from Cambodia.

• Summer Youth Intern Program for College students started.

• Church Training Program on Sunday Evenings was implemented.

• Vacation Bible School held at night with adult options was begun.

• Community Kitchen Task Force organized and gave community support one night a month.

In 1986, Dr. Wells suffered a heart attack. This heart attack impacted his ministry and probably shortened his tenure. In 1988, he resigned as our pastor.

Dr. David Perkins 1989-1991
During his short tenure, Dr. Perkins continued that which had already been begun. He continued to foster activities that encouraged fellowship and community. Activities like ceramics, needlework, jazzercise, etc. became regular offerings. He also began several new initiatives that greatly enhanced the life and ministry of the congregation. These initiatives are listed below.

• Together We Build fundraising initiative started to prepare for future renovations.

• Friendship Fellowship groups were started and encouraged community through hospitality.

• The Clothes Closet Ministry was reorganized to better meet the needs of those around us.

• Christian Witnessing Training (CWT) evangelism efforts were begun.

Though only serving 2 years, Dr. Perkins left an indelible mark on our community.

Dr. Bill Ireland 1992-1999
Like the previous pastors, Dr. Ireland continued to support the programs and projects that were already in place. During his pastorate, a new Children's Minister was brought who revitalized this aspect of our ministry. New initiatives and other key happenings are listed below.

• Enhanced Easter Worship added Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Communion.

• Began structured visitation program on the first and third Tuesday of the each month.

• Closed the full service Day Care Center because of cost overruns.

• Increased Youth activities Bible Study, Retreats, Mission Trips, Music and Drama.

• Led Church to become a part of the Toco Hills Clergy Alliance to develop community.

• Joined other churches to build a Habitat for Humanity house.

• Mission Trip to Chicago in 1997.

• Led church in strategic planning effort called Where Do We Go From Here?

In 1999, Dr. Ireland resigned as our pastor and accepted a pastorate in a church in North Carolina.

Bill Bigger 2000-Present
This present history is now unfolding before our eyes. Please come and join us so that you can be a participant in the life and ministry of our community of believers.