In 1992, a group of families began to meet in a house in Freemans Reach with a passionate desire to see God move in their lives and across the Hawkesbury. Prayer and authentic community marked the foundations of what would eventually become known as Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church. 

After some time, the group began to grow, and they called their first Senior Minister, Pete Davies. The church moved into Glossodia Public School, and became an official church of the Baptist Union of NSW (as it was known then). There was significant growth over the first 10 years of the church, thanks largely to the diligent prayer and a heart to invest in and empower the younger generations. In 2002 Mark Chapple transitioned into the Senior Minister role to replace Pete. It was around this time that we rented an old factory in North Richmond, and the church began to meet there.

It wasn’t long before the factory complex in which we were renting went on the market. Through much prayer and miraculous provision and favour, that small group of Jesus followers was able to secure a loan and purchase that property. Over the years since, the church has expanded to incorporate 3 factory units to allow for a multi-purpose facility, that includes a large auditorium, offices, children’s ministry spaces and an indoor soccer and basketball court. 

As the church continued to grow through the 2000’s, we saw people of many ages and walks of life come into saving relationship with Jesus Christ; many young leaders were identified, developed and sent into ministry, either at HVBC or elsewhere in our city and nation. This culture of development and sending meant that in 2010, after many dreams and prayers, Greater West For Christ was birthed out of HVBC and began a new era of engagement in the wider Kingdom work that was happening in our region.

In 2016, Mark moved out of his role as Senior Minister, to invest more heavily in Greater West For Christ, and to plant Penrith City Chapel. It was then that Phil Evans, who was at that time our Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leader, stepped into the role. The church experienced a renewed emphasis on discipleship and an expansion of some of our ministries to people on the fringe, including incarcerated adults and juveniles. 

We are now embarking on a new journey of leadership with David and Amity O’Connor stepping into Lead and Associate Pastor roles respectively. We continue to be a church that is passionate about discipleship, generations and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

We are excited for the many pages that have yet to be written in our story as we continue to trust Jesus to lead us into all He desires for us as a church…