Church celebrates 35 years

Mililani Baptist Church celebrated its 35th anniversary last Saturday at the Nehelani Banquet and Conference Center at Schofield Barracks.

The church began as a mission of the First Baptist Church of Wahiawa in 1972, with O.W. Efurd serving as the first pastor of Mililani Baptist Mission, a news release said.

Sunday School and worship services were held at Mililani Town Recreation Center 1 until the first phase of the church building off Anania Drive was dedicated in January 1975. The church was organized with 117 charter members on July 6, 1975.

Mililani Baptist Church has had a part in starting four mission churches: Waipio-Gentry Baptist Church, Mililani Korean Baptist Church, Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church and Cornerstone Fellowship in Mililani Mauka. The church’s current pastor, the Rev. Derrick Norris, has led the church since 2005.