ABOUT US

The inception of Bright Side Baptist Church dates back to July 6, 1980, inspired by the vision of Brother Robert Thomas. Subsequently, on July 10, 1980, Reverend Louis A. Butcher, Jr. was elected as Pastor by the original congregation of six members. The initial gatherings were held at St. Paul’s Church of God in Christ (formerly St. Paul’s AUFCMP), located at 14 E. Farnum St, Lancaster, PA.

On August 22, 1980, Bright Side secured its own storefront premises at 15 S. Prince St., and on October 11, 1980, the Central Baptist Association Council formally recognized the mission as a Missionary Baptist Church.

The church's dedication ceremony took place on October 19, 1980. A significant milestone was reached on October 18, 1981, when over 200 members marched from 15 South Prince Street to Bright Side’s new location at 215 South Queen Street.

In the spring of 1981, Reverend Ronald Taliaferro led Bright Side’s inaugural Spring Revival, and the first Deacon’s Ordination Service was conducted the same year.

April 16, 1982, marked a bittersweet occasion as the church acquired property at the corner of Christian and Locust Streets while mourning the loss of Reverend Louis A. Butcher, Sr., a beloved Spiritual Advisor.

In August 1982, Bright Side hosted its inaugural Sunday School Picnic, and on September 19, 1982, the recently acquired property was consecrated as a prayer garden in memory of Reverend Louis A. Butcher, Sr.

In subsequent years, the church continued to grow and expand its ministries, including hosting events such as the “Spring Teen Debut” in April 1983 and the formation of the Nurses’ Unit in June 1983 under the direction of Dr. Harold White, Sr.

November 20, 1983, marked the inception of the Annual Sunday School Promotion Day, followed by the establishment of the Annual Christmas Concert in December 1983.

In September 1984, Bright Side held its first Homecoming Service and initiated renovations to enhance its facilities. The following year, in October 1985, the baptismal pool renovations were completed, symbolizing a new chapter for the congregation.

October 1990 saw the fulfillment of a significant milestone as the mortgage for 215 South Queen Street was paid off and ceremonially burned.

In 1995, the Building Committee, led by Brother Paul Wright, embarked on a mission to find a new House of Worship to replace the aging structure. This endeavor culminated in the acquisition of land on Hershey Avenue and the commencement of a Capital Campaign.

Phase I of the Capital Campaign commenced in 1996, followed by Phase II in 2000, focusing on the construction of a new House of Worship reflecting various architectural styles. The Ground-Breaking Service for the new Bright Side Church was held at 515 Hershey Avenue in October 2002.

In 2004, the church transitioned to become a Purpose Driven Church, reorganizing into seven ministry centers to better serve both the congregation and the wider community. The dedication of the new sanctuary took place in September 2004, followed by the dedication of the Bright Side Opportunities Center in November of the same year.

Bright Side continued to thrive, hosting the annual Session of the Central Baptist Association in 2005 and launching the first Summer Fest at the Bright Side Opportunities Center in 2006, offering a plethora of activities and entertainment.

Technological advancements were embraced in 2009, with the installation of wireless internet service throughout the complex. Additionally, the American Wind Symphony Orchestra graced the Sanctuary with a performance during worship service that same year.

As Bright Side entered the new decade in 2010, the congregation expressed gratitude for the journey thus far, acknowledging the continued blessings and guidance of God.