Our History
(70th anniversary video coming in 2022)
Since 1952, Iola Baptist Temple has existed as and Independent Baptist Church with a desire to reach the community (and the world) with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 70 years later, we are still looking forward. We are quite certain that some of Iola Baptist Temple's best days of working for the Lord are yet ahead!
A Brief History
1951
A congregation met in a small stone building on Spruce Street and First in Iola, KS. Pastor Nester and Pastor Leslie Lynn led the congregation for very short periods of time.
A congregation met in a small stone building on Spruce Street and First in Iola, KS. Pastor Nester and Pastor Leslie Lynn led the congregation for very short periods of time.
1952
November 10th
Iola Baptist Temple was officially organized under the leadership of Pastor Harold Elders, and in 1953 the current property was purchased.
November 10th
Iola Baptist Temple was officially organized under the leadership of Pastor Harold Elders, and in 1953 the current property was purchased.
Pastor Harold Elder
1958-1960
Leslie Baker, a native of Iola, pastored Iola Baptist Temple for two years before returning to Haiti as a missionary.
Leslie Baker, a native of Iola, pastored Iola Baptist Temple for two years before returning to Haiti as a missionary.
Pastor Leslie Baker
1960-1962
Pastor Jack Waterman then served as pastor for around 2 years.
Pastor Jack Waterman then served as pastor for around 2 years.
1962
At this time, Pastor John Kryfko served as pastor for only a couple months.
At this time, Pastor John Kryfko served as pastor for only a couple months.
1962-1963
Next, Pastor Denton Collins served as pastor for about 9 months, at which time he left to the mission field in Ethiopia
Next, Pastor Denton Collins served as pastor for about 9 months, at which time he left to the mission field in Ethiopia
Pastor Denton Collins
1963
Pastor Robert Loy then filled in for a short time.
Pastor Robert Loy then filled in for a short time.
1964-1974
Under the leadership of Charlie Wood, Iola Baptist Temple began to grow in number and in stability. Pastor Wood remained pastor for about 10 years.
Under the leadership of Charlie Wood, Iola Baptist Temple began to grow in number and in stability. Pastor Wood remained pastor for about 10 years.
Pastor Charlie Wood
1974-1979
Next, Robert Mayes pastored for nearly 5 years continuing the work.
Next, Robert Mayes pastored for nearly 5 years continuing the work.
Pastor Robert Mayes
1979-1994
Then Robert Cockrell took the pastorate of Iola Baptist Temple and lead the congregation for around 15 years.
Then Robert Cockrell took the pastorate of Iola Baptist Temple and lead the congregation for around 15 years.
Pastor Robert Cockrell
1994-2018
Pastor Roger Collins was the next pastor, and he served for 24 years.
Pastor Roger Collins was the next pastor, and he served for 24 years.
2018-present
Pastor Rocky Randall currently leads our congregation.
Pastor Rocky Randall currently leads our congregation.
