Grateful Living
The Open Door - A Legacy of Faith at Robertson Street
In the early 1980s, Hervey Bay was a quiet coastal town, known more for its relaxed pace and retired residents than for bustling activity. At the time, Hervey Bay Baptist had a modest membership, primarily consisting of individuals on fixed incomes. When their ministries needed more space, they made the bold decision to purchase two acres of land at 11 Robertson Street, Urangan, for $60,000—an impressive achievement for a small congregation. It wasn’t easy, but God remained faithful, and His people trusted.
In 1983, construction began on a new building. The builder was Harold Albury and members contributed where possible. In 1989, a four-bedroom manse was built for the pastor and family. Every milestone symbolized hope for future generations.
The church began to grow—not just in numbers, but in diversity. Young families joined. After a visit to Spreydon Baptist Church in New Zealand, Pastor Phil Munro introduced the idea of home groups—small gatherings for Bible study and connection. This was new and exciting at the time, and Hervey Bay Baptist was among the first churches in the region to embrace it.
In February 1988, Pastor Keith Stevenson arrived to serve as Senior Pastor, bringing vision and leadership for the journey ahead.
Worship began to change as younger members brought their musical gifts. Guitars, drums, and modern songs found their place alongside classic hymns, weaving together the old and the new. It wasn’t always easy—change rarely is. Generations learned to worship together, each bringing their unique voice to the song of the church.
From this time, Fraser Coast Baptist Church was established by those drawn to a more traditional approach, as HBBC pressed into new forms of outreach and relevance to the wider Hervey Bay community.
What started as a small gathering in a quiet town became a place of purpose, impact, and mission. The building at 11 Robertson Street was more than bricks and mortar—but a living testimony to God’s faithfulness and the courage of ordinary people who chose to believe He could do something extraordinary through them.
In 1983, construction began on a new building. The builder was Harold Albury and members contributed where possible. In 1989, a four-bedroom manse was built for the pastor and family. Every milestone symbolized hope for future generations.
The church began to grow—not just in numbers, but in diversity. Young families joined. After a visit to Spreydon Baptist Church in New Zealand, Pastor Phil Munro introduced the idea of home groups—small gatherings for Bible study and connection. This was new and exciting at the time, and Hervey Bay Baptist was among the first churches in the region to embrace it.
In February 1988, Pastor Keith Stevenson arrived to serve as Senior Pastor, bringing vision and leadership for the journey ahead.
Worship began to change as younger members brought their musical gifts. Guitars, drums, and modern songs found their place alongside classic hymns, weaving together the old and the new. It wasn’t always easy—change rarely is. Generations learned to worship together, each bringing their unique voice to the song of the church.
From this time, Fraser Coast Baptist Church was established by those drawn to a more traditional approach, as HBBC pressed into new forms of outreach and relevance to the wider Hervey Bay community.
What started as a small gathering in a quiet town became a place of purpose, impact, and mission. The building at 11 Robertson Street was more than bricks and mortar—but a living testimony to God’s faithfulness and the courage of ordinary people who chose to believe He could do something extraordinary through them.