"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord" Romans 6:23
Airway Baptist Church - 4658 Airway Rd. Dayton, OH 45431 (937) 253-1481
Airway Introduction
It has been said that anyone who has ever entered the doors of Airway Baptist Church, has surely felt the love and the warmth of its members. This love began in March of 1958, with a vision in the minds of two families, the Holmes family and the Ripato family. The church began as a mission with the support of East Dayton Baptist Church, and was known as Riverside Baptist Mission. The first Sunday service which was held in the Town Hall of Riverside, Ohio and was held on March 2, 1958, with 27 people in attendance. As the congregation grew the Mission held services in various locations, Harshman Elementary School, Harshman Homes Rental Office, and the Overlook School in September of 1959. Brother Chester Ripato served as Pastor of the Mission until May of 1959, when Rev. Jack Taylor of Forth Worth, Texas was called to be the Pastor. The mission continued to grow, it was in Aug of 1959, that Riverside Baptist Mission voted to change its name to Airway Baptist Chapel. The Chapel continued to grow over the next several months, into a loving church body. On December 13, 1959 an organizational meeting was held in the Overlook School auditorium, Brother Ray Roberts, the executive secretary of the state convention of Baptist in Ohio was the guest speaker, the name was then changed to, Airway Baptist Church. Among the charter members of Airway, two members still remain active today, Millie Brewer and Ollie Towery. With the organization of the church, came the need for a church building. It was learned of the sale of a lot and house on Glen Martin Drive and Airway Rd, which was purchased by the church. In July of 1960, the church voted to launch a $40,000 bond program to erect a building. The first service in the new building was held on Easter Sunday of 1961. A record attendance of 294 was made that Sunday. Later in 1966, a second unit was completed and new pews replaced the folding chairs within the auditorium.
Over the years, several Pastors have followed in the loving tradition set forth by Riverside Baptist Mission to today at Airway Baptist Church. They are as follows: Bro. Chester Ripato, Rev. Jack Taylor, Rev. Lawrence Meredith, Rev. Earnest Powell, Rev. Doug Clem, Rev. Bill Sword, Rev. Max Hetzel, Rev. Pat O'Brien, Rev. T. O. Bensen, Rev. Jack Carrol, Rev. Matt Kunkel, Rev. Scott Davis, Rev. Vernon Ware, Rev. Gary W. Talton, (Interim Pastor) Rev. A.H. Sampley, Rev. Eugene Helton, and our current Pastor, Rev. Joshua King.
All of the Pastors through the years have brought God's Word to Airway Baptist Church and have given freely of themselves to God's service. And so what began over 45 years ago, lives still today, in the hearts of all members past, present and into the future. May the love of Airway Baptist Church continue for many years to come through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the Pastor's Page!
We hope you feel at home here, and would love for you to get to know a little bit more about our pastoral staff. You'll find helpful information below.
Coming Soon! Info on our new Pastor, Rev. Joshua King!
If your seeking a church where the Pastor really cares--then visit Airway Baptist Church.
Where will you spend eternity?
Have you come to a place in your life that you know for sure you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die?
Suppose you were to die tonight where would you find yourself?
Heaven or hell?
Have you made your choice?
To go to hell, all you have to do is nothing!
God tells us, "by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned." Romans 5:12
We all inherited, from Adam and Eve, a heart and a mind that sins.
But! We can avoid hell "and" live a joy filled, prosperous, and peaceful life today.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
It's simple. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved." Romans 10:9
Let God "save" you from hell and "save" you for Heaven.
Experience the wonderful life our Lord has for us. Ask Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Saviour. Be sincere, God "will" save you.
If you trust Christ as Savior please send us an
email and let us know so we can help You, grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Airway History Pastor's Page AWANA Youth God's Plan For You
Airway Baptist Church
4658 Airway Road
Dayton, OH 45424
(937) 253-1481
Airway Baptist Church is located in the Riverside Community on the east side of Dayton, Ohio. We are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the State Convention Of Baptists In Ohio and the Greater Dayton Association Of Baptists. Our church endeavors to serve Jesus Christ by worshiping and adoring HIM and by ministering to all people. We have programs for all ages. We have the "YOUNG AT HEART" for the seniors in our midst. We have the "AWANA" program for our young people. We have Sunday School Classes for all ages. We have a Youth Group and Children's Church. Our Schedule of Services follows:
Sunday School 9:45 A.M.
Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.
Evening Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday Evening Service 7:00 P.M.
AWANA - Wednesdays 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
A nursery is available for all services.
“Enabling and Mobilizing the gifts of many to touch, with the truths of the gospel, the lives of youth in every realm of their being”
Upcoming Events! (Link coming soon)
The youth group at Airway Baptist is for teens in 7th grade through 12th grade that have a desire to learn about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to have fun while learning!
Meeting times: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:30pm (JV & Varsity Youth), Fridays (TGIF!) 7pm-??? (usually 10pm)
Our directors: Pastor King, Justin Green, Christy Johnson, and Wayne Lewis
Our Mission: To lead youth to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (and have as much fun in doing it as possible)!
We're always doing something and staying busy in the Lord's work. In the past we have participated in the Youth Evangelism Celebration, 30 Hour Famine, True Love Waits and sponsored a concert for 40 Day Rain and Heaven Sent.
If you ever need to reach someone regarding the youth group or related activities, contact Wayne (click to send e-mail) or call the church at 253-1481.
Impacting Kids with Christ-centered Ministries
Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed (AWANA)!
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Cubbies are preschool boys and girls.
The AWANA program is a Bible based curriculum of activities and scripture for ages 0 through 12th grade. Our AWANA Commander, Diane Powell, is deeply committed to this program and Airway has one of the largest and fastest growing AWANA programs in the area!
Sparks are boys and girls in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.
Chums is the Awana Club for third- and fourth-grade girls. Guards is the club for fifth- and sixth-grade girls. Pals is the Awana Club for third- and fourth-grade boys. Pioneers is the Awana Club for fifth- and sixth-grade boys.
AWANA meets during the normal school year on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm till 8:30pm. If you're interested in attending, or have family members interested in attending, we invite you to do so. Just show up and enjoy your time their.
Jr. Varsity gives junior-highers biblical truth with an emphasis on application in daily life. The Awana Varsity program focuses on high-schoolers.
For more information about the AWANA program at Airway, please call the church at 253-1481. You can also find more information about the program at the AWANA home page.
Airway Baptist Church, member