In the summer of 1997, a handful of Christians began a Bible study that shared a common dream to begin a new church in Antioch, IL. Pastor Tom Bartmer and his wife, Sharon, were among the founding members of this new mission that enjoyed many blessings from the very beginning--most noteworthy the free acquisition of the church property where Lighthouse Church now meets and conducts its ministry.
Several years before Lighthouse Church began, the existing church, Calvary Baptist Church, closed its doors and transferred its property and assets in trust to the Lake County Baptist Association with the hope that another Baptist church would one day emerge. Lighthouse Church was that new work.
On Saturday night, Sept 6th, 1997, Lighthouse Church held its very first worship service. The Saturday evening service is one of the aspects of Lighthouse Church that makes it rather unique. The services utilize a mixture of contemporary songs, traditional hymns, and the teaching of the Word of God through careful biblical exposition. Lighthouse has also taken advantage of various media to propagate its message and ministry. Many people have come to know about us through our movies, website and online sermons.
Lighthouse continues this day to share the love of Christ to the world, all the while remaining solidly devoted to biblical principles. Behind every act of service is the faithful commitment of its members and leaders to maintain a biblically centered theology and a ministry that brings glory and honor to the name of Jesus Christ.
May God bless Lighthouse Church as it continues to pierce the darkness with the light of Jesus Christ, instilling hope, establishing faith, and developing character.
May
HISTORICAL TIMELINE June 10, 1997 - Start a New Work Picnic - Sponsored by the Lake County Baptist Association July-August 1997 - New work meetings held at the church parsonage / enlistment of 100 people to pray weekly September 7,1997 - Lighthouse holds first worship service September 29, 1997 - Lighthouse Yard Sale - all proceeds went to the Antioch Rescue Squad November 2-8, 1997 - Lighthouse co-sponsors annual Antioch Food Drive October 1, 1997 - First issue of The Signal Light newsletter distributed October 11, 1997 - Church Renovation-Cleaning-Painting Day December 20, 1997 - Musical "Christmas Fantasia" performed by 1st Southern Baptist Church Choir April 12, 1998 - Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service / 3 baptized in Fox Lake May 30, 1998 - 3 baptized June 6, 1998 - Lighthouse Tape Ministry begins recording Pastor Tom's sermons July 18, 1998 - Pastor Tom's Ordination Service August 2, 1998 - Lighthouse Community Car Wash August 13, 1998 - Adventure Club for Kids& Fundamentals of the Faith holds its first class August 28, 1998 - First Family Nite Out at Lighthouse August 30, 1998 - Lighthouse Day of Prayer - 20 people commit to pray for an hour that day September 5, 1998 - 1st Year Anniversary Celebration Service and Feast September 7, 1998 - Monday Night Bible Adult Bible Study holds its first class September 26, 1998 - New baptismal heater installed in baptistry October 3, 1998 - 4 baptized / Pastor Tom becomes solo pastor of Lighthouse October 11, 1998 - Beacon Bus Ministry begins October 31, 1998 - First Annual Meeting / David Beiswenger licensed by the church as associate pastor November 20, 1998 - Lighthouse Website online November 23, 1998 - Pastor Tom and his wife Sharon move into the church parsonage November 28, 1998 - Evangelism Explosion training established at Lighthouse December 18, 1998 - Christmas Caroling Nite December 31, 1998 - 3 baptized January 7, 1999 - Lighthouse opens it doors for weekly AA meetings January 31, 1999 - Two rooms in the church basement torn down to make a larger fellowship hall February 13, 1999 - Special meeting called to begin drafting a church constitution February 14, 1999 - Special Agent Induction Night for Mission Pentecost February 21, 1999 - Mission Pentecost launched with Operation Jericho March 13, 1999 - 3 baptized March 21, 1999 - Lighthouse incorporates and petitions for membership in the SBC March 27, 1999 - Lighthouse Constitution Service / 3 baptized / Property deeded to church membership March 27, 1999 - New Name Given to Church: Lighthouse Church of Antioch April 4, 1999 - Easter Sunrise Service April 24, 1999 - 5 baptized May 29, 1999 - 2 baptized July 25, 1999 - Church Picnic at Chain'O'Lakes State Park July 31, 1999 - 2 baptized August 7, 1999 - 1 baptized August 7-8, 1999 - Lighthouse Church's eventful white-water rafting outing on the Peshtigo River August 27-29, 1999 - Church Campout at Bong Recreational Park September 23, 1999 - Dave Beiswenger resigns as associate pastor September 26, 1999 - Outing to the Chicago Science and Industry Museum October 9, 1999 - Mission Pentecost reaches Half-way Goal: 1500 home contacts October 17, 1999 - Outing to the Waconda Apple Orchards October 30, 1999 - Second Annual Meeting November 13, 1999 - Premiere of "Terror on the Peshtigo" November 20, 1999 - Old Fashioned Saturday Service and Pot-luck Dinner December 11, 1999 - Filming begins of new movie "Mission Pentecost" December 17, 1999 - Christmas Caroling December 19, 1999 - Church Outing to Kris Kringle's Mark dowtown Chicago January 1, 2000 - 1 baptized February 19, 2000 - Unique worship/wedding service (Michael Anderson and Lynn Gaffney) March 16-23, 2000 - Pastor Tom and his wife Sharon, and Ken Ferguson attend EE training clinic in Phoenix, AZ March 25, 2000 - 1 baptized March 31, 2000 - Congregation treated to a preview of the up-coming movie "Mission Pentecost" April 2, 2000 - Outing to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Chicago Museum of Natural History April 15, 2000 - 2 baptized April 22, 2000 - 1 baptized May 20, 2000 - Church Yard Sale - 300 informational flyers handed out May 27, 2000 - Mission Pentecost reaches goal of 3000 contacts / Premiere of Mission Pentecost:The Movie June 10, 2000 - 1 baptized June 16-17, 2000 - Lighthouse Church members participate in an evangelistic Big Top Circus event in Island Lake, IL July 1-3, 2000 - Work days to re-shingle the entire roof of the church building July 22, 2000 - Premiere of the video documentary "The Roofing" August 1-7, 2000 - Lighthouse Church's very first VBS "Family Puppet Workshop" August 26, 2000 - 1 baptized September 16, 2000 - 1 baptized September 19, 2000 - Church member Patrick Peterson passed away September 24, 2000 - Filming begins for new movie "Baptistman" October 8, 2000 - "Gone Fishin" premiered at the Annual LCBA meeting at Meadowridge Baptist Church October 29, 2000 - Third Annual Meeting November 18, 2000 - Old-fashioned Saturday Service and Pot-luck Dinner December 8, 2000 - Lighthouse Church hosts annual Pastors & Wives Christmas Dinner "A Night of Elegance" December 30, 2000 - 1 baptized January 17, 2001 - Church member Connie Charlton passed away unexpectedly February 10, 2001 - Valentine's Banquet after worship service February 17, 2001 - New ceiling fans/lights installed in church auditorium March 17, 2001 - 1 baptized April 15, 2001 - Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service at Petersen Park May 11-12, 2001 - Women's retreat at Illinois Beach State Park May 18-20, 2001 - Work project: roof of parsonage is reshingled June 2, 2001 - Church Yard Sale June 16, 2001 - 2 baptized June 25-29, 2001 - Vacation Bible School "You Oughta Be in Pictures" June 30, 2001 - "Saturday Safari" for pre-school aged children begins on Saturday Nights July 4, 2001 - The cast of the up-coming movie "Baptistman" marches in Antioch's 4th of July Parade September 1, 2001 - Church's new website domain name: www.lighthousechurch.info September 29, 2001 - "Baptistman" premieres to a packed out church October 13, 2001 - The band "Chrism" gives a special concert after the service October 27, 2001 - Fourth Annual Meeting - church affirms Lance Rengel as an elder November 24, 2001 - Old-fashioned service and pot-luck dinner December 23, 2001 - Christmas Caroling January 22, 2002 - D-Day Discipleship Training begins - Tuesday Nights March 2, 2002 - Major renovation of the church auditorium begins - services are held in the fellowship hall March 31, 2002 - Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service at Petersen Park April 27, 2002 - Dedication Service for newly renovated auditorium May 4, 2002 - 2 baptized June 8, 2002 - Church Yard Sale June 17-21, 2002 - Vacation Bible School "The Fabulous Fun Fair" June 29, 2002 - Presentation of "The Fabulous Fun Fair" video June 30, 2002 - Baptistman and Baptistboy represent Lighthouse Church in the Annual Antioch Soapbox Derby July 6, 2002 - First Men's monthly prayer breakfast / video presentation of "Baptistman's Big Race" after the service July 19-21, 2002 - Church Campout at Bong Recreational Park October 5, 2002 - Chrism returns to lead the worship service and provides a special concert thereafter October 13, 2002 - Construction of The Back Door Coffee House (fellowship hall) begins October 26th, 2002 - Fifth Annual Meeting November 2, 2002 - Renovation of fellowship hall completed November 23, 2002 - Old-fashioned Saturday service and pot-luck dinner December 6, 2002 - Lighthouse Church hosts the annual Pastors & Pastor's Wives Christmas Dinner December 13, 2002 - The Back Door Coffee House opens March 8, 2003 - 2 baptized April 20, 2003 - Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service at Petersen Park May 18, 2003 - Church outing to the Milwaukee Zoo May 31, 2003 - 1 baptized June 27, 2003 - Upstream Christian Blues Band at The Back Door Coffee House July 25, 2003 - Guitarist Gary Altercott at The Back Door Coffee House August 9, 2003 - 1 baptized August 29, 2003 - Chrism plays at The Back Door Coffee House September 26, 2003 - The Amazing Impeccable (Christian Ska Band) play at The Back Door September 27, 2003 - Guest Speaker Robert Brock, missionary from Voice of the Martyrs October 2, 2003 - First Women of Faith meeting (monthly event) October 17, 2003 - First "An Evening of Prayer" prayer & worship service (monthly event) October 25, 2003 - Sixth Annual Meeting October 31, 2003 - Classical guitarist William Bachochin plays at The Back Door Coffee House November 16, 2003 - "Bring It Around Town" Outreach Event December 5, 2003 - A Coffee House Christmas, featuring the music of The Bartmer Brothers December 31, 2003 - New Year's Eve Service and Celebration February 15, 2004 - Church outing to the Milwaukee Public Museum March 26, 2004 - Ammi in Concert at The Back Door Coffee House April 11, 2004 - Easter Sunrise Service at Petersen Park May 11, 2004 - The Tugboats go to Monster Golf May 23, 2004 - Lighthouse Church Potluck Picnic at Centennial Park July 10, 2004 - Church Yard Sale - All proceeds benefit the Baptist Children's Home August 1, 2004 - Lighthouse Church represents the LCBA outreach booth at the Lake County Fair October 3, 2004 - Church Outing to the Edible Harvest Festival October 30, 2004 - Seventh Annual Meeting / Operation Invitation Begins November 9, 2004 - Tugboats Youth Group Food Drive For Needy Families March 1, 2005 - New basement furnace installed March 12, 2005 - 2 baptized July 30, 2005 - The Christmas Story Project begins for December 2005 October 29th, 2005 - Eighth Annual Meeting November 26, 2005 - The Christmas Story Project Up and Running for Christmas Season December 13, 2005 - 1 baptized April 1, 2006 - 1 baptized April 15, 2006 - Showing of the movie "The Passion of the Christ" May 27, 2006 - Church Yard Sale, All Proceeds Go to Benefit the Baptist Children's Home October 28, 2006 - Ninth Annual Meeting December 2, 2006 - 1 baptized January 15, 2007 - Church member Virginia Frieza passed away February 3, 2007 - 1 baptized April 22, 2007 - Church Outing to Miller Park July 22, 2007 - Church member Dorothy Ronnquist passed away July 28, 2007 - Lighthouse Church represents the LCBA outreach booth at the Lake County Fair August 6-10, 2007 - Lighthouse Church Puppet Workshop (VBS) September 8, 2007 - Premiere of the DVD Movie: The Lighthouse Puppet Workshop October 27, 2007 - 10th Annual Meeting April 5, 2008 - 2 baptized May 31, 2008 - Church Yard Sale July 13, 2008 - Church Picnic at Bong Recreational Area October 25, 2008 - 11th Annual Meeting December 20, 2008 - Christmas Dinner before the Worship Service February 7, 2009 - The Lighthouse Bait Shop (food pantry) opens February 14, 2009 - Valentine's Day Dinner February 28, 2009 - Church's water heater replaced March 7, 2009 - The Lighthouse Video Collection (all short films from 1999-2002) available on DVD March 14, 2009 - New gutters installed on church and parsonage April 12, 2009 - Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast April 24 - May 8, 2009 - Landscaping project for church building (installed stone retaining wall and shrubbery) May 3-19, 2009 - Installed new blacktop driveway, porch and walkway for parsonage June 24-27, 2009 - Crazy County Fair VBS July 20, 2009 - Lighthouse Church hosts the LCBA Executive Board Meeting August 2, 2009 - Lighthouse Church represents the LCBA evangelism booth at the County Fair August 30, 2009 - Church Clean-up Day and Picnic / New washroom sinks installed / new paint for exterior trim September 21, 2009 - Church basement windows replaced October 12, 2009 - The church website (www.lighthousechurch.info) is updated to a new and improved format October 31, 2009 - 12th Annual Meeting November 3, 2009 - New art glass windows installed in church auditorium February 21, 2010 - Church Outing to the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Milwaukee Museum April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunrise Service & Fellowship Breakfast July 11, 2010 - Church Picnic at Bong Recreational Area October 30, 2010 - 13th Annual Meeting and Celebration February 11, 2011 - Valentine Banquet March 19, 2011 - 2 baptized April 24, 2011 - Easter Sunrise Service & Fellowship Breakfast June 4, 2011 - 1 baptized June 8, 2011 - New Church Sign Installed June 29 - July 2nd, 2011 - Lighthouse Beach Blast Vacation Bible School September 9, 2011 - New Furnace Installed September 17, 2011 - Church Outing to Apple Picking Farm October 29, 2011 - 14th Annual Meeting March 10, 2012 - Pastor Tom and Sharon move out of parsonage to their new home in Bristol,WI: Bear Valley Farm April 14th, 2012 - Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast Fellowship June 24th, 2012 - First Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm September 8, 2012 - Second Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm October 29, 2012 - 15th Annual Meeting February 2, 2013 - Supper Before the Service Ministry Begins May 26, 2013 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm July 10-12, 2013 - It's Showtime VBS August 10, 2013 - Premiere of the "It's Showtime" Movie September 14, 2013 - Church Cleaning Day & Potluck Dinner October 18-19, 2013 - Women's Retreat to Blue Harbor Resort October 26, 2013 - 16th Annual Meeting November 9, 2013 - Our Big Dead Spruce Tree is Taken Down February 15, 2014 - Special Valentine's Day Dinner After the Service April 20, 2014 - Easter Sunday Service w/breakfast May 25, 2014 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm July 9, 10, 11 - Team Sports Vacation Bible School August 20, 2014 - New Back Door Porch Stoop Installed October 3-4, 2014 - Women's Retreat October 25, 2014 - 17th Annual Meeting December 6, 2014 - Christmas Dinner & Fellowship April 5, 2015 - Easter Sunday Service w/breakfast to follow April 25, 2015 - Kick-Off of Saturday Supper MInistry May 16, 2015 - 1 Baptized May 24, 2015 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm May 31, 2015 - Women's Tea July 15-17, 2015 - Vacation Bible School "Master Chef" October 2-3, 2015 - Women's Retreat to Timber Ridge Lodge October 31, 2015 - 18th Annual Meeting January 30, 2016 - 1 baptized March 27, 2016 - Easter Sunrise Service w/breakfast May 22, 2016 - Women's Tea May 29, 2016 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm July 6-9, 2016 - Vacation Bible School "Artpalooza" August 26, 2016 - Ladies' Luau November 13, 2016 - "We Are Men" Ministry Kick-Off April 16, 2017 - Easter Sunday Morning Service w/ breakfast to follow May 19, 2017 - Faithful attender Christine Mauri went home to be with the Lord May 28, 2017 - Annual Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm October 6-7, 2017 - Women's Retreat to Bear Valley Farm & The Elegant Farmer October 28, 2017 - 20th Annual Meeting and Celebration January 20, 2018 - Member Clyde Stringer went home to be with the Lord April 1, 2018 - Easter Sunrise Service w/breakfast to follow April 7, 2018 - "Planet Lamb" Movie Premiere April 11, 2018 - New Church Website is Launched May 27, 2018 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm June 19, 2018 - Vacation Bible School Begins on Tuesday Nights during the summer July 1, 2018 - Women's Tea (Men's "Tea" at Bear Valley Farm) August 28, 2018 - New Snazzy Lighted Church Sign Installed October 6, 2018 - Women's Retreat to Lake Geneva October 27, 2018 - 21st Annual Meeting and Celebration May 6, 2019 - Member Ed Tyler Went Home To Be With the Lord May 11, 2019 - Premiere of Movie "Bawoo" May 26, 2019 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm June 4, 2019 - "Into the Wild" VBS begins on Tuesday Nights for the Summer August 5, 2019 - Women of Faith Concert Outing to the Wisconsin State Fair August 7 & 9, 2019 - Long Time Attenders Ed & Audrey Simpson passed away October 6, 2019 -- Member Mae Stringer went home to be with the Lord May 25, 2020 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm May 1, 2021 - 1 baptized May 28,2023 - Church Picnic at Bear Valley Farm May 26, 2024 - Annual Picnic at Bear Valley Farm