Scenic Hills Baptist Church began on March 16, 1980, under the leadership of Pastor Gary W. Evans. The very first service was held in a garage at Central Texas Drilling Company on Highway 290. Each week, the garage had to be cleaned and prepared to serve as a sanctuary, office, and nursery. Approximately 30 people attended that first service, and the church met there for several months as the congregation began to take shape.

During these early days, the Austin Baptist Convention and Bannockburn Baptist Church generously provided financial support to assist with the new church plant. After outgrowing the garage, the church met on Scenic Brook Drive and Highway 71 for about a year. During this season, several new families joined the church, including the Sampson family who are charter members. The congregation later relocated to its third meeting place at the Baldwin Beauty School, where Sunday School rooms were used and a storefront was rented for worship services.

In 1981, Scenic Hills Baptist Church purchased 3½ acres of land for $90,000. After the land was cleared and the foundation laid, the Texas Baptist Men came alongside the church and helped raise the walls and roof in just two weeks. The congregation first met in the new building in September 1981, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history. Continued growth led to the addition of an educational building in 1983, and by 1987, the church rejoiced in becoming debt-free.

As the ministry continued to expand, Scenic Hills Baptist Church began supporting missions, taking on the Porter family and Blanchard family as its first missionaries. The church hosted its first Missions Conference in 1995, establishing a mission’s emphasis that continues to this day. In 1990, the church also helped start Cedar Valley Community Church and School, and in 1994, Scenic Hills Baptist Church became an independent Baptist church after leaving the Southern Baptist Convention.

A new chapter began on January 1, 2010, when Pastor Matthew Cox moved his family to Scenic Hills Baptist Church. On the church’s 30th Anniversary Service on March 14, 2010, Pastor Gary Evans officially passed the mantle of leadership to Pastor Matthew Cox. For the past 16 years, Pastor Matthew, along with his wife Karis and their six children, has faithfully served the Lord and the congregation.

During this time, God has graciously blessed Scenic Hills Baptist Church with continued growth and renewal. Nearly every room in the church has been remodeled. In 2018, the State of Texas acquired approximately one acre of church property through eminent domain. God used this circumstance to provide the resources for a much-needed parking lot and sidewalk upgrade, including an additional entrance on Circle Drive. In another remarkable act of God’s provision, the Lord led the owners of the adjacent property to donate 1.3 acres of land to the church which will allow for future growth.

Just as in the church’s first decades, the last 16 years have been marked by God’s saving and sustaining work. Many souls have been saved, believers baptized, and men and women discipled and trained for ministry. The annual Missions Conference, along with Vacation Bible School, revivals, and special outreach events, continues to provide opportunities to reach the surrounding community. God is continuing to grow Scenic Hills Baptist Church, and we are excited about what He has planned for the years ahead.

Throughout its history, Scenic Hills Baptist Church has sought to trust the Lord’s faithfulness and follow His Word. As Scripture reminds us, “Unless the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1). From humble beginnings to present-day ministry, God has been the source of every blessing, every opportunity, and every season of growth.

Looking ahead, our prayer echoes the words of the Apostle Paul: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). With gratitude for the past and faith for the future, Scenic Hills Baptist Church remains committed to glorifying God, proclaiming the Gospel, and faithfully serving until Christ returns.