In 1935 a young man, inspired by his desire to serve the Lord came in faith to Uitenhage to begin a Baptist Work. He hired a hall in Park Lane, put an advertisement in the local newspapers, and prepared a sermon for his first service.

He set out 56 chairs, expecting a Godly response to his advertisement, and went to the Hall for the first Sunday morning in high hopes. His congregation on that first day was his fiancee, his sister, and one man. So began the Baptist witness in Uitenhage.

This young man was the Rev. G.C. McLachlan, who, after his return from the S.A.G.M. in Congo, was challenged by the Rev. A.B. Arnot of Victoria Park Church in Port Elizabeth to start a Baptist work in Uitenhage. He accepted the challenge and began the work by faith.

The month of May 1936, will always be a memorable one in the history of the Baptist Church of Uitenhage, as it marks the beginning of their official existence.