Our Story
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH THE YEARS
OUR Story
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH THE YEARS
ANSWERING
THE CALL
Beacon Baptist Church held its first service in August of 1977 at the Grange Hall in Clay, New York. Pastor Vic Watkins, his wife, and their three young children gathered that morning with just three other visitors, one from a newspaper ad, one from a church sign, and one reached through door-to-door canvassing. It was a humble beginning, but one marked by deep conviction and a clear sense of calling.


ANSWERING
THE CALL
Beacon Baptist Church held its first service in August of 1977 at the Grange Hall in Clay, New York. Pastor Vic Watkins, his wife, and their three young children gathered that morning with just three other visitors, one from a newspaper ad, one from a church sign, and one reached through door-to-door canvassing. It was a humble beginning, but one marked by deep conviction and a clear sense of calling.

ANSWERING
THE CALL
Beacon Baptist Church held its first service in August of 1977 at the Grange Hall in Clay, New York. Pastor Vic Watkins, his wife, and their three young children gathered that morning with just three other visitors, one from a newspaper ad, one from a church sign, and one reached through door-to-door canvassing. It was a humble beginning, but one marked by deep conviction and a clear sense of calling.

WALKING BY FAITH...
As the congregation grew, so did the vision. When the church family reached about 70 people, they purchased land behind the Grange Hall and began preparing to build. In 1982, Pastor Vic stepped away from his manufacturing job to pastor Beacon full-time. That same year, the church broke ground on its first building, a step of faith that God richly blessed. Through sacrificial giving and hands-on service, the project was completed and paid off within eight years.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.

WALKING BY FAITH...
As the congregation grew, so did the vision. When the church family reached about 70 people, they purchased land behind the Grange Hall and began preparing to build. In 1982, Pastor Vic stepped away from his manufacturing job to pastor Beacon full-time. That same year, the church broke ground on its first building, a step of faith that God richly blessed. Through sacrificial giving and hands-on service, the project was completed and paid off within eight years.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.

WALKING BY FAITH...
As the congregation grew, so did the vision. When the church family reached about 70 people, they purchased land behind the Grange Hall and began preparing to build. In 1982, Pastor Vic stepped away from his manufacturing job to pastor Beacon full-time. That same year, the church broke ground on its first building, a step of faith that God richly blessed. Through sacrificial giving and hands-on service, the project was completed and paid off within eight years.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.
In 2002, Beacon entered its second major building project. Once again, God provided from a miracle offering, the generosity of outside help, and the tireless work of faithful members. That new facility allowed the church to expand its ministry and eventually bring on additional pastoral staff.







GROWING HIS CHURCH
In 2007, Pastor Vic’s son, Matt Watkins, joined the team after serving nearly a decade in pastoral ministry in Syracuse. With the support of the church and his father’s guidance, Pastor Matt began helping lead the next chapter of Beacon’s story.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.

GROWING HIS CHURCH
In 2007, Pastor Vic’s son, Matt Watkins, joined the team after serving nearly a decade in pastoral ministry in Syracuse. With the support of the church and his father’s guidance, Pastor Matt began helping lead the next chapter of Beacon’s story.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.
GROWING HIS CHURCH
In 2007, Pastor Vic’s son, Matt Watkins, joined the team after serving nearly a decade in pastoral ministry in Syracuse. With the support of the church and his father’s guidance, Pastor Matt began helping lead the next chapter of Beacon’s story.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.
Fast forward to 2024, after nearly 50 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Vic officially retired. He and his wife remain active in ministry in their new home in North Carolina.

Be a part of our story...
Today, under church leadership, Beacon continues to grow as a church devoted to biblical teaching, gospel witness, and intentional discipleship; anchored in the faithfulness of God. Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 10:00 am - 11:15 am.
Be a part of our story...
Today, under church leadership, Beacon continues to grow as a church devoted to biblical teaching, gospel witness, and intentional discipleship; anchored in the faithfulness of God. Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 10:00 am and 11:15 am.
