Our History
Bridgewater Community Church traces its roots to 1871, when Simon Waterston purchased five-eighths of an acre of land for just $15 with the vision of establishing a church in Williams County. One year later, that vision became a reality as the first church building was completed at a cost of $1,563. On June 9, 1872, the building was formally dedicated, marking the beginning of the congregation we know today as Bridgewater Community Church.
Over the years, the church has been known by several names and has been affiliated with different denominations. Originally, it belonged to the Ohio Sandusky Conference of the United Brethren in Christ. The group of believers who first gathered together identified themselves as The Shiloh Church. Following the completion of the church building, the congregation was incorporated as Liberty Chapel Church. Because of the influence of the founding Waterston family and the church’s location, it was also commonly known as The Waterston Church, West Bridgewater Church, and Bridgewater United Brethren Church. Since June 1974, the congregation has officially been known as Bridgewater Community Church.
Throughout every season of its history, God’s providential hand has been unmistakably evident. His faithfulness has preserved this congregation through changing times, while the unchanging truth of His Word and the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ have remained its sure foundation. It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to sustain Bridgewater Community Church as a faithful witness in our community, proclaiming the hope of Christ and making disciples for His glory.
Our Pastor
Bridgewater Community Church has been led by Pastor Mark Pitman since October 2009. Pastor Mark and his wife, Renee, have four children: Madeline, Anna, Eliot, and Leah.
Pastor Mark earned degrees from Sauk Valley Community College (A.S.), Moody Bible Institute (B.A.), Northern Illinois University (B.S.), and Faith Bible Seminary (M.A.B.C.). Before coming to Bridgewater, he served for five and a half years as a pastor at a church in Bryan, Ohio. In addition to his pastoral ministry at Bridgewater, he also serves as the Executive Director of CPC Women’s Health Resource, a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to serving women and families with compassionate care and the hope of the gospel.
Pastor Mark’s desire is to faithfully preach the Word of God, equip believers to grow in Christ, and lead the church in fulfilling its mission of making disciples who know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.