Our History

Formation of Three Rivers Baptist Association

On October 3, 1959, twelve churches met at First Southern Baptist Church of Joliet to organize the Three Rivers Baptist Association. This historic meeting included churches from Ottawa, Morris, Wilmington, Lockport, and surrounding communities.

Founding Churches: Ottawa, Morris, Wilmington, Lockport, Joliet First Southern, Earlville, Sandwich, Aurora Calvary, Kankakee Fourth Avenue and Wall Street, Peru, and Braidwood, with three missions—Preston Heights, Bristol Station and Dwight.

Great Lakes Baptist Association Division

The Great Lakes Baptist Association divided into three new associations: Three Rivers, Lake County, and Fox Valley Baptist Associations. This strategic reorganization allowed for more focused ministry in each region.

New Leadership Era

Dr. Dan Eddington joined as Director of Missions, bringing renewed focus on church planting and church health. In a challenging post-pandemic landscape and shifting cultural climate, his leadership has provided a steadfast anchor—bringing encouragement into our local churches, strengthening pastoral unity, and fostering a deeper spiritual growth across our association.

Global Missions Partnership

Three Rivers became the Virtual Strategy Coordinator for Eastern Slovakia, expanding our impact to international missions. This partnership has included disaster relief efforts, church planting support, and ongoing missionary engagement.

Growing Impact

With 32 current partnering churches and multiple active ministry partnerships, we continue to multiply disciples and transform communities for God's Kingdom. Our reach extends from Chicago suburbs to rural communities across Northern Illinois.