Solid Ground in an Uncertain World

MBC is a refreshing oasis in the center of Lake County's 525,000 people. You will find us on Alleghany Road just 1.5 miles south of Route 120 in Grayslake, Illinois. A place where your soul will be fed and your spirit refreshed.

Our Pastor - Michael Garrison, a graduate of Bob Jones University, began his ministry as a Youth Pastor in Palos Hills, IL. In 1987, having spent several years in the youth ministry, Pastor Garrison teamed up with his former pastor, Dr. Wesley Potter, to establish a Fundamental Baptist Church in the northern suburbs of Chicago. The team moved north to Lake County and together, established Maranatha Baptist Church of Lake County. The Potters retired in January of 1990 and Michael Garrison remains at MBC as Pastor.

His wife, Laurie, and sons, Stasiek & Stephen, serve along side our Pastor.

Our History - Maranatha Baptist Church was started as a mission project under the ministry of the Association of Independent Baptist Churches of Illinois (AIBCI). Dr. Wesley Potter and Rev. Michael Garrison were appointed as missionaries under AIBCI for the purpose of starting this new church in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

While surveying the area around Vernon Hills, an abandoned park district building was located. The team rented the building from the City of Vernon Hills, began canvassing the community, and held their first service on January 18, 1987.

The church incorporated and chartered its membership on December 3, 1989. Twenty-seven adult men and women signed the charter. Shortly afterwards, Pastor Potter retired and Pastor Garrison assumed full responsibilities for the ministry.

In April, 1990 Maranatha Baptist Church purchased 5 acres of property just south of the City of Grayslake in unincorporated Lake County. After annexing into Grayslake, rezoning the property, and drawing up blueprints, construction began on a new, 10,200 sq. ft. building. The congregation rolled up their sleeves and, under the supervision of Pastor Garrison, provided nearly all the skill and labor necessary to construct the new church. The building was dedicated in July, 1994.