The history of Green Castle Baptist Church began in March 1869 along the banks of the Ohio River, twelve miles east of Louisville, Kentucky, in an old cabin occupied by Brother Ben Parker. For several years, Brother Parker, D. Minor, and Jeff Jacobs faithfully conducted prayer meetings in this humble setting. As a result of these gatherings, Reverend John Buckner was led to conduct an old-fashioned revival that lasted four weeks.

Later that same year, on the second Sunday in June, Reverend Buckner preached in a locust grove along the banks of the Ohio River and baptized forty-seven converts. On the third Sunday in July 1869, while still assembled in the locust grove, Reverend Buckner gathered those forty-seven believers and, after preaching from the sermon titled “Upon This Rock, I Build My Church,” formally organized Green Castle Baptist Church. The church was named “Green” in reference to the green grass of the locust grove and “Castle” in honor of Sister Castle Parker, the mother of Brother Ben Parker.

Reverend John White and Sister Diana Brookins were instrumental in the construction of Green Castle’s first house of worship. For the majority of its history, the church’s place of worship was located at 7611 Rose Island Road in Prospect, Kentucky. That location remains deeply cherished by many current members, who recall fond memories of numerous renovations, the establishment of various ministry initiatives, and the faithful service of multiple pastors.

In April 1982, Reverend James R. Pitts accepted the call to pastor Green Castle Baptist Church. Under his leadership, both church membership and ministry efforts grew significantly. Over time, it became evident that the existing facility, despite multiple renovations, could no longer adequately support the expanding congregation or the breadth of ministry activities.

In 1996, the church approved a strategic plan to prepare for continued growth and ministry advancement into the twenty-first century. Following a successful capital stewardship campaign, construction of a new facility began in the fall of 2005 on an eighteen-acre parcel of land acquired by the church.

In March 2007, with Reverend Pitts leading the congregational march, Green Castle Baptist Church—relocated and held its first worship service in its new facility, marking a significant milestone in the church’s enduring legacy of faith and service.

After forty years of faithful service to Green Castle Baptist Church, Reverend James R. Pitts retired in May 2022. In 2024, Reverend Pitts was honored and recognized as Pastor Emeritus, alongside First Lady Emerita Sylvia Pitts. We offer heartfelt gratitude for their steadfast obedience to God’s guidance, their faithful leadership, and their enduring commitment to God’s people.

The Reverend Darien A. Waite has served as the Senior Pastor alongside his bride and ministry partner, the Reverend Chelsea D. Waite, who serves as First Lady and Executive Pastor, since January 2024; together, they lead with faith and compassion while raising their children, 

Briella and Ace Waite.

Green Castle Baptist Church

"The Church Under the Cross"