The Legacy and History of Lake Country Church
For over 50 years, Lake Country Church has been a place where God’s faithfulness has been evident—impacting lives locally and globally. From a vision on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake to a thriving church and ministry hub, our story is one of community, spiritual growth, and mission. Explore the history below to see how God has led our church through the decades.
The vision for Lake Country Church began long before the first building was constructed.
Lake Country Church’s story started with the development of Lake Country Estates, a new community along Eagle Mountain Lake. From the very beginning, the developers desired a spiritual influence for the neighborhood. In 1971, when purchasing the land from the Amon Carter Foundation, the developers—affectionately called “The Girls”—set aside a prime parcel of land for a future church and dedicated it to the Lord’s service, praying that God would raise up a community of believers.
By 1973, homes were being built along the waterfront, and Lake Country Drive was still a dirt road. The developers invited Dr. Bill O’Brien, returning from missionary work in Indonesia, to become the community’s “in-house missionary.” Bill began a Bible study in his home with three couples, which quickly grew to over 60 participants. As the group grew, so did the vision for a formal church.
On January 5, 1975, the group officially organized as a church at the Lake Country Country Club. By February 10, 1975, 35 charter members formally established Lake Country Baptist Church, with Bill O’Brien as pastor. From the outset, the church aimed to be Christ-centered, New Testament in belief and action, and impactful both locally and globally.
The first pastor laid the foundation for a church built on relationships and community.
Dr. Bill O’Brien served as the church’s first pastor, shepherding the early congregation and fostering connections within the growing community.
He focused on community-based ministry, developing programs for children and families that connected people through recreation, education, and fellowship.
His grassroots approach allowed God to raise up an indigenous fellowship, emphasizing relationships and spiritual growth over formal structure.
Bill helped establish foundational principles for the church, including being a New Testament church, emphasizing fellowship, and maintaining a global-local mission focus.
During this period, symbolic moments reflected the church’s vision for the future. At the dedication of the new building site, four doves were released, representing the church’s mission to impact the world. Early Bible studies, community outreach, and fellowship laid the groundwork for decades of ministry.
Bill O’Brien left in August 1976 to return to missionary work, leaving the church in capable hands with elders Ernest Byers, T.W. Hunt, and Bob Maulden to continue its growth.
Under Jim Hylton’s leadership, the church grew spiritually, numerically, and in its global impact.
Jim Hylton became pastor in 1977, guiding Lake Country Church through nearly two decades of expansion and spiritual development.
He ordained new elders and leaders, ensuring strong governance as the church grew.
In 1980, the church experienced a powerful revival, bringing spiritual renewal, healings, and a deeper focus on praise and worship.
Lake Country Christian School was established during Jim’s leadership and it opened as a K–8 program and grew steadily to serve the community’s families.
He originated Fulness Magazine, a publication that extended the church’s teachings on the spirit-filled life to thousands worldwide.
Worship expression evolved under his leadership, emphasizing heartfelt praise, celebration, and the ongoing presence of God in the church.
During Jim’s ministry, the church solidified its mission to impact both the local community and the world, setting a strong foundation for future growth and ministry initiatives.
Jesse McElreath guided the church through a time of transition, revival, and renewed vision.
Dr. Jesse McElreath became pastor in May 1995, continuing Lake Country Church’s vision while leading significant transitions.
Oversaw the church’s name change to Lake Country Church, reflecting a broader outreach to the community beyond denominational boundaries.
Led a four-and-a-half-month revival in 1997, experiencing a continual presence and power of God in the church.
Balanced multiple leadership roles, including pastor, youth director, school administrator, and elder, ensuring ministries thrived across all areas.
Strengthened church programs, leadership development, and community engagement while deepening worship experiences.
Under Jesse’s leadership, the church continued to grow in its identity, worship expression, and mission, preparing the next generation for continued impact.
From its first gatherings to today, Lake Country Church has left a lasting impact on the community and the world.
Over the past 50+ years, Lake Country Church has been defined by faithfulness, vision, and service:
A renovated facility that embodies the church’s growth and commitment to community ministry.
Lake Country Christian School that was founded in 1980, providing K–8 education grounded in Christian values. Adding a grade each year, the first graduating class was in 1985. As of 2002, they are now educating students from Pre-K to 12th grade.
Over 800 individuals have been commissioned and sent out for missions, fulfilling the church’s early vision.
Revivals and evolving worship practices have strengthened the congregation’s spiritual life.
Fulness Magazine shared the church’s teachings and resources with a global audience, extending its influence.
Through every era, Lake Country Church has remained devoted to honoring God, serving the community, and spreading the message of Christ, fulfilling a vision that began on a grassy hillside overlooking Eagle Mountain Lake in the early 1970s.