Where did we come from? The Found had its beginnings over 100 years ago when pastors of the local American (at that time "Northern") Baptist churches
served as campus ministers at Purdue. Later the Indiana Baptist convention joined in supporting
Purdue's Campus ministry. In 1948, The Baptist Student Foundation at
Purdue (The Found) was formally organized and continues to serve Purdue's
students, faculty, and staff.
Since its inception, three campus pastors have directed The Foundation's
ministries: Rev. Ken Ewing, from 1950-1979, Rev. Dr. Howie Ness from
1979-1999, and Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows from 1999 to the present.
During
that second half century Dr. Dallas West, then Executive Minister of
the Indiana Baptist Convention, led a financial campaign that resulted
in the purchase of our present property. Rev. Ewing oversaw the building
of our present facility and initiated many memorable programs (Deputations,
"Friendlies" and Sunday Suppers) at The Found. The same year
Howie Ness succeeded Ken, the original mortgage was burned and a few
years later the property next door was purchased for the residential
ministry. Among the many ministries Howie initiated were Sunday Worship
at the Found, a clowning ministry and a traveling music group, "Singing
Love." While preserving the established strong traditions of worship,
community, and outreach, the ministry under Shawn's direction has focused
on discipleship, mission and service, leadership development,
and enhancing worship.
Though our roots are in the American Baptist tradition (recognizing the "priesthood" of all believers, and affirming the separation of church and state, soul liberty and the autonomy of the local church) we are a multi-denominational, multi-cultural, and multi-national community.
To find out more about our ministry email us at bfound@frontier.com
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