In May 1953, a tent revival led by David Oates was held on the present site of Vandalia Baptist Church. Several people were saved and those attending the services asked Rev. Oates if he would consider starting a church.On May 17, 1953, the church was started as Jones Memorial Baptist Church. It began as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention but became an independent Baptist church
in the mid 70's. The church's name was changed to Vandalia Baptist Church several years later to identify with the community in which it is located. The south wing of the present church building is located on a lot that was donated by David and Ruby Kessler. Since then, the church has purchased additional land, including approximately twenty acres where the Christian school is now located. The church has built several additions and has made many renovations over the years.
In 1965, the church began a Faith Promise Missions program that has grown to support almost fifty missionaries. The church has had an AWANA program for many years. In 1969, the church voted to begin a Christian school which now has an enrollment of over 660 students. The first school building was completed in 1971 followed by the gymnasium in 1983. The newest school building was completed in January 2001, and a second gymnasium was opened in the fall of 2003. The grounds include three playgrounds, a baseball field, and a lighted soccer field. In 2004 an outdoor chapel was dedicated on Easter Sunday. In 2005 the church purchased the property joining the church and the school.
Rev. Donnie Oates, the son of the church's founder, is the present pastor. Donnie joined his father in October 1970 as the youth pastor of the church. He became the pastor in March 1982 after his father retired in January of that same year. Rev.Treg Spicer, a graduate of Pensacola Christian College, has been associate pastor since June 2011. He heads both the youth group which meets every Wednesday night and the College and Career class which meets after the youth group.
