Corner of West Third and Orchard
Eaton Memorial Baptist Church has stood at the corner of West Third and Orchard Streets in Owensboro, Kentucky since 1908. Locals know the building as part of Goose Egg Park, and accessibility has been a priority from the start - a ramp and an elevator make every floor easy to reach. A multigenerational congregation gathers here each week under the leadership of Pastor Tony Shouse, who has been preaching God's Word for more than twenty-five years. He and his wife Shellie, along with their son Grant and daughter Anna Belle, make the Shouse family a familiar presence in the life of the church.
Sunday Mornings at Ten
The Sunday schedule begins at 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School for every age group, followed by the worship service at 10:00. Each service weaves together music, prayer, reflection, and an inspirational message shaped by Scripture. The service is broadcast live on WOMI radio (1490 AM or 99.1 FM) and streamed on Facebook so homebound members and neighbors across Owensboro can worship along from home. Pastor Tony's pulpit ministry centers on building relationships and leading people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Wednesday Nights and Church 242
On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m., the church gathers for a midweek service offered both in person and by livestream on Facebook. Sundays also include Church 242 at 5:00 p.m., a community ministry gathering that extends the church's reach beyond its own members.
Sunday School for Every Age
Small-group Bible study is treated as essential to spiritual growth at Eaton Memorial. Graded children's classes, classes for couples and singles, and multigenerational groups all meet at 9:00 on Sunday mornings for in-depth Bible study, fellowship, and ministry opportunities. The church considers these classes crucial to the spiritual formation of every believer who walks through the door.
Children, Youth, and Nursery
Children's ministry is built around the gospel and tailored to meet kids where they are. The two biggest annual events are Vacation Bible School and summer camp, and a steady stream of smaller gatherings fills out the calendar. From large events like camp to weekly activities like Sunday School and Children's Church, the goal is to teach the truth of the Bible, demonstrate the power of the gospel, and have fun along the way. Youth Director Heather Knight leads a youth ministry where the Word of God is a priority; throughout the year students participate in retreats, lock-ins, parties, camps, mission trips, and concerts, and they worship through singing, drama, interpretive movement, and sign language. A staffed nursery for newborns through age three is open for both Sunday services and Wednesday evenings, located close to the sanctuary for parents' convenience.
Music from a Multigenerational Choir
Music Director Pam Howell leads a faithful group of singers and musicians who provide inspiring music each week. The style is multigenerational, mixing traditional hymns with contemporary songs. The adult choir leads worship and presents special worship events throughout the year, while graded choirs, instruments, and themed interpretations give children and youth their own ways to participate.
Feeding the Neighborhood
Eaton Memorial takes seriously the call to meet physical as well as spiritual needs. The Food Closet distributes sacks of food on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; recipients are asked to bring a current ID, a food stamp card, and verification of address. Other ongoing outreach projects include the BackPack Ministry, a Blessing Box placed in the neighborhood, Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, Neighborhood Fun and Food Days, and disaster relief work. The church also hosts community meals as part of its commitment to fellowship and service.
Missions Near and Far
EMBC describes itself as a mission-minded church, involved locally, statewide, across North America, and internationally. Each year it supports the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions, and the Eliza Broadus Offering for Kentucky state missions. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and a long list of other ongoing projects round out a missions program aimed at sharing the Good News of salvation and making disciples.
A Building Made to Welcome
Located on a corner lot at Goose Egg Park, the church building is designed to be approachable. The ramp and elevator make every floor easy to reach, and the corner location makes arrival straightforward from anywhere in Owensboro. Those who cannot attend in person can tune in on WOMI radio or catch the livestream on Facebook. Visitors are welcomed with the simple reminder that they are welcome regardless of their situation, their past, or their status.
What We Believe
Eaton Memorial teaches a historic evangelical faith. Members affirm belief in God the Father Almighty, creator and sustainer of the universe; in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Word made flesh, whose life, death, and resurrection atones for sin and secures salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who comforts, counsels, and empowers believers. The Trinity is the fullness of God's being. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, described as the only way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through him. People are created in God's image but born sinful, and Christ's sacrifice makes redemption available to all who believe. The church teaches a simple path of faith known as the ABCs: Admit your sin and repent, Believe that Jesus is God's Son and accept his gift of forgiveness, and Confess your faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.
Membership is open through baptism by immersion, by transfer of letter from a like-minded church, or by statement of faith, with a personal profession of faith in Christ required in every case. The mission of Eaton Memorial is summed up in three words - Restore, Renew, Release - and in the call to be and to make disciples. In everything, the congregation strives to honor God through authentic worship, invite others into relationship with Jesus, develop as servants on mission, expect God to do great things, and follow Jesus wherever he leads.