STAFF & LEADERSHIP

We have a passion for people, our community and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great co-workers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.


DAN HICKS

PASTOR

Pastor Dan began serving the Lord as the assistant pastor at our church in the Fall of 1980. The church asked him to become the pastor after Rev. Dr. Gilbert Watt retired in 2007.  Pastor Dan graduated from Clearwater Christian College, Clearwater, Florida in 1978 with a B.A. in “Biblical Literature.”  He received a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) in 1982 from Baptist Bible School of Theology, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.  His wife, Laurie, graduated from Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania in 1981 with a B.S. in Elementary Education.  She serves as Pastor Dan’s administrative assistant, one of our church pianists, and much more.  Pastor Dan and Laurie are blessed with three children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and four grandsons. 

TROY PRATER

ASSISTANT PASTOR

Pastor Troy Prater is a 2017 graduate of Maranatha Baptist University, Watertown, Wisconsin. He

serves as the Assistant Pastor in the ministries of outreach, discipleship, youth and young adults. He met his lovely wife, Bella in China when he was teaching English there. They have three children. Pastor Troy has accepted an invitation to be the pastor of a church in Illinois. He and his family are moving to Illinois the last week of October.

GILBERT WATT

PASTOR EMERITUS

Dr. Gilbert Watt served as the senior pastor of our church for forty years.  His wife, Betty, served

with him as the church secretary, an Awana leader and more.  They retired In April 2007.  During his ministry at our church, Pastor Watt baptized over 320 believers.  Twenty-three church members went on to serve the Lord in full-time ministry.  He also oversaw a major building project to enlarge the facilities with a larger auditorium and more classroom space.  During his ministry, the church also purchased two additional properties.  He graduated from Shelton College, Ringwood, New Jersey, with a B.A. in “Hebrew & Hellenistics” in 1956.  He received

his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Faith Theological Seminary, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania in 1959.  He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Nepperhan Avenue Baptist Church, Yonkers,

New York, in 1962.  Before coming to Ogden, he served as the pastor of Bible Baptist Fellowship, Hazlet, New Jersey, and Calvary Baptist Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.  Pastor Watt was called to First Baptist Church of Ogden in December 1966.  He preached his first Sunday sermon as pastor of our church on February 12, 1967.  He received his Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree (Summa Cum Laude) from Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana, in August 1993.  He was honored by the Pennsylvania Association of Regular Baptist Churches in September 1998, with the “Faithful Servant Award.”  He served as the Secretary on the PARBC Council of Ten for five years.  The Watts have three children who serve the Lord in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.  Pastor and Mrs. Watt live in Ogden and continue to be a blessing to our

church family. 

ANDREW LOCKE

SONG LEADER

Andrew leads most of our song services on Sundays. He is a graduate of West Chester University with a degree in Music Education. He attended Calvary Baptist Seminary in Landsdale, Pennsylvania.

LAURIE HICKS

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Laurie serves as Pastor Dan's administrative assistant. She also plays the piano, leads the opening for the grade school children on Sunday mornings, and directs our Vacation Bible School.

PASTORAL COUNSELING

Our goals in Pastoral Counseling are to guide and help individuals discover Christ-centered

answers to a wide range of personal, relational, financial or other challenges.

We have pastors who facilitate a free service for individuals seeking guidance

for a variety of issues including marital and family relationships, communication and intimacy,

parenting, grief and loss, anger and bitterness, inner personal struggles, and

spiritual discouragement. If you are someone who could benefit from counseling, you're not alone!

If you would like to schedule an appointment or just have some questions answered, please reach out.