Building On A Legacy

On Sun., Sept. 6, 2026, Pastor Kyle Campise will reach a historic milestone at Bethel Baptist Church in Ord, becoming the longest-tenured pastor in the church's nearly 80-year history.

On that date, Campise will have served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for 14 years, 7 months and 30 days, surpassing the tenure of the late Pastor John Peterson, who served the church from Oct. 2, 1983, through May 31, 1998.

For Campise, the milestone carries with it a particularly meaningful memory.

He recalls a conversation with Peterson's wife, Judy, who once encouraged him by saying, "I hope you bust my...