About Austin Heights

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“Our sign and logo of a shepherd’s staff with our congregation’s name written beside it was designed by Suzii Paynter and approved by the church council as our official logo in 1979; it was further refined by graphic artist Kerri Tate, and under Jim Denham’s leadership the sign bearing this logo was erected alongside Appleby Sand Road. The shepherd’s staff sign and logo has withstood the test of time well; it still catches the eye with its pleasing design and simple blue coloring on a clean white background…From the beginning in 1968, Austin Heights Baptist Church has been a gathering for lost sheep, black sheep, burned-out and beaten-up sheep, with a few old goats thrown in as well. Author and church founder Archie McDonald mentions that we have been known as an ‘Amazing Grace Church.’ A lot of us were lost, but here at Austin Heights, by the grace of the loving shepherd, we have been found. Furthermore, because of our own experiences, we have sought to make this congregation a body, or flock, where other lost sheep can find a home” (Kyle Chidress, Epiphany, 2007)