Along with their friends, Sam and Pam Hannah, Tom and Char moved to Rochester, NY in 1977. They began a home bible study and ministered to the people of Rochester by leading worship and teaching from the Word of God. From this home bible study, Open Door Baptist Church was organized with 36 charter members. The church continued to grow and on Easter 1998, services were held in a newly constructed building, where the church currently meets on Scottsville-Chili Road.