Our History

The building was moved in 1880 to a new location in the 100 East block of 18th Street and was completely renovated to become one of the finest churches in the community. It was here that Sunday School was started and much progression was made. Later the attendance declined because of dissention, and the building was sold to liquidate all indebtedness.

The Baptists were without any organization until 1890 when two Baptist families from Stanberry, Missouri moved here and through their efforts, the church was reorganized in early 1891. Meetings were held in a small room over a business building in the 1700 block of Stone Street. Meetings were then held in the Presbyterian Church and later in the Court House. Plans were made later that year to build a house of worship. The church was completed in the fall of 1892 at 19th and Harlan Streets.

The church grew in the following years. In the early 1900's, Harlan Street was paved and the church was raised. The basement was excavated to accommodate a coal-fired furnace. The church was painted and repairs were made to the roof and windows.

The flu epidemic caused the cancellation of public meetings causing difficulties, but the First Baptist Church continued in its ministry. In 1926 the church voted to be self-supporting with a budget plan for financing which included provision for missionary support. The basement was completed which added much needed room.

The need for a parsonage was discussed in 1943 with a fund being started to build or to buy. The residence at 1515 Morton was purchased in 1945. It was at this time that the First Baptist Church became affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Missionary Society. More emphasis was placed on missions at this time with 15% of the offerings being set aside for missions. The Sunday School also gave their offerings on the 4th Sunday to either the Navajo Children's Home in Arizona or Children's Home in Alaska.

The Lord's blessing on the church was evident and the financial problems decreased. There was an increased commitment towards missions. The Pastor promoted a Christian school in 1960 and through his efforts the Missouri Pacific Railroad deeded the Division Headquarters building and leased a large tract of land at a nominal fee to the church for the school. The school opened in the fall of 1963 and included grades kindergarten through 10th. The school was fully accredited by the state. It was closed in 1967 due to lack of interest and support.

A fire caused a great deal of damage to Sunday School rooms, the Pastor's study, and the basement, rendering the building unfit for use in February, 1969. The pews, organ, piano, and other furniture were cleaned and moved to the former school and services were held without interruption. A building committee was named to study the situation and make recommendations. At the recommendation of the committee, it was decided to erect a new church building. The church took an option on a location at 21st and Valley Streets. The land was offered for sale with the church to raise the buildings. An auction was held and the property was sold. The committee was then authorized to proceed with obtaining plans for a new church. The plans were approved after much prayer and study. It was decided that a member of the church who was a contractor would devote full time and furnish one man to supervise the building of the church.

The ground breaking ceremonies were held November 1970, and construction started soon after. The first services were held January 30, 1972, with dedication services being held March 12, 1972.

In addition to the original plot of ground, options for two additional plots were acquired which gave plenty of area for expansion and parking. Through the efforts of a member, more area to the west of the original tract was acquired, making room for a parsonage. The parsonage was in need of extensive repairs and the Trustees were authorized to explore the possibility of selling or repairing the parsonage. The School Board was contacted to see if they had any need for the property. While there was no immediate need, the long-range plan called for acquisition of all property in that area. Negotiations were begun which culminated in the sale of the property to the Board of Education in August, 1982. The money received from the sale could only be used to buy or build a parsonage, according to a previous vote by the church congregation. It was placed in a CD with interest to be used for rental of a parsonage. It was determined at this time most pastors preferred a housing allowance and to rent their own houses. No plans have been made to either build or buy a parsonage at this time.

As the First Baptist Church expanded its missionary commitments, the Lord has blessed and the present commitment to missions is 17.5% of our general offerings, and also designated offerings by members.

The church voted to withdraw from the Conservative Baptist Association in August, 1984. It is now an Independent Baptist Church. The church began the Awana youth program in January 1985. At this time, the church is free of any indebtedness. We give thanks to the Lord for His help through the years.