Our Vision

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PROFILE

HISTORY

First Baptist Church of Arkansas City, Kansas was organized in 1882. The organization was accomplished under the inspiration and direction of the Reverend James Cairns, who was at the time pastor of the First Baptist Church of Winfield. There were eleven charter members.

Our first pastor, Rev. F.L. Walker, was called in 1884. This same year, the church began to build at the site where the present educational building now stands. The new church was dedicated the next year with a church membership of 52. The building was twice remodeled and enlarged. The first was in 1887, when the church reported 153 members. The second time was in 1912. Plans for a new building began in the early 1920’s.

In April, 1925 the corner lots, where the church stands now, were purchased by the church with visions of a new church building. The excavation began on February 1, 1927. On June 9, the cornerstone was laid by the pastor of the church, with appropriate ceremonies. The work was finished just in time for the first service to be held in the new church on December 18, 1927. The text of the first sermon was Matthew 21:13; “A House of Prayer.”

As the Sunday School program grew at First Baptist, space began to be at a premium. As a result, an Education Building Fund was established in 1959 and a new Educational Building structure adjoining the west wing of the church became a reality on March 1, 1963. It accommodates Sunday School classes and nursery facilities along with a multi-purpose room and adjoining kitchen.

With a vision and a purpose, Manna Ministries began a monthly food distribution in December 1999, serving 47 families. Currently, a 3-5 day supply of groceries is distributed to approximately 150-200 families each month. Food is obtained from the Food Bank of Kansas, the “We Care” food drive along with individuals and other church donations. No religious requirements are needed to receive food. With the recipient’s permission, counselors are available to pray and present the Gospel to them on a one-on-one basis. Many say we are the only ones who have ever prayed with them. God continues to bless this ministry.