Our Vision

 
To be a church that profoundly impacts its members and the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ
 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PROFILE

 

DSC_0079HISTORY

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.”DSC_0012

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 distributioDSC_0001n 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 t2014-08-22 13.36.29his ministry.

With Manna Ministry as the catalyst, the Gym/Manna building was started in 2008 with completion in 2011 without debt. The building houses Manna food storage room, 3 classrooms, kitchen, gymnasium, and youth room and office.

 

To remember our past is a noble thing. Our roots are significant in that they are the foundation that shapes our present. We are the legacy of the faithful labors of hundreds of people who gave of themselves for the continuing work of our Lord. We thank God for those leaders who have gone on before us and those who continue to leave us such a beautiful heritage.
 

 

 
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First Baptist Church / 220 East Central / Arkansas City, KS 67005 / 620-442-3510