About First Baptist Church

Our story

First Baptist Church was founded in 1858 by eleven believers who met in a rented room above a dry goods store on Main Street. They built the brick meeting house on the hill in 1871, and the congregation has gathered there every Sunday since. Today we are about 140 people of every age: farmers and teachers, retirees and young families, all gathered around the same Savior.

The gospel at the center

We believe the good news of Jesus Christ is the most important message in the world. Everything we do, from Sunday worship to the food pantry, starts there: God saves sinners by His grace, through faith in His Son, and sends His people out to love their neighbors.

What we believe

The Bible. All Scripture is inspired by God and without error in the original writings. It is our final authority for what we believe and how we live.

God. There is one true and living God, eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory.

Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived without sin, died on the cross in our place, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to the Father, where He prays for His people.

The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, gives new life to all who believe, lives in every Christian and gives the power to live a holy life.

Humanity and sin. God made men and women in His own image, but through sin every one of us is separated from Him and unable to save ourselves.

Salvation. Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. It cannot be earned by our works.

The church. The local church is a family of baptized believers who gather for worship, teaching, fellowship and prayer, with Christ as its only head. We observe two ordinances: baptism by immersion for those who have trusted in Christ, and the Lord’s Supper.

Last things. Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly. He will raise the dead and judge the world, and those who belong to Him will live with Him forever.

How we are led

Our pastors and elders shepherd the church and teach God’s Word. Our deacons care for the practical needs of the church family and our neighbors. Members vote on major decisions at our quarterly members’ meetings.

What to expect on a Sunday

Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30 AM, with classes for children, youth and adults. Morning worship follows at 10:45 AM in the Sanctuary, with hymns accompanied by organ and piano and a sermon that works through a book of the Bible. We share the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month.

A staffed nursery is available for infants through age three. Older children are welcome to stay with their families for the whole service, and activity bags are available at the door.

Parking is in the lot beside the building, with accessible spaces and a ramp at the side entrance.