Our History

Baptists from eastern Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri,

and West Virginia were among the intrepid sellers who journeyed to western

Kansas and Garden City. These pioneers brought with them not only their

belongings but also their unwavering faith and community spirit. From this

diverse and devoted group emerged the visionary leaders who laid the

foundations for the Baptist Church in Garden City, uniting their strengths and

aspirations to create a lasting legacy.

December 1885 - In a small gathering, members of the community convened to

discuss the possibility of establishing a new Baptist church, planning the seeds for

what would become a cornerstone of faith and fellowship in Garden City.

August 14, 1887 - A milestone moment arrived when Rev. W. W. Willis was called

to serve as the pastor on a part-time basis. Rev. Willis, the first bi-vocational

pastor of the First Baptist Church, balanced his ministry with another occupation,

embodying dedication and perseverance.

March 23, 1902 - Under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Self, the congregation celebrated the dedication of their new building at Seventh and Laurel.

March 1938 - The congregation dedicated a new Educational Building, enhancing their ability to provide religious education and community services.

1942-1945 - During World War II, the church community rallied to support

soldiers stationed at the nearby Air Base.

December 5, 1945 - In a bold move, the church voted to embark on an ambitious building program, seeing the stage for future growth and development.

July 1948 - Construction began on a new church building at the intersection of 11th and Jones, thanks to a generous land donation from Mr. and Mrs. Victor W. Haflick. The congregation's dreams of a larger, more accommodating place of worship began to take shape.

January 2, 1949 - The congregation held its first service in the basement of the partially constructed building. Though funds ran out and construction paused, the resilient spirit of the church members remained unbroken.

July 1951 - With renewed energy and resources, construction on the superstructure resumed, bringing the vision of the new church closer to reality.

September 23, 1951 - A significant milestone was reached with the laying of the cornerstone.

March 16, 1952 - A day of triumph and celebration as the

congregation, singing "Onward Christian Soldiers," marched from the

basement into the newly completed sanctuary.

Objectives

Church Covenant

1. To be caring and witnessing presence of Jesus Christ in our community and

world, declaring and demonstrating the redeeming love of God, urging all to

repent and be reconciled to God and each other through faith in Jesus Christ,

building a community of believers incorporated as disciples into the church for

worship, fellowship, nurture and engagement in God’s mission.

2. To carry on the affairs of the church in an orderly and businesslike manner, “Not

lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)

3. To cooperate in the work of the denomination through the Western Area of the

American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, The American Baptist Churches

of the Central Region, and the American Baptist Churches in the USA.

4. To cooperate with the churches of the Garden City area through the Garden

City Ministerial Alliance and other agencies of common ministry.