Forward in Faith
One Hundred Twenty Five Years
Madisonville First Baptist Church33
One hundred twenty-five years ago a brave band of thirty-two dedicated Baptist people met in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building on North Main Street and organized the First Baptist Church. That was January 26, 1870. Since then, God has led in a growing ministry which has enabled this congregation to reach out to the ends of the earth with the Gospel.During the past thirteen dec1,1des three buildings have been built. The first one was completed and dedicated in 1877. When it was outgrown another was constructed on the same site on North Main Street across from the post office. The first service, in this second building, was held on October 12, 1913. Later an educational building was added in 1926.
The third, our present building, was occupied in 1954. To this building a Special Ministries addition was dedicated and occupied September 7, 1975. It included a large activities room/ gymnasium, new kitchen, fellowship room and offices for pastor and staff. A multi-phased series of renovation projects was completed in 1982. The most recent remodeling project was completed in the Fall 1990. This added nine classrooms, two restrooms, game room and storage areas to the existing facility.
While providing for its own needs, the church has also been involved in mission outreach. Three mission points were established, two of which have become churches. One of these became the Second Baptist Church in 1947 and the other became Park Avenue Baptist Church in 1972.
Our church continues to be deeply involved in missions. Since 1985 church membes from FBC has ministered in Chile; China; Paraguay; Kenya; Honduras; Brazil; Russia; Philippines; Utah; Ohio; Idaho; Montana; Amelia Island, Florida; and Miami, Florida. During this Anniversary year our pastor, minister of music/youth and minister of education/administration will be part of mission teams to Russia, assisting in training church leaders in
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their home country.FBC youth are involved in missions too. Our youth have conducted Backyard Bible Clubs, remodeled churches, taken part in door to door visitation and concerts in Ohio, Indiana and Florida. Summer 1995 our youth will be involved in a day camp for Haitian children at West Palm Beach, Florida Mission Fuge.
Since 1976, FBC members have contributed $3,513,304 through special mission offerings and the Cooperative Program to support missions around the world. Also there were 568 baptisms.
First Baptist Church is a loving and caring church. As we move FORWARD IN FAITH, we are united in Christ and committed to the task of sharing the Good News of our Savior Lord Jesus Christ.
Reprinted, from the 125th homecoming program, with permission of First Baptist Church, Madisonville. Credit is given to lay persons and minister of education for their contributions.
==================== [From The Kentucky Baptist HERITAGE, Volume XX, November 1995, Number 1; via Boyce Digital Repository, Adam Winters, Archivist. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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