About First Baptist Church
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At First Baptist Van Buren, truth is our foundation for living and our legacy runs deep. Each year thousands of people see their lives changed through the transforming power of Christ's mercy and love because of the ministries of First Baptist Church. We believe we are living in serious times and we are looking for people who are serious about impacting the world with the gospel of Christ. First Baptist Church exists to win people to a life-changing, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
First Baptist Church's pioneering legacy began in October of 1885 when three men, J. C. Clark, P.A. Bolton, and N.L. Moore, decided to organize a Baptist Church in Van Buren. They invited Reverend J. B. Wise, pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Smith, to lead. Worship services were first held in the homes of members until June 1, 1887, when property was purchased on the corner of Webster and South 6th Streets for $1,500; baptisms took place in the Arkansas River. By 1888, a Sunday School had been started and the Ladies Mission and Aid Society (later called Woman's Missionary Society) was formed. Gifts were made that year to mission causes, including local relief for the poor. The building was later renovated with a choir platform, baptistry, dressing rooms, classrooms and a Pastor's study having been added.
In keeping with First Baptist's innovating spirit, a building program was begun in August of 1906. The new sanctuary, completed in 1909 at the corner of North 11th and East Main Streets, remains a part of the present campus of First Baptist Church, Van Buren. The church continued to grow in both membership and attendance. During the 1920s, two stories of classroom space, offices, and a basement were added to the north of the worship center. Once or twice each year, major additions to the church were experienced through the work of the Holy Spirit, prayers of faithful members, and the preaching of visiting evangelists. Since the church's earliest days, many young people have gone into ministry, in the pastorate, education, music, youth work, and the chaplaincy.
God has demonstrated His mercy and grace to our church for over 125 years. Yet, God reserved some of His greatest blessings for us in the future.
On July 21, 2014, First Baptist called Chris Johnson to be our next pastor. Bro. Chris grew up in Northwest Arkansas and was serving as a pastor in West Texas. Bro. Chris brings a fresh new start for First Baptist. We are excited to see how God is using his leadership to help us accomplish our mission to win people to a life-changing, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
