First Baptist Church celebrates 140 years

OnFebruary 7, 1883, eight Baptists met in the office of Grand Junction’s first mayor to organize a church. Through prayer and hard work, their dream materialized into an active and thriving congregation at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave.

Organizers were gifted two lots by the Grand Junction Town Site Company, but they traded the lots for some on Grand Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets, where Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch is today.

The first building was finished in 1884, and by 1908, the church’s membership grew to 170, and a larger building was needed. Under the inspiring leadership of Rev. E. G. Lane, the cornerstone for a new building was laid in 1912 at the corner of Seventh Street and Grand.

World War I, fruit crop failures and the Spanish flu brought on hard economic times that delayed the building’s completion. For years, the congregation met in the basement while the building above them remained unfinished.

But on December 14, 1919, the congregation was able to worship in the building’s sanctuary for the first time. Rev. Lane refused to dedicate the building until the debt on it was paid, which didn’t happen until 12 years after his death on May 2, 1937.

Missions

From the beginning, the church served the community and God. Even through difficult financial circumstances, members of the congregation was active in service, missions and evangelism.

Over the last 140 years, people of all ages have benefited from the church and their missions to the world. In recent years, the church has rendered financial aid to startup churches and World Mission Support, and the congregation hosts community choirs and provides meeting space for local nonprofits and programs.

CELEBRATE WITH US!

The public is invited to the church’s anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 19, beginning with worship at 10:15 a.m. and a program on the church’s history. For details, call the church office at 970-242-5645 or email fbcgj 2022@gmail.com. ■