No history could be found regarding the
Halfway Creek Scandinavian Baptist Church.
On January 22, 1852, the
First Baptist Church was organized at the same time and place as the Congregational Church. The church adopted the name First Baptist on January 31, 1852. The first church building was completed in August 1852 at the Courthouse Square on Fourth Street. The second church at 128 S. 6th Street was completed in November 1864 after being planned for eight years. This building was destroyed by fire on February 6, 1866. A new church was completed in 1871.
Another fire occurred on December 18, 1881, partially destroying the building. The church was rebuilt and dedicated on October 15, 1882. In 1892, the church was remodeled and in 1902 a parsonage was built. During 1902-1912, the parsonage was remodeled and the church repaired. A Christian education until was erected in 1955. This church structure was purchased by St. Joseph's Church and razed in order to accommodate a new St. Joseph's Cathedral building.
The fourth church building for the First Baptist Church was dedicated on January 23, 1962. The new church and education building, located at Main Street and West Avenue, is an L-shaped structure of contemporary design. The sanctuary seats 260 people. Yet another fire struck the congregation on January 11, 1997; however, the damage was confined mainly to the roof and storage areas of the church.
